Where to Locate data file for application on install?

[Amesville]

Hi Folks

Hoping for a little advice. I have a VB.NET 2008 application I've been working on for a number of years, and finally it's almost ready to be released. I'm trying to figure out, though, where I can place my data file where I can have both read and write access to it and where it won't be wiped away by an over-zealous cleaner program.

In the old days (XP) I would have just located the file in the application folder along with the executable. But it seems now that files located there no longer have write access which pretty much negates the use of that location.

So what is left to me? I have been doing a little research, I found some info on the ProgramData folder but also found several statements saying not to use this folder. I looked into the AppData folder options but apparently these aren't meant as a permanent location, and data in them can be swept out by cleaner programs.

So I ask, what would you do? Where is a safe place I can place my data files where it will have read and write rights?

Thanks

Craig

 

[ChrisHirst]

%APPDATA% is the default location for data that is user specific

%PROGRAMDATA% is default location for data that is global (same for all users)

Configuration data should be kept in the registry HKLM for global, HKCU for user specific.


Chris.

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