Embed multiple icons in WPF EXE - c#

I have a WPF assembly in which I would like to embed five icons for different filetypes associated with my application.
How can I embed these icons into my EXE?
#smoore #Groky #ChrisF, thank you.
Unfortunately, this is not what I asked. I see that my question was quite vague 0_­°. Let me rephrase the question:
I have icons, say Application.ico, Document.ico, etc. as resources in my WPF projects. I access these icons in most cases with the following:
<Image Source="/MyAssembly;component/Resources/Icons/Application.ico" />
That works every single time. I know that.
What my question is about is how can I use the same icons from Windows Explorer for file associations in the registry. I want to be able to access the icons with a path like:
C:\Program Files\MyApp\MyApp.exe,1
Like in how icons are associated with filetypes in HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.
AFAIK, I should use a resource file (.rc), compile and merge it with my EXE. Something along the lines of:
101 RT_ICON Application.ico
102 RT_ICON Document.ico
// etc...
Is this the right way in WPF? Is there an alternative, especially since this method seems to lead to the erasure of the assembly version from my AssemblyInfo.cs. I am still prepared to have to write the versioning info in the resource instead of the assembly's info.

I have found one solution! It's not perfect but it does what I want! As I used very long Scandinavian nights to find the solution, I feel that I have to share it here.
Here's what I did:
1) Wrote a dumb console C# app.
class ResTest {
static void Main() {
System.Console.WriteLine("Hello World!");
}
}
2) Did a simple csc restest.cs to test that my code worked.
3) Opened Notepad and wrote the following in a file I dubbed App.rc.
101 ICON "Application.ico"
102 ICON "Document.ico"
103 ICON "Help.ico"
4) Ran rc /v App.rc, the Resource Compiler. A new file, App.res had appeared.
5) Reran csc but this time:
csc /win32res:App.res restest.cs
6) restest.exe had now the icon with the ID of 101 and I could find the two other icons in Axialis IconWorkshop.
Now, I noticed that my assembly information (version, product name, blah blah blah) had disappeared. I googled VS_VERSION_INFO and came about MSDN's article about the VERSIONINFO structure which in RC files defines the attributes I need.
I would have preferred a more 'automated' method, but I must do what I can using the C# Express and the Windows Vista SDK.
-- Hope that you can use this...

Create App.rc:
101 ICON "Application.ico"
102 ICON "Document.ico"
103 ICON "Help.ico"
Compile:
rc App.rc
Add App.res to your project (leave None as your Build Action).
Build.
All done!

I've just created a simple tool to do exactly this without having to mess with .res files. (If you manage your own .res files you won't get a manifest and version resource created automatically). It is a tiny utility which you can use as part of your Post-Build event and lets you add all icon files in a particular folder to your assembly. If we assume that you have a icons folder under your main project folder you can add the following post-build event:
C:\path\to\InsertIcons.exe $(TargetPath) $(ProjectDir)icons
A further description and a download can be found at http://einaregilsson.com/add-multiple-icons-to-a-dotnet-application/

Project Properties -> Resources -> Add Resource -> Add New Icon/Add Existing File (depending on whether or not you've already made the icon)

In addition to adding the files to your project resources, you can add the files to your project and set their Build Action to resource.
You can then refer to the files from XAML using the Source property. For example a file Icon.png in a directory "Resources" would be loaded using:
<Image Source="/Resources/Icon.png"/>
And to load the file from code you would use:
new BitmapImage(new Uri(#"pack://application:,,,/Resources/Icon.png"))

Related

How to manually add a library to a visual studio 2017 project?

