Vista - More restrictions in "program files" except of writing ?

Hi guys,

short but significant question: Next to the restriction to write
to "C:\program files" directory are their other restrictions in
that location?

I mean what's the deal with that location if I cannot write lets
say application session files there? I would prefer to install
my app to C:\MyApplication rather to the program files folder.
Do I gain disadvantages because of such a step?

Thanks a lot for your reply.
Mue :-)

> short but significant question: Next to the restriction to write
> to "C:\program files" directory are their other restrictions in
> that location?

The folder exists to store program files there. Program files are considered
any files your program needs to run that are not user specific. The files
here are NOT meant to be modified except during an install, uninstall, or
upgrade.

> I mean what's the deal with that location if I cannot write lets
> say application session files there?

This is where your main program files are stored, such as your .exe and .dll
files. This is the only purpose for this location - nothing else goes here.

Files your users create using your program are to be stored inside that
user's profile folder, such as their documents folder. This would include
your application 'session' files.

> I would prefer to install
> my app to C:\MyApplication rather to the program files folder.
> Do I gain disadvantages because of such a step?

No - this is not allowed. Your program is to be installed inside Program
Files or the AppData folder inside of a user's profile directory.


--
- JB

Windows Vista Support Faq
http://www.jimmah.com/vista/