Exposing resource info in ExcelDNAPack

[Scott Kersey]

I have a question somewhat similar to the one discussed here: <a
href="http://groups.google.com/group/exceldna/browse_thread/thread/
1e555e65464d72a3#">Versioning the xll for Windows Installer</a>

Specifically, I'm curious about modifying some of the other resource
information in the output XLL using ExcelDNAPack. One of the ways I
find out support information about some of the files on my PC is to
look at the Version tab on the Properties page for a given assembly.
I was wondering if ExcelDNAPack could expose the Company and/or
ProductName resources as well. I was picturing the ability to say
something like "Excel-DNA loader shim for MyProductName" or something
along those lines. I'm not suggesting your hard work be erased and
not visible to the end user, but I think it might be confusing if an
end user went looking for Govert to support an Excel Add-In he didn't
create. Please let me know your thoughts and if I'm over-thinking
things.

[Govert van Drimmelen]

Hi Scott,

I think it's quite nice to customize the version information for
the .xll, and it gives a bit more security (by obscurity) if you can
hide the fact that the .xll is made with Excel-DNA.

The "verpatch" Version Resource Tool pointed out in that post (http://
www.codeproject.com/Articles/37133/Simple-Version-Resource-Tool-for-Windows)
looks like a comprehensive solution to this problem. It will allow you
to change any aspect of the .xll version information, including the
ProductName.

You could also apply the version resource changed on the .xll file
before or after packing.

Am I missing something, or is it just that you'd like the convenience
of having a single tool to do packing and version updating?

Note that under Windows 7 the version information of an .xll is not
shown in the Properties view by default - you actually have to rename
it to .dll to get the version info from Explorer.

-Govert

[Scott Kersey]

Govert,

I don't think you've missed anything. I honestly hadn't looked to see
what the "verpatch" Version Resource Tool could do. I guess I made an
assumption based on the name that it only updated version info. My
bigger question is really around whether you felt comfortable with
that information being changed. Yes, it would be nice if the pack
tool took care of this, but that's not necessary.

I appreciate your help!

Thanks again,
Scott

On Feb 17, 10:41 am, Govert van Drimmelen <gov...@icon.co.za> wrote:
> Hi Scott,
>
> I think it's quite nice to customize the version information for
> the .xll, and it gives a bit more security (by obscurity) if you can
> hide the fact that the .xll is made with Excel-DNA.
>

> The "verpatch" Version Resource Tool pointed out in that post (http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/37133/Simple-Version-Resource-Tool-for-W...)

> > things.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[Govert van Drimmelen]

Hi Scott,

Information like the version number, Publisher and Product Name are
all stored in the .dll in a "Version Resource". So that explains name
of the tool.

Yes, I think it's a good idea and I'm perfectly happy for you to
update the version information, including Product Name, Copyright etc.
for your add-ins.

If anyone wants to add such a version update feature to the
ExcelDnaPack tool I'd be happy to accept the contribution.

Regards,
Govert

On Feb 17, 6:39 pm, Scott Kersey <scottmker...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Govert,
>
> I don't think you've missed anything.  I honestly hadn't looked to see
> what the "verpatch" Version Resource Tool could do.  I guess I made an
> assumption based on the name that it only updated version info.  My
> bigger question is really around whether you felt comfortable with
> that information being changed.  Yes, it would be nice if the pack
> tool took care of this, but that's not necessary.
>
> I appreciate your help!
>
> Thanks again,
> Scott
>
> On Feb 17, 10:41 am, Govert van Drimmelen <gov...@icon.co.za> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > Hi Scott,
>
> > I think it's quite nice to customize the version information for
> > the .xll, and it gives a bit more security (by obscurity) if you can
> > hide the fact that the .xll is made with Excel-DNA.
>

> > The "verpatch" Version Resource Tool pointed out in that post (http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/37133/Simple-Version-Resource-Too......)