My apologies for this very basic question that has assuredly been asked and answered before, also for my very dated terminology. I searched for an answer, but failed to find anything helpful. I am using the latest update of VS 2017 Community, and I'm trying to manually add what I used to call a "function library" to a project, which sits under a "solution".
The project is simply a C++ or C# console application. What I have is a .h (header) file, a .lib (static library) file, and a .dll (dynamic library) file. I intend to make "function calls" to this library. I'm aware that I need to have my dll in the debug folder where the executable resides, but I'm not sure how to "add dependencies" in VS 2017. I know how to manage and install NuGet packages, but these files aren't a handy-dandy NuGet package.
I hope to get advice on doing this the right (VS 2017) way.
What I do in a situation like this is to create a folder, I use C:\Etc\SDKs\<name_of_library> and then within that folder create an include subfolder, and a lib subfolder. Note that the top level folder choice is completely arbitrary, place it where it makes the most sense to you.
In the C/C++ section of project properties on the General tab, or the corresponding section for C# projects, there's an entry for Additional include directories. Add the path to your newly created include folder there. That'll let you include the header file and have it work right.
In the Linker section of project properties, also on its General tab, there's a corresponding entry for Additional library directories. Add the path to your lib folder there. On the next tab down: Input there's an entry for Additional Dependencies. Add the actual name of the library file there.
Those steps should allow your project to be built using the .h, .lib and .dll files you have.
-- Edit to address comments --
The .lib file does go in the ...\lib folder, and the .h file in the ...\include, that's correct. However, you had the location of the .dll correct in your original question. That needs to be somewhere on the search path that the executable will find, so the easiest place is the same folder as the executable.
General tab is a poor choice of words on my part. General section might have been better here. When looking at the project properties, the left most pane is a tree view of the various property sections. With everything closed up, except the very top item open, you'll see
Configuration Properties
General
Debugging
VC Directories
> C/C++
> Linker
...
If you then double click on C/C++ it'll open up, and show the sections specific to the C/C++ compiler:
Configuration Properties
General
Debugging
VC Directories
V C/C++
General <<<<<
Optimization
Preprocessor
...
> Linker
...
If you click on the word `General that I've highlighted, that'll get you to the General section / tab I was talking about.
Likewise, double clicking the word Linker will open up that section, and under that you'll find the Linker General and Input sections.
Let me know if this still isn't clear, and I'll try to clarify.

How to modify the `Original filename` property of a file [duplicate]

My understanding (which may well be faulty) is that it is easy to set the OriginalFilename property for a C++ DLL or EXE by including a VERSIONINFO resource file in the Visual Studio build.
But I can't find any way of setting OriginalFilename for a C# build. It is apparently always set to the name of the output file being built.
I'd really like to be able to specify this if possible. Any ideas? Thanks.
OK, no answers, and now I've found a workaround.
This article here at StackOverflow was very helpful:
How do I set the version information for an existing .exe, .dll?
Which led me to this resource manipulation project written in C#:
http://resourcelib.codeplex.com/
So what I'm going to do is to modify the DLLs after they've been built.
Edit (March 2015): This is an old posting, but I can see there is still some interest in it. The "ResourceLib C# File Resource Management Library" open source project has moved since four years ago, and is now here: https://github.com/dblock/resourcelib
Yes it is possible to set it,
-> right-click on the project or assembly name in visual studio -> select properties -> select Application tab -> change the assembly name as you want.
Please refer the link to view property window, in which assembly name option is there
After changing the name compile the project,(to verify the change) right click your compiled DLL file and select properties and click on 'Details' tab, in which you can see the 'original filename' is now changed.
Sadly, no.
You can read what it is with System.Diagnostics.FileVersionInfo.OriginalFilename, but the value is filled by the Project / Output Filename not from any Assembly Attribute.
Running your patch program to change it after a build runs the risk of breaking any digital signature applied during the build. You may need to build without signing, patch the attributes, then sign it in a separate step.

C# Project Standard Directory Layout

The java build tool "maven" has a standard directory layout for projects. What is the equivalent type of directory layout for a C# project? I'm just learning C# and .NET and it seems that the IDE just dumps everything into one directory, heh. Does C#/.NET follow a convention for the directory structure?
EDIT: This would be for a desktop application (windows forms or wpf). I'm looking at one of these two, but I don't know enough yet to really know which one. Ultimately I would like to learn both.
In C# directory layout should be strictly related to the namespaces you have. Each directory creates subnamespace. Here you may find instructions how to name namespaces properly.
If you use FxCop, it will inform you if your directory (namespace) layout is OK. The main rule is that there shouldn't be namespaces with a few classes/interfaces (FxCop suggests merging two namespaces into one in such a situation).
I think that's all I can say without knowing of some special project type (Uwe mentioned some of them in his comment) you have in mind.
Usually you get the following structure in your project :
/bin/Debug (after a DEBUG build)
/bin/Release (after a Release build)
/obj/Debug
/obj/Release
/Properties (contains AssemblyInfo.cs + Resource files when added via the assembly's properties)
/ServiceReferences (contains service references if any are present in your assembly)
In addition to the above, any solution folders you create (via r-click solution explorer -> add new / folder) will be present in your project's folder.
Does this help?

