How 32 bit C# application can utilize a 64 bit DLL

Question

I've got a C# Application that is 32-bit with a target x86 Installer. This application can be installed an run on x64 machine no problem. However, a third party piece of hardware from a vendor (which is integrated into the software) now requires the use of a 64bit DLL whenever we install on x64 systems.

Currently I have placed both the 32bit DLL and 64bit DLL in my project. However the target x86 Installer obviously doesn't like the 64bit DLL.

Is it possible for me to create a solution whereby I can deploy the 64bit DLL and/or 32bit DLL and still only have one installer project? (I've looked at third party software called Advanced Installer but I do not know for sure if this will help me achieve the solution I need)

Or is it possible to create a generic Installer project?

Note: Two installer (x86 vs x64) deployments aren't feasible because we have a process for automatic updates I do not want to redefine. Maintaining one MSI file is important to me.

Advice is much appreciated.

Answer 1

Installing the file from a x86 MSI is not a problem with Advanced Installer, the following article explains how to do it: http://www.advancedinstaller.com/user-guide/qa-OS-dependent-install.html

Also, if you have two versions of the DLL with the same name that need to be placed in the folder you should look here: http://www.advancedinstaller.com/user-guide/qa-install-file-with-same-name.html

However, you should first check if your application can correctly load the x64 DLL, as the guys mentioned in their comments.