Install to Program Files (x86)

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I have been selling this program/data since probably 1995 and have
always installed to the C drive (C:\trstate).
Should I change to installing to c:\program files (x86). Just curious,
have never had any problems, all the files/data reside in the one
directory.

Don Harvey

[NewsArchive]

Don,

> I have been selling this program/data since probably 1995 and have
> always installed to the C drive (C:\trstate).
> Should I change to installing to c:\program files (x86). Just curious,
> have never had any problems, all the files/data reside in the one
> directory.

If it's read-only data, not a problem otherwise you may well run into
problems down the road - especially with the newer OS's.

Program Files is, supposed to be, a read-only folder and Gates might
visit you in the night when you least expect him!<g>

--
Lee White

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Windows 8 brings us "The Oval, Bumper Car, Roller Coaster of Wait!"

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If you need write access to your data, then definitely need to learn
how UAC works and where the data should go.

In addition, if your app needs to be shared on a network, you'll have
additional pitfalls to solve.

Jeff Slarve
www.jssoftware.com
www.twitter.com/jslarve
I'll search help files & Google for you.

[NewsArchive]

In other words, it's not a trivial thing to just move your app setup
to Program Files.

So don't just flick the switch and let 'er rip<g>.

It might "seem" to run fine under Program Files, but there is probably
"virtualization" of the data going on. And if you don't know what that
is, you'd definitely need to learn what it is and have a plan before
proceeding.

Without reading up on UAC and preferred data folder locations, you
will be overwhelmed with support problems that you won't know how to
handle.

Jeff Slarve
www.jssoftware.com
www.twitter.com/jslarve
I'll search help files & Google for you.

[NewsArchive]

Thanks Jeff,

This took care of my curious thoughts <g>. People install this on
networks, laptops, even windows tablets, I never know. Only problem is
occasionally a over aggressive virus program or corporate systems that
are locked down.

Good to know I wouldn't gain anything but headaches.

Don Harvey

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> I have been selling this program/data since probably 1995 and have always
> installed to the C drive (C:\trstate).
If it aint broke then don't fix it !

Graham

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Hi Don,

> I have been selling this program/data since probably 1995 and have
> always installed to the C drive (C:\trstate).
> Should I change to installing to c:\program files (x86). Just curious,
> have never had any problems, all the files/data reside in the one
> directory.

There are two issues here:

1. Program
2. Data
<g>

You can easily install the program into Program files. That is not a
problem at all.

The tricky part is the data as under UAC you need admin rights to write
to anything under Program Files. So, not good. I have a couple of 7
year old articles on the Icetips Blog that are mostly still valid:

Where to put data under Vista:
http://www.icetips.com/blog/index.php/2008/10/31/title

Run programs elevated on Vista:
http://www.icetips.com/blog/index.php/2008/11/11/run-programs-elevated-on-vista

Most of the UAC and file stuff hasn't really changed from Vista to
Windows 8.1 (don't know about 10) so most of those articles are still
correct.

If you access data in your program directory then you need to work out a
plan to move it to one of the CSIDL folders that are open for writing by
the user. Note that some of the obvious folders, like AppData are
hidden, so the user doesn't see them unless they specifically set
windows explorer to show system and hidden files. My Documents is
another option, but IF you don't want the users to accidentally delete
or generally mess with data files, don't use My Documents;)

Best regards,

--
Arnor Baldvinsson - Icetips Alta LLC

[NewsArchive]

Thanks Everyone -

Not going to change. From all the comments would appear I would be
inviting a lot of headaches. Good to know.

Don Harvey