adding images in my project

I'm trying to add/change images in my project, using Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 C#. Along with it, Devexpress components are also included.
What I did, I copied an image (.png file) and paste it it in my "PrintRibbonControllerResources.resx" and then after that I have to open again the MainForm.cs right click on the form and click on the Run Designer. It will open the Ribbon Control Designer. From there, I can add the image.
Do you think its ok? It's my first time to do this, and I don't have any experience & I'm learning it by doing.
Thanks
===
it seems I don't see the add function under resource tab
I generally add an image to the project itself. (Add/Existing item) I do this so I can use SourceControl to check in/out the image file. The resx then links to these files.
Basically, my philosophy is: if it works, don't fix it.
If this solution works for you, it's fine. At least, until you discover a situation where it fails.
If you go in the properties of your project, and select the resources tab, you can add it directly from there and it will be accessible in the default resource file of your project, which might be more convenient.
I like to add it to a solution folder (or folder in the project) and like that to the resx via "Add Exising File".
I get all of the advantages of having the resource file, but also the advantages of having a physical file (editing, quick view, etc.)

What does MissingManifestResourceException mean and how to fix it?

The situation:
I have a class library, called RT.Servers, containing a few resources (of type byte[], but I don't think that's important)
The same class library contains a method which returns one of those resources
I have a simple program (with a reference to that library) that only calls that single method
I get a MissingManifestResourceException with the following message:
Could not find any resources
appropriate for the specified culture
or the neutral culture. Make sure
"Servers.Resources.resources" was
correctly embedded or linked into
assembly "RT.Servers" at compile time,
or that all the satellite assemblies
required are loadable and fully
signed.
I have never played around with cultures, or with assembly signing, so I don't know what's going on here. Also, this works in another project which uses the same library. Any ideas?
All I needed to do to fix this problem was to right-click the Resources.resx file in the Solution Explorer and click Run Custom Tool. This re-generates the auto-generated Resources.Designer.cs file.
If the .resx file was added to the project manually, the Custom Tool property of the file must be set to "ResXFileCodeGenerator".
The problem is due to a mismatch of namespaces, which occurs if you change the "default namespace" of the assembly in the project settings. (I changed it from (previously) "Servers" to (now) "RT.Servers".)
In the auto-generated code in Resources.Designer.cs, there is the following code:
internal static global::System.Resources.ResourceManager ResourceManager {
get {
if (object.ReferenceEquals(resourceMan, null)) {
global::System.Resources.ResourceManager temp = new global::System.Resources.ResourceManager("Servers.Resources", typeof(Resources).Assembly);
resourceMan = temp;
}
return resourceMan;
}
}
The literal string "Servers.Resources" had to be changed to "RT.Servers.Resources". I did this manually, but running the custom tool would have equally well done it.
I just came across this problem today, and I found this Microsoft Help and Support page that actually did work around the problem.
I had a couple delegates at the top of my file, in the global namespace, and all of a sudden I was getting a MissingManifestResourceException when running the program, on this line:
this.Icon = ((System.Drawing.Icon)(resources.GetObject("$this.Icon")));
Then I moved the delegates into the namespace, got the same error. Finally I put the delegates in the only class in that file, and the error went away, but I didn't want the delegates in that class or namespace.
Then I came across that link above, which said
To resolve this problem, move all of the other class definitions so that they appear after the form's class definition.
I put the delegates (which I would not consider "class definitions") at the bottom of that file, outside of the local namespace, and the program didn't get the MissingManifestResourceException anymore. What an irritating error. But, that seems like a more robust solution than modifying the auto-generated code :)
I've run into a similar issue and, although I know it isn't the cause the OP had, I'll post it here so that if someone else runs across this problem in the future, an answer will be available.
If you add a class before the designer class you will get a MissingManifestResourceException exception at runtime (no compile time error or warning) because
Visual Studio requires that designers use the first class in the file.
For (slightly) more information see this post.
I had the same problem, but using the Run Custom Tool command as suggested by Timwi did not help in my case.
