C# sign code: only 1 apps? Lifetime?

Question

I have a problem with my c# apps. After publish, My client tell me that he can't install my application because he have a bluescreen warning smartScreen.

I read about this subject and I saw that I need to Sign my code.

I'm looking how cost that and it is something like $99USD and more.

I read the good practice from microsoft about this subject but the information about:

1. How many apps I can activate with 1 sign code?
2. If I got a Ev Code sign, it is a lifetime licenses?
3. If not, after the expiration date, My software will stop working? Can I continue to install my apps on others windows without popup message?

Can you provide me link to read about it?

thank you

Answer 1

1. You can sign a unlimited number of programs with a single certificate.
2. No, all certificates expire and will need to be renewed.
3. It depends, when you sign the app you can specify a "Timestamp server" (use /tr http://timestamp.comodoca.com with signtool.exe for example), if you use a timestamp server when your certificate expires it will still be considered valid because it was valid at the time the app was signed. If you don't use a timestamp server the signing will only be valid till the certificate expires.

Here is a link to a SO question about how to self sign a certificate for testing, the question is a little old so it uses the older /t switch for the timestamp instead of the newer /tr version.