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Deploying VB Applications

Visual Basic article 1 views

VB6 applications require the Visual Basic runtime (msvbvm60.dll) and any referenced COM components to be installed on the target machine.

The built-in Package and Deployment Wizard (PDW) creates installers:

Open VB6 and load your project.
Go to Add-Ins → Package and Deployment Wizard.
Select Package to create a distributable.
Choose Standard Setup Package.
Select the build folder.
The wizard detects dependencies (DLLs, OCXs, runtime files) and includes them.
Choose Single cab for CD/network distribution or Multiple cab for floppy disks.
Click Finish. The wizard creates setup.exe and associated .cab files.

File	Description
msvbvm60.dll	VB6 runtime (always required)
oleaut32.dll	OLE Automation (usually present on Win2K+)
olepro32.dll	OLE Property support
mscomctl.ocx	Common controls (ListView, TreeView, ImageList)
mscomct2.ocx	Additional controls (DatePicker, MonthView)
comdlg32.ocx	Common Dialogs (Open, Save, Print)
mswinsck.ocx	Winsock control
msado28.tlb	ADO 2.8 type library

ActiveX DLLs and OCXs must be registered on the target machine:

REM Register a COM DLL
regsvr32 MyComponent.dll

REM Unregister
regsvr32 /u MyComponent.dll

"Component not registered": Run regsvr32 on the missing DLL/OCX.
"Run-time error 429: ActiveX component can't create object": The referenced component is not installed or registered.
Version conflicts (DLL Hell): Ensure the correct version of shared components is installed. Use the PDW to deploy the correct versions.
Windows XP compatibility: VB6 SP6 applications are compatible with Windows XP. Set the compatibility mode in the manifest if needed.