However it lead me into the right direction, because I ended up in the Properties of the .resx file. Here I noticed a difference to another .resx file that caused no problems.
In my case I had to change the property "Build Action" from "Resource" to "Embedded Resource".
My best guess for the reason is, that I had the .resx in a library that was used from another application. My application did not have its own .resx file, so it had to use the one from the library - which is only available when it's embedded in the library and not "stand alone".
When I run in a similar issue, in Vs 2012, it turned out that the "Custom Tool Namespace" property of the resx file was wrong (in my case, actually, it was unset, so the generated code yeld this exception at runtime).
My final set of properties for the resx file was something like this:
Build action: Embedded Resource
Copy to Output Directory: Do not copy
Custom Tool: ResXFileCodeGenerator
Custom Tool Namespace: My.Project.S.Proper.Namespace
I ran into a different cause of this problem, which was unrelated to resx files. I had a class library where AssemblyInfo.cs contained the following:
[assembly: ThemeInfo(
ResourceDictionaryLocation.SourceAssembly,
ResourceDictionaryLocation.SourceAssembly)]
The assembly did not contain any WPF code, theme or Resource dictionaries. I got rid of the exception by removing the ThemeInfo attribute.
I did not get an actual exception, only
A first chance exception of type 'System.Resources.MissingManifestResourceException'.
Viewing exception details, the system was requesting MyAssembly.g.resources
Hope this might be of help to someone else.
Also see: MissingManifestResourceException when running tests after building with MSBuild (.mresource has path in manifest)
I repeat the answer here just for completeness:
It appears adding LogicalName to the project file fixes it:
<LogicalName>$(RootNamespace).Properties.Resources.resources</LogicalName>
i.e. so the embedded resource entry in the project file looks like this:
<ItemGroup>
<EmbeddedResource Include="Properties\Resources.resx">
<Generator>ResXFileCodeGenerator</Generator>
<LastGenOutput>Resources.Designer.cs</LastGenOutput>
<LogicalName>$(RootNamespace).Properties.Resources.resources</LogicalName>
</EmbeddedResource>
</ItemGroup>
This is detailed in: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/msbuild/archive/2007/10/19/manifest-resource-names-changed-for-resources-files.aspx
Note that we are using a .resx file, but the bug still appears to occur.
Update: The problem with resources (incl. XAML) appears to be related to output paths and the use of forward or backward slashes as detailed in:
Why does modifying project output directories cause: IOException was unhandled "Cannot locate resource 'app.xaml'."
Not sure it will help people but this one worked for me :
So the issue I had was that I was getting the following message:
Could not find any resources appropriate for the specified culture or the neutral culture. Make sure "My.Resources.Resources.resources" was correctly embedded or linked into assembly "X" at compile time, or that all the satellite assemblies required are loadable and fully signed"
I was trying to get the resources that were embedded in my project from another class library.
What I did to fix the problem was to set the Access Modifier in the tab Project->Properties->Resources from "Internal" (accessible only within the same class library) to "Public" (accessible from another class library)
Then run and voilà, no more error for me...
The solution given by BlaM worked for me too.
I am a VS 2013 User. After going through many fixes but no luck, I tried this:
Right-click the resource file, one-by-one, in case of multiple-files.
Make sure, the property "Build Action" is set to "Embedded Resource".
That's it! :)
I had the same issue, but in my case i places a class in a usercontrol which is related to the usercontrol like this
Public Class MyUserControlObject
end Class
Public Class MyUserCOntrol
end Class
The solution was to move the MyUserControlObject to the end of the Usercontrol class, like this
Public Class MyUserCOntrol
end Class
Public Class MyUserControlObject
end Class
I hope this helps
I was getting the MissingManifestResourceException error after I ported my project from VS2005 to VS2010. I didn't have any other classes defined in the file that contains my Form class. And I also had my resx Resource File Name set correctly. Didn't work.
So I deleted the resx files and regenerated them. All good now.
Recently ran into the same problem, struggled for a bit, found this topic but no answers were correct for me.
My issue was that when I removed main window from my WPF project (it does not have a main window), I forgot to remove StartupUri from App.xaml. I guess this exception can happen if you have a mistake in StartupUri, so in case if anybody is struggling with this - check your StartupUri in App.xaml.
Recently stumbled upon this issue, in my case I did a few things:
Make sure the namespaces are consistent in the Designer.cs file of the resx file
Make sure the default namespace of the Assembly(right click the project and choose Properties) is set the same to the namespace the resources file is in.
