I normally install my application in a directory in the c:\ drive as the software is only used within the company.
There is some simple security; the program writes a 'bat' file that gets the volume serial number this then this is used to generate a licence file. Both of these files are written in the application directory.

I'm giving the program to an external client and am going to install the program in the program files directory - but I find I cannot write a file to the Windows 7 program files directory.

Is there a way round this?

Or is there an alternative method of having some simple security so that the software cannot be installed on another computer.

Thanks