Reccomended paths for Application Folder

[pauldennis]

Sorry to post this simple request but the search doesn't work, too many common words. Is there a document which sets out the default paths for the Application Folder?

windows xp c:\program files
vista not sure but its either c:\programdata or c:\user\appdata\local ??
Windows 7 ?

Thanks

[mihai.petcu]

Hello,

The application folder can be set from the Install Parameters page and the defaults can be selected from its combo box. For the property values that are referenced in the formatted field please follow this link.

All the best,
Mihai

[pauldennis]

Thanks Mihai,
I should have been a bit more specific. Our application includes a data file so we need read/write. On Windows XP C:\Program Files\Your Company\Your Application works fine because you can write a folder however on Vista you cannot write to C:\Program Files\. Therefore for Vista the options are

LocalAppDataFolder C:\Users\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data
CommonAppDataFolder C:\ProgramData

Is this just a personal preference or are there any implications of choosing the CommonAppDataFolder ?

Thanks
Paul

[octavian.vasilovici]

Hi Paul,

Is this just a personal preference or are there any implications of choosing the CommonAppDataFolder ?

Unfortunately, on Windows Vista or above the OS prevents writing in specific locations, like Windows & Program Files folders if the user does not have the corresponding privileges.
However, there are predefined locations where an user can read/write. These locations are the ones described in the article Mihai posted and the ones posted by you:

LocalAppDataFolder C:\Users\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data
CommonAppDataFolder C:\ProgramData

So no, these locations are not a personal preference. They are dictated and recommended by Microsoft.
For more information about "ProgramData" folder please see this article.

Best Regards,
Octavian
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Octavian Vasilovici
Advanced Installer Team
http://www.advancedinstaller.com/

[pauldennis]

Thanks Octavian,

What I am trying to find out is the differnce between the two options. I have been using CommonAppDataFolder however this is virtualised which is a nuisance when updating the software because you have to backup the users virtual data and I use a vbs script for this. I'm trying to find out if LocalAppDataFolder is a better option and what the implications are. For example if I use LocalAppDataFolder does this mean only that user can use the program or should I be using AppDataFolder ?

Thanks
Paul

[octavian.vasilovici]

Hi Paul,

The difference between "Application Data" folder and "Common Application Data" folder is :

"Common Application Data" folder:
The directory that serves as a common repository for application-specific data shared by all users is CommonApplicationData, whose locations depend on the OS.

"Application Data" folder:
This folder is where Applications store their "Data", mainly user preferences, like window positions, custom tool bars, .etc and the location depends on the OS.

So the bottom line is: Use "Common Application Data" folder if you want all the users to access the application or location; use "Application Data" folder if you want only the current user(the user that installs the application) to use it or access that location.

Hope this helps.

Best Regards,
Octavian
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Octavian Vasilovici
Advanced Installer Team
http://www.advancedinstaller.com/