How can I create and install an outlook plugin as a dll?

[anindasen_0609]

When I install Dmitry's Outlook Spy or any other third party outlook plugin,
it installs as a dll file and shows as "<PluginName>.dll" in the plugin
section of Outlook. But when I am creating my own outlook plugin and
installing it, it is showing as "MyPlugin.manifest.dll." How can I create and
install an outlook plugin as a cool dll? Why is the "manifest" file extension
coming inbetween?

PS: I am using visual studio.net's own installer to create the installation
files.

 

[Ken Slovak - [MVP - Outlook]]

What version of VS, Outlook and Windows? Shared addin, VSTO or unmanaged
code? Language used? You need to provide enough information to at least
allow us to guess at an answer.

If this is managed code have you looked at the deployment articles for
managed code addins?

 

[anindasen_0609]

Hi Ken,

Thanks for the answer. Sorry for not giving the details. I am using Visual
Studio 2005, VSTO and Microsoft Windows XP is my OS.

I actually prepared the installation files form one quite extensive article
in MSDN which was very helpful. I do not know which one you are referring to.

What is shared adding by the way. Would be grateful if you can provide some
information on that.

Regards,
Aninda

 

[Ken Slovak - [MVP - Outlook]]

The article I was referring to is this one:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb332051.aspx

A shared addin directly uses the Extensibility interfaces to connect the
addin to Outlook. A VSTO addin hides that from you and provides you with
Startup() and Shutdown() events instead,

A VSTO addin also handles various other things for you, including loading
the addin with shimming to provide an isolated AppDomain for the addin so
any problems with that addin or with other addins are isolated from each
other.

A shared addin will share an AppDomain with any other managed code addins
unless it's shimmed (using the COM Shim Wizard or a custom shimming action).
With a shared addin you have to shim it to provide AppDomain isolation.