[DUG] Vista and Ini files

[Ross Levis]

FV will stop an app crashing but it's of no use for anything else.  You
can't store information there as it's wiped out after rebooting, at least
with registry settings.  Other methods of sidestepping or bypassing the
security features should always work.

 

For example, it will always be possible to save ini files to a folder under
Program Files.  I can't imagine M$ will ever remove the Security tab off the
folder properties dialog.  Just give the "Users Group" full access to a data
folder and it works fine.  No FV being used at all.

 

Write access to HKLM requires "Run as Administrator" set on the application.
It will always be possible to set elevated rights on an application.  It's
available in the shortcut properties or in the manifest.  This will ask the
user to "Continue" when loading the app, but it will always be supported.

 

The latest version of Inno Setup includes a Vista manifest to always "Run as
administrator", so it doesn't matter what the name of the setup program is.
That was a relief because my demo installation programs are named like
StudioDemo.exe, whereas the full version is StudioSetup.exe.  I can't easily
change this now as I have hundreds of shareware sites linking to the demo
and it would take weeks to change them all.

 

Ross.

 

From: delphi-bounces at delphi.org.nz [mailto:delphi-bounces at delphi.org.nz] On
Behalf Of Alan Rose
Sent: Wednesday, 2 May 2007 10:35
To: NZ Borland Developers Group - Delphi List
Subject: RE: [DUG] Vista and Ini files

 

I think anyone who is thinking of going against the tide by bypassing or
sidestepping the new security features with Vista should think twice. File
virtualization (FV) for system folders and registry are only there for
legacy support. Eventually MS will turn FV and other legacy features off and
may find yourself with a broken app. Any executable with "update" or
"install" in its name automatically gets the run as admin applied, again
another MS legacy feature to help you migrate to Vista. I am willing to bet
some people have installed their app on Vista found that it works due to FV
and think that's the end of the story.  My advice is not to look for ways to
beat the system but make those changes now to place your files in the
correct locations (well documented on the net) so there will be no surprises
later with future OS upgrades. 

 

  

 

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