Convert Outlook 2010 add-in to Outlook 2013 add-in

Question

I have an Add-in that was originally designed for Outlook 2010 - works as expected.

Now we wish to take the same add-in and make it work in Outlook 2013.

Is there a way to take the VS 2010 project and convert it to work for Outlook 2013?

or do I need to create a new VS 2013 Add-in for Outlook 2013 and basiclly start from scratch?

Please Advise.

Answer 1

Hello niyack,

If you develop a VSTO based add-in, it should work in Outlook 2013 too. Please refer to the Running Solutions in Different Versions of Microsoft Office article in MSDN for more information. It states:

Solutions that were created by using Visual Studio 2013, Visual Studio 2013 or Visual Studio 2010 can run in Office 2013, Office 2010, or the 2007 Microsoft Office system. However, the solution can use only those features and APIs that are available in all three versions of Office.

Answer 2

Yes, I get that. However the Installer that we created in VS 2010 will not install for Outlook 2013.

So, in that case, what would you suggest?

Answer 3

Are you checking for specific versions of Outlook or Office in the installer? If not it should work without any problems. I haven't had to modify any of my installers, click to run or MSI based, for 2013.

What error do you get when trying to install?

What type of installer, MSI or C2R?

---

Ken Slovak MVP - Outlook

Answer 4

Could you please be more specific? What do you mean saying "not install"? Did you have a chance to check the registry entries described on the Registry Entries for Application-Level Add-Ins page? Do you check the Outlook version in the installer?

Anyway, please make sure that you did all the required steps described in the Deploying an Office Solution by Using ClickOnce or Deploying an Office Solution by Using Windows Installerguides. Also you may find the How to: Target Office Applications Through Primary Interop Assemblies article helpful.