Delphi: How to install BDE on a client machine

Suppose you have a Delphi application that access data using the Borland Database Engine (BDE) and you wish to deploy it on a user's client computer. If you compile the project without runtime packages and no BDE support is required, then merely copying the EXE file on the target computer is usually enough.

Now installing BDE on a client computer is performed as follows :

1. 
   Locate the file bdeinst.cab located in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Borland Shared\BDE.
   


2. 
   Open it using winZip or something equivalant.
   


3. 
   The .cab file contains only one file BDEINST.DLL. Extract this to the users client computer.
   


4. 
   Use the command regsvr32.exe bdeinst.dll from the command prompt to perform the installation.
   


5. 
   Run your application
   

BDE un-installation can be performed by folloowing these steps :

1. 
   Delete the folder containing BDE data
   


2. 
   Delete the BDEADMIN.CPL file in the Wiindows\System folder, in order to get rid of the control file applet
   


3. 
   Use regedit in order to delete the key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Borland\BDEAdmin
   


4. 
   Next locate HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Borland and delete the subkeys BLW32, Borland Shared and Database engine.
   


5. 
   Reboot your machine
   

Note : Having said all that I would like to give you an extract from the file bdedeploy.txt located at the BDE installation directory.

2. BORLAND-CERTIFIED INSTALLATION PROGRAMS
===========================================================
Borland products which include redistribution rights
include an Borland-certified install program, such as
InstallShield Express, to ensure proper installation and
uninstallation of your applications so that they co-exist
well with other applications which use the Borland Database
Engine (BDE) including those created with Visual dBASE,
Paradox, Delphi, and C++Builder.

Borland has also provided BDE and SQL Links installation
information to other install vendors such as Sax Software,
WISE Software, Great Lakes Business Systems (GLBS) makers
of the WISE install tool and Eschalon Development so that
their products can also be ensured to be fully compatible
with the BDE.

From time to time, Borland Software Corporation may, 
at its discretion, certify additional installation programs 
for use as the Borland Certified Install Program for this 
product.
  
Also check the Borland-sponsored announcement newsgroups:

  news:borland.public.announce
  news:borland.public.bde

3. BDE DEPLOYMENT (ALL DATABASE APPLICATIONS)
===========================================================
3.1 Deploying the BDE
---------------------
A Borland-certified installation program provides all
needed functionality and steps for redistributing the
Borland Database Engine (BDE), including:

  * Selecting files to redistribute
  * Determining final directory locations
  * Comparing versions of BDE files
  * Creation of BDE aliases
  
Follow the instructions of the particular installation
program used for specific steps to create an installation
program that includes the BDE.