"Unlicensed dll" error

Q. Why do I get an “Unlicensed dll” error when I run my .NET application using c-tree Plus for .NET?

A. Strong signing allows an application developer to distribute the FairCom.CtreeDb.dll with their application and, at the same time, ensure that the end user will not be able to create their own applications using the library. In order to sign the assembly, you must specify a key. When compiling the tutorials from the c-tree Plus downloadable demo, a KeyFile is provided, and the tutorial solutions point to this file. However, when developing your own applications, you will need to specify the provided key in your Microsoft .NET application solution.

You must NOT include the KeyFile in your application distribution package, since the KeyFile is only needed during compilation and should be kept protected.

In order to resolve the “Unlicensed dll” error, c-tree Plus for .NET applications (using the FairCom.CtreeDb.dll) must be strong signed with an appropriate KeyFile. You should modify the following line in the AssemblyInfo.cs (C#) or AssemblyInfo.vb (Visual Basic) file:

C#: [assembly: AssemblyKeyFile("")] 

VB: <Assembly: AssemblyKeyFileAttribute("")>

In the above line, add the path to your KeyFile so it will look like the following line:

C#: [assembly: AssemblyKeyFile("c:\Faircom\faircom.snk")] 

VB: <Assembly: AssemblyKeyFileAttribute("c:\mydir\mykeyfile.snk")> 

If you are using Visual Studio 2005, you are not required to hand-modify any file. Therefore, simply open the project Properties window, select the "Signing" tab, check the "Sign the assembly" check box (leave the others unchecked), and choose the appropriate KeyFile.

If you do not have a KeyFile, please contact the FairCom office nearest you for further information. Refer to the Microsoft .NET Framework documentation for more information on assembly signing.