Run an .exe from the build events

Question

I want to run an executable from the "build events" (in the properties) of a c# project.

I tried to write the command as if I would write it in DOS - I tried with or without quotes like the following:

"C:\path\exename.exe -U param1"

or

C:\path\exename.exe -U param1

When I compile my project I get the following error:

Error 80 The command "C:\path\exename.exe -U param1" exited with code 9009. TryOnHost

Any ideas why I can't execute a program from there?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Your output shows the application did run, it returned an errorcode (9009).

The application is failing; you'll have to give us more information on the application if you need help finding out why the application is failing.

Answer 2

I am trying to run "InstallUtil.exe" located by default in "C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727" when you install the .net framework on a machine.

I am coding a windows service and every time I compile, I have to manually copy the executable to the installation directory and then manually run InstallUtil.exe to uninstall the current version of the windows service and then run InstallUtil.exe to install the new version.  I would like to automate this deployment process with the pre/post build events.  I know how to deal with copying the files but every time I try to run the InstallUtil.exe I get that error code.

Is there a place where I could find a definition of those error codes?  I googled a bit and I haven't found anything meaningful.

Thanks for you help,

Dom.

Answer 3

There should be a couple of .InstallLog files and a .InstallState file in the directory of the assembly you're trying to install.  If they're there; so they have any useful information in them?

Answer 4

Yes there is a lot in those log files.  Maybe that's where I will find the reason why the executable does not terminate properly ... I will try it again on Monday and let you know.

Thx.

Answer 5

I am also trying to use gacutil in a pre- and post-build event. I get the same crytptic error code (9009). My commands are:

gacutil.exe /u $(TargetName)

and

gacutil.exe /i $(TargetPath)

Do we need a pathname to gacutil?

Is something else wrong?

gacutil is accessible from the VS command prompt.

 

Answer 6

When you open the Visual Studio command prompt it will add that location to the path. But when using the pre/post build event this is not the case. You'll have to specify the path, you should be able to use Environment variables if you desire.

Sayed Ibrahim Hashimi
www.sedodream.com

Answer 7

BradFriedlander wrote:

I am also trying to use gacutil in a pre- and post-build event. I get the same crytptic error code (9009). My commands are: gacutil.exe /u $(TargetName) and gacutil.exe /i $(TargetPath) Do we need a pathname to gacutil? Is something else wrong? gacutil is accessible from the VS command prompt.

$(TargetName) will give errors because it isn't a filename.

$(TargetPath) should work try gacutil.exe /i "$(TargetPath)" instead.

Answer 8

Here's what finally worked:

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\SDK\v2.0\Bin\gacutil.exe" /u $(TargetName)

and

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\SDK\v2.0\Bin\gacutil.exe" /i $(TargetPath)

The primary problem was the lack of the full pathname to gacutil.exe.

$(TargetName) work because the uninstall takes the assembly name, not the DLL filename.

 

Answer 9

Uninstalling form the GAC is correct.

But during installing it should be

"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\SDK\v2.0\Bin\gacutil.exe" /i "$(TargetPath)"

otherwise  the error "Excited with code 1 " occurs

Answer 10

I face the same problem but I have the couple of .InstallLog files but the .InstallState file does not exist

and I can't write the command in post- build command line to allow the service to install automatically without having to install it every time a new build is made

Answer 11

I was suffering from same problem, and got the solution from here

a little change $(TargetName) should be with quotes (in my case it was necessary as path contained spaces)
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio 8\SDK\v2.0\Bin\gacutil.exe" /u "$(TargetName)"

happy coding ;)

Answer 12

For those of you working with .NET 4.0 assemblies, which are installed in the .NET 4.0 GAC (i.e. C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\assembly) rather than the .NET 3.5 and below GAC (i.e.  C:\Windows\assembly) then the gacutil.exe that you want to use is the one in the NETFX 4.0 Tools folder.  This is the command that works when you compile your C# project to the .NET framework 4:

"%ProgramFiles(x86)%\Microsoft SDKs\Windows\v7.0A\Bin\NETFX 4.0 Tools\gacutil.exe" -if "$(TargetPath)"