Question Where to added/install a database file in Windows 7

[darbid]

I have an A2007 file with a lot of helper files such as Office templates, and icons and other files used by Access to do its job e.g.. an ini file for settings and multi language things.

Due to my lack of knowledge at the time and because it was easy, in XP my installer program I made myself created a folder in the Program Files folder of the users computer and all these files were saved there. I then put a link on the users desktop to a small program that called the database.

Now we are going to big school now and I have to create a new installer for Windows 7.

So my question is where should I be saving my files.

I notice that if I now want to save files in Program Files the user is going to have to elevate my .exe or other program under UAC.

It seems that what I have to do now is save my files in two places. Static files that are only read can be in program files and then anything that is read and written to such as a users settings saved in an .ini file would have to be in there own user folder.

 

[Pat Hartman]

I have an application that is sold to the public and so I don't have control over their environment. To avoid permissions issues, I have my install set up the application in a non-system directory of the client's choosing.

 

[darbid]

thanks for answering. So just so we are on the same page you mean for example

C:\Users\(user-name)\.....

 

[Pat Hartman]

No. I give the user a dialog box and they generally just pick C: and a folder name. My install creates the folder where they specify. They could navigate to the Users folder if they knew how but Windows doesn't make it easy. Sometimes they choose to install it in their personal network folder. That works although Access is faster when it is local so I recommend the C: drive if at all possible.

 

[darbid]

That sounds interesting, so what happens if they choose the Programs Folder, then do you tell them not there or do you check to see if you have the UAC rights to copy the files to the selected folder?

Also do they use multi-user machines? If they put it in their own folder then it would not be visable to others. If they put it into a system or all users folder then all would see it.

 

[Pat Hartman]

No. The install is from SageKey and I have very few options when I put it together. Checking permissions or any other logic not specifically provided for is just not supported. I have run into situations where users could not install the software because their machines were so locked down. If that happens, we just have to involve their tech support to do the install and I just supervise.

So far I haven't run into a situation where they had multi-user machines. These are front office installations and unless people are working shifts and sharing seats, this would never be a problem.