Once I did step 2, the exception went away.
I had this problem when I added another class in the file just before the class which derived from Form. Adding it after fixed the problem.
Also the same error may occur when you put a new class into the source code of a designer created form's class.
This new class may be removed, and placed in a different cs file.
(At least in my case this was the problem...)
Because I am pre-compiling my web application (using VS2012 publish feature). I was getting the error above. I tried all the suggestions, but weirdly changing 'Build Action' to 'Content' did the trick!
In my case, I have a web api with resources and I create a nuget package from that. When I use this nuget in other projects, I realise that when I request a api with resources, I am getting MissingManifestResourceException after a bit reasearch, I learn nuget packager is not packing resources automatically. If you want to use resources files, you have to do that manually. So you need to add below lines to your .nuspec file:
(Visit https://github.com/NuGet/Home/issues/1482)
<package>
<metadata>
</metadata>
<files>
<file src="bin\Debug\en\MyAssembly.resource.dll" target="lib\net40\en\MyAssembly.resource.dll" />
<file src="bin\Debug\es\MyAssembly.resource.dll" target="lib\net40\es\MyAssembly.resource.dll" />
</files>
</package>
But, before adding files, you need to be sure which version of .net you are using.
I had the with a newly created F# project.
The solution was to uncheck "Use standard resource names" in the project properties -> Application -> Resources / Specify how application resources will be managed.
If you do not see the checkbox then update your Visual Studio! I have 15.6.7 installed. In 15.3.2 this checkbox is not there.
Just to mention. If you use a constant or literal, make sure it refers to a resource of the form ProjectName.Resources, and does not cpntain Resources.resx.
It could save you an hour or two .
I've encountered this issue with managed C++ project based on WinForms after renaming global namespace (not manually, but with Rename tool of VS2017).
The solution is simple, but isn't mentioned elsewhere.
You have to change RootNamespace entry in vcxproj-file to match the C++ namespace.
In my case it was a typo in the Xaml of a window opened from Winforms Form:
Incorrect: <Image Source="/Resources/WorkGreen.gif"/>
Correct: <Image Source="../Resources/WorkGreen.gif"/>
It may help someone
In my case I have changed my project namespace and hence my solution was throwing "missingmanifestresourceexception" exception. Instead of right clicking the .resx file in the solution explorer and clicking on "Run Custom Tool" option, I have replaced the
rootnamespace to new namespace in .csproj file(RootNamespace) and rebuilded the solution again. All Resources.Designer.cs files namespaces got automatically changed with new namespace.
I hope my answer will help someone.
If you're getting this while generating a C# project using CMake, the solution I found may help you.
Your CMakeLists.txt file needs
set_property(TARGET yourTargetName PROPERTY VS_GLOBAL_RootNamespace yourRootNamespace)
Substitute your own values for yourTargetName and yourRootNamespace, obviously.
Then the resources will get embedded in your assembly!
One more reason to get this error is- '.resx' file excluded from project.
In my case, '.resx' file was excluded from project.
Select 'show all files' option in solution explorer.
Right click on '.resx' file(s) and click include in project.
Rebuild the project/solution.
I read all the answers and nothing worked for me. Most likely my situation is different, but same error. My issue was that I had two projects. Second project had a lot of forms added to it from the first one as "Add as link".
For WinForms, there are 3 required files: the code, the designer, and the resource files. If you add all 3 files at the same time as "Add as link", Visual Studio does not link them together as same form. It will compile, and run, but it will blow up with the same MissingManifestResourceException error.
Fix: You have to do them individually, in order: code file --> designer file --> resource file. Then they are grouped and no more error, at least for me.
From the Microsoft support page:
This problem occurs if you use a localized resource that exists in a satellite assembly that you created by using a .resources file that has an inappropriate file name. This problem typically occurs if you manually create a satellite assembly.
To work around this problem, specify the file name of the .resources file when you run Resgen.exe. While you specify the file name of the .resources file, make sure that the file name starts with the namespace name of your application. For example, run the following command at the Microsoft Visual Studio .NET command prompt to create a .resources file that has the namespace name of your application at the beginning of the file name:
Resgen strings.CultureIdentifier.resx
MyApp.strings.CultureIdentifier.resources

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