FAQ for the

  MicrosoftÆ Visual BasicÆ for WindowsÆ CE
  Redistributables Kit
  Version 1.0
  © 2000 Microsoft Corporation.  All Rights Reserved.


Q. What does this Kit install?

A. This Kit installs a number of files that normally
come with MicrosoftÆ Visual BasicÆ for WindowsÆ
CE ("VBCE"). These files include the VBCE runtime
environment, assorted controls, MFC libraries, and
miscellaneous utilities.  There are file groups for
nearly every processor and targeted platform supported
by VBCE.  Most of these files are identified as
"REDISTRIBUTABLES" in the EULA accompanying this
Kit.


Q. What is the purpose of the Redistributables Kit?

A. It gives developers who use the accompanying
third-party BASIC language product for Windows CE
the ability to package up Microsoft REDISTRIBUTABLES
with their applications developed with the
accompanying third party BASIC language product.


Q. Can't I do that already?

A. No.  Although your third-party BASIC language
product may install some of these files as part of
its development environment, it does not license you
to reproduce and distribute these files with your
applications.  You must accept the license from
Microsoft accompanying this Kit in order to
reproduce and distribute these files.

Otherwise, you would need to buy a copy of VBCE in
order to get a license allowing you to redistribute
the REDISTRIBUTABLES with your application.
Microsoft is providing this Kit as a service to
developers so that it isn't necessary to buy a copy
of VBCE on top of buying the third-party BASIC
language product.


Q. Can I redistribute the Kit?

A. No.


Q. Why else do I need this Kit?

A. The Kit includes a more comprehensive collection
of redistributable files than may have come with
your third party BASIC language product.


Q. So how does this work?

A. The END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR MICROSOFT
SOFTWARE ("EULA") is found in the file "License.txt"
and is displayed during this intallation process.
You are required to accept the terms of the EULA in
order to complete the install.  The EULA describes
the conditions under which you, the developer, may
redistribute some or all of the files identified as
REDISTRIBUTABLES.  As described in Section 1.d., you
can only redistribute the files along with an
application that adds significant and primary
functionality.  You are also required not to permit
further redistribution of these files by your end-
users.  There are other restrictions; please refer
to the EULA for the definitive terms of the license.

Once installed, you will have a directory tree of
files organized by Windows CE version, then targeted
platform.  Within each platform, files are organized
by CPU type. In order to distribute your
application, you'll need to pick the files out of
this tree for the platforms you want to support,
then bundle them as appropriate into your
application's installation program.

The CAB file wizard, CABWIZ.EXE, is included to help
wrap up your application files for deployment onto a
device.  CABWIZ.EXE is not redistributable (it is
not a "REDISTRIBUTABLE"). Documentation for
CABWIZ.EXE can be found on-line at
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library (search for
"cabwiz").

The file "License.txt" is also installed in the base
directory of the installation so you have the EULA
for reference.  This file, "readme.txt", is also
installed in the base directory.


Q. How do I get support?

A. Formal product support is not available for this
Kit from Microsoft.  However, you can find docs for
most topics of interest either on MSDN (http:
//msdn.microsoft.com) or within the relevant
Microsoft SDKs (available for download at
http://www.microsoft.com/cetools).  Your third-party
BASIC language product vendor may also be able to
provide support for some issues.




MicrosoftÆ, WindowsÆ, and Visual BasicÆ are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries/regions.