read-only files

[ramezb84]

this is more of a technical windows question but...

is it possible to create a file that can only be modified by a certain application? for example, to create a read-only file that is truely read-only by everyone except my vb.net program?

[Pirate]

Even Microsoft's Kernel32.dll can be modified ...not only the files you want to protect .

[Pirate]

Or If you want to protect certian files on your system or where the app is installed , use FileSystemWatcher to fire any event
while the user is deleting , modifing , creating ,moving files .A working technique might do the trick: opening the file in the background and hidden from the user prevent anyone to alter the file content .

[MikeStammer]

You could use some type of encryption or a checksum to ensure no one has monkeyed with the file. Before your app closes, get the checksum and store it somewhere. Then when you start the app check the file's checksum against the one you stored. act accordingly. You will never be able to prevent someone from reading the file if they are an administrator on the box.