How do I share user settings or files using the UserAppDataPath across builds?

Question

Right now when I release a new build of my .NET app, the UserAppDataPath path points to a new folder that includes the build number.

Documents and Settings\UserName\Application Data\Company\AssemblyName\1.0.0.0

I use this path as a convenient storage place for extended user UI setting files. Every time I release the user looses their previous UI settings.

Is it safe to trim off the \1.0.0.0 version number and use its root path? or is there a better way to store settings in a place that is always has write privileges?

How are you deploying the application? It's been awhile since I've used it, but I believe ClickOnce allows for migrating previous settings. — Agent_9191, Oct 12 '09 at 20:43
I know this is not the best way to release but my company just places the release binaries into a shared folder and a login script updates everyone's installation. — Tim Santeford, Oct 12 '09 at 20:45

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Oct 12 '09 at 20:44

2

AppSettings do support upgrades. Have a look here. Hopefully this points you in the right direction...

answered Oct 12 '09 at 20:44

Nader Shirazie

10,736
2
37
43

Will that work for files other than the app.config? I have been storing other files along with the app.config? – Tim Santeford Oct 12 '09 at 20:49
Depends on what you mean by 'other' files, and how they're implemented. Are they custom settings, or using .NET's built in settings support classes? This should work for settings that implement the 'IApplicationSettingsProvider' interface. – Nader Shirazie Oct 12 '09 at 21:09

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered Nov 14 '13 at 23:04

I am using the following code when retrieving custom data stored in potentially old folders from previous assembly versions:

    string suffix = "/MyUserSettings.dat";
    string folder = Application.UserAppDataPath;
    string filename = folder + suffix;

    if (!File.Exists(filename))
    {
        // Check whether an older folder from a previous version with appropriate user data exists
        DirectoryInfo[] directories = new DirectoryInfo(folder).Parent.GetDirectories("*", SearchOption.TopDirectoryOnly);
        for (int i = 0; i < directories.Length; i++)
        {
            if (File.Exists(directories[i].FullName + suffix))
            {
                filename = directories[i].FullName + suffix;
            }
        }
    }

    if (File.Exists(filename))
    {
        // load user settings from file
    }
    else
    {
        // use default settings
    }

How do I share user settings or files using the UserAppDataPath across builds?

2 Answers2