Why is ChromeDriver working in Debug mode but not on release?

Question

So I have this c# console app that I'm creating.

It uses Selenium ChromeDriver to create WordPress menus. It's working perfectly on debug mode.

Now I release it and when I install the app, run it, it's giving me this error:

The chromedriver.exe file does not exist in the current t directory or in a directory on the PATH environment variable.

This is where I believe I'm getting this error:

ChromeOptions options = new ChromeOptions();
options.AddArgument("start-maximized");
driver = new ChromeDriver(options);

I've searched all over the internet but nothing seems to work, I think it's something that has to do with Publishing in Visual Studio.

Yes, in the bin folder. I corrected my post, the problem I'm having should be clear now @haim770 — , Sep 02 '19 at 20:21
You mean that it's getting copied to your `bin` folder? What is the `Build Action` of the file? — haim770, Sep 02 '19 at 20:22
I fixed up my question description, the problem I'm having should be clear now. @haim770 — , Sep 02 '19 at 20:23

score 0 · Answer 1 · answered Sep 02 '19 at 20:20

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Copy chromedriver.exe from your Debug folder to your Release folder.

answered Sep 02 '19 at 20:20

Merkle Groot

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Sounds like a nice one, I'll try it. – Sep 02 '19 at 20:26
Riddell's answer should also work. It comes down to the same thing - Release runs from a different folder, and chromedriver.exe needs to be in that folder. – Merkle Groot Sep 02 '19 at 20:41
I don't know much about the release, but I'm glad it's working! – Sep 02 '19 at 23:22

score 0 · Accepted Answer · answered Sep 02 '19 at 20:23

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Presuming you have installed the NuGet package Selenium.WebDriver.ChromeDriver. You will find the latest chrome driver in \Selenium.WebDriver.ChromeDriver\driver\win32\chromedriver.exe select the correct version based on system.

Add the file to your project, then in the file properties select under "Copy to Output Directory" either "Copy Always" or "Copy if Newer".

This question should help

Selenium WebDriver.ChromeDriver Nuget package installed, but not working for MSTest

answered Sep 02 '19 at 20:23

Riddell

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Thank you so much for this answer, the program is working now! – Sep 02 '19 at 20:38
@KhalilPierre Happy to help, Brilliant! – Riddell Sep 02 '19 at 20:39

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Oct 12 '20 at 20:58

From the project owner github page:

"chromedriver(.exe) isn't included in published files on default configuration. This behavior is by design."

If you want to include "chromedriver(.exe)" into published files, please define "_PUBLISH_CHROMEDRIVER" compilation symbol (Under Project > Properties > Build)

Why is ChromeDriver working in Debug mode but not on release?

3 Answers3