How to automatically update application version

[Anicio]

Hi all!
I've a little problem that arose up using a VB6 app under Vista/7
In XP, I set up an update process with the following steps.
1) application checks for update on server
2) if new version available, running application launches a child application (shell) , transfers control to it and then quits.
3) child application waits for a button press and then provides to copy new application program on app.path folder.
4) Then, after copy is completed, child application launches new version under \program files folder and then quits itself.

Under Windows XP, this process runs 'with flying colors' and it's well controlled.
Under Vista, instead, I've got a lot of problem and errors.
I googled around for some hints, but I've found only about some generi reccomendation to not use \program files folder for .ini and data files, and to use "runas" instead of shell.
Has anyone already solved this problem, even adopting different processes, that can suggest me any solutions?

Thanks in advance.

[si_the_geek]

Welcome to VBForums

First of all, not storing data files in \program files isn't just a recommendation, since VB6 came out it has been the "rules" for Windows. For more information, see the article Where should I store the files that my program uses/creates? from our Classic VB FAQs (in the FAQ forum)


To do the "runas", add this to your Declarations:

Private Declare Function ShellExecute Lib "shell32.dll" Alias "ShellExecuteA" _
     (ByVal hWnd As Long, ByVal lpOperation As String, ByVal lpFile As String, _
      ByVal lpParameters As String, ByVal lpDirectory As String, ByVal nShowCmd As Long) As Long
Const SW_SHOWNORMAL = 1

..and then use code like this:

ShellExecute 0, "runas", "c:\program files\filename.exe", vbNullString, vbNullString, SW_SHOWNORMAL

On Vista this shows the normal UAC security prompt, but I'm not sure what effects it has on XP and earlier (note that it may differ based on whether the user is an Admin user or Limited user).

[isnoend07]

Went thru this about a yr ago.
use SHGetFolderPath to get the path to CSIDL_COMMON_DOCUMENTS
Put any data file there, put your exe in program files\yourname\your exe
From sub Main my app looks to see if data files exist in app.path
If DataFilesNotFound then
gMyPath = CSIDL_COMMON_DOCUMENTS &" \YourCompany"
else
gMyPath = APP.Path
Go thru your app and replace all the App.paths. with a global path eg:gMyPath
be sure your installer has a manifest to install as Admin
If you want you exe not have to run as admin the provide a manifest with you exe to run as "Invoker"
Your program updater will require your app to run as admin. Provide a dialog using
Private Declare Function IsUserAnAdmin Lib "shell32" () As Long
if user is not Admin
MsgBox "You must open the app as admin to do program updates"
I have similar program updater :
http://www.planet-source-code.com/vb...xtCodeId=69060
this updater works good on vista as i have a customer that bought a new pc with vista and has found every little bug and has updated his exe about 10 times. I have even provided a hot key that will update the exe even if the online version is lower. A lot of little things in vista need modifaction: Eg Balloon tooltips do not always fit inside the ball0on properly. etc, etc

[Anicio]

Many tnx to all.
I suppose I've to recode my app and release a new major version.
Is it possible to check what kind of OS is running?

[si_the_geek]

It is possible to check, but there is almost certainly no reason to - the folder methods work for Windows 2000 and later (and probably for earlier versions too).

If you are thinking about the location of existing documents, rather than use a dodgy hack (the OS version is definitely not a safe way to check which locations are usable), you should fix the existing mistake you have made - which will give several benefits, such as enabling use of the "Transfer Wizard" built in to Windows.

The method that isnoend07 described is a good way to fix it: when your program starts check if the proper data folder exists - if not, create it and copy all the data files to it.


I'm not sure about the RunAs, but you should check on XP yourself (as Admin and non-Admin) to see what effect it has. If needed then do an apt check, which is likely to be something different to OS (perhaps user rights).