VS 2013 template with references not working properly

Question

I'm trying to create a set of templates that contain references to dlls. When I create a project with references and then export it the references are saved into the template but the files aren't copied.
I have created a class that implements iWizard and copies the remaining file types (.dll, .xml etc.) in the correct folder when you create a new template. This is also working.
Now the problem was that I needed the project to know that it should use the dlls that are copied into the project folder. So I edited the .vbproj file and inserted the path manually, i.e. I found the reference tags and removed the path information so they
only referred to the file itself. Like this:
  <Reference Include="MyDll"><HintPath>MyDll.dll</HintPath></Reference>
This workaround is almost working. VS finds the dlls and lets me use them, but only if I go to project -> properties and then clock on the reference tab. The classes are not recognized until I do this. I get the usual  type or class not defined error
until I simply click on the reference tab in project properties.
It seems to me that I have missed a step when I was doing my workaround and Visual Studio completes it when I click on references. I just don't know what that is or what a good alternative to my solution would be.

Answer 1

Hi Mongan,
I have been researching this issue these days. You can check whether there are some differences in MyTemplate file and the project file before and after you click the references tab in project properties? Maybe you will get some information.
In addition, I doubt maybe you missed something in your iWizard extension. the following link introduced detailed ways and code to create project template using IWizard interface, you can reference it to check whether it can help you.
http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/391989/Working-with-Project-Template-and-Wizard-Extension
The following threads suggested adding the project reference in the ProjectFinishedGenerating() method to add a reference to project template:
https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/vstudio/en-US/f57d8eed-ba7a-4e82-bed4-1dd4b8a3a288/custom-wizard-adding-references-dlls-to-a-project?forum=vsx
https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/vstudio/en-US/b4d4f816-70b6-4042-bb34-324a7da1a3e2/custom-wizard-is-it-possible-to-add-a-dll-reference-to-a-project-on-creation-from-a-custom-wizard?forum=vsx
If the suggestions above does not help you, I find that
Visual Studio Integrate forum:
https://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/vstudio/en-US/home?forum=vsx is a better forum because you are using iWizard to create project template. You can open a new thread about
your current issue and post some code about iWizard  there, Visual Studio Extension experts will provide you better support.
Thank you for your understanding.
Have a nice day:)
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