How to setup the target output path of a given resource file in Visual Studio

Question

In the main project of my VS Solution I have a Resources folder with some required external tools. When building and publishing the solution, I get a .\Resources* with all required files there. So far so good.

However I have to move some files to the parent directory. My first attempt was do so with the Post Build Events. It works and does move them the correct folder. Nevertheless in the publish output they still appear in the Resources folder and I need them in the parent one :/

Is there any way to setup the target output path for resources in Visual Studio?

Answer 1

After some research and experimental, I solved my problem. Still, here's what I learned in the process.

The first attempt was adding the file to the project root and mark it as a resource. After publishing it worked. But having those files in the project root its lame.

Since I needed some *.exe files compiled in another VS solution, added them as a project reference. Gave it a try and it passed the "Publish" test. But still.. not the best way to do it.

After that, with some scripting and a post-build event, I copied the required files to the correct folder. Works.. but after publishing, they don't appear in the package.

However, there is still a possibility with the Mage tool:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/acz3y3te.aspx

This lead to some promissing experiments, however they ended up helping me realize how limited the MS ClickOnce is, so I decided to try other tools.

Here's a good start to follow: What alternatives are there to ClickOnce?