I am using VB6 and have recently upgrading to CR XI from CR 8.5. Normally I would use the Package and Deployment Wizard in VB 6 (yes, I know its clumsy).

I read that I should use Windows Installer with Crystal Merge Modules in order to deploy the required CR XI DLL's.

My question is - where is Windows Installer? I have downloaded it a number of times but cannot locate it as an application on my system.

Is there a way to just point to the required CR XI DLL's, as in the past, with the Package and Deployment Wizard?

Thanks in advance!

Peter Tyler

Hello Brian.

Thanks for your quick reply. The reason I ask about Merge Modules is that the CR XI documentation specifically states: "The installer package created by a Microsoft Windows installer consumes the merge module (.msm files). You can then distribute the shared components required by Crystal Reports by including the appropriate .msm files in your .msi file" (see below).

I do not find any reference to a "self-installing package" on SAP's site (but so many links are broken between BO and SAP that its impossible to find anything anymore.)

So I am wondering if I just include the appropriate MSM file in the VB package will it be 'consumed' by the installation process as promised. I somehow doubt it.

Peter Tyler


The CR XI documentation states the following :

"Crystal Reports now includes merge modules (.msm files) to aid you in deploying the report components needed to run your application.

For trouble-free deployment of Crystal Reports components, it is recommended that you include the Crystal Reports merge modules in your installation. A merge module is a single package used to provide developers with a standard method of delivering all shared code, files, resources, registry entries, and setup logic. All necessary information required by a Microsoft Windows installer (.msi file) to install a shared component is included in the merge module. The installer package created by a Microsoft Windows installer consumes the merge module (.msm files). You can then distribute the shared components required by Crystal Reports by including the appropriate .msm files in your .msi file."