Install WinForms application without admin rights

Question

I develop a Windows Forms application using VS 2008. Application will be deployed in Corporate Environment: a network (VPN, LAN) is in several cities, many PC clients Windows XP; and there is a only Server Win2003, with several WCF Services, Windows Service, shared folders, and Database that use the WinForms app. Network is WORKGROUP, not domain.

The users in PC Clients has NOT admin rights. Only can install applications the only admin.

It is required automatized&easy way to install "desattended" the WinForms application for all users. I want get way to easy installations in PC Clients.

We don't want use ClickOnce. NOT use click once. Now, I have MSI (setup.exe) of WinForms App. If if required another program, source code, scripting, etc, any sample code ?? any suggestions for my architecture network ??

it can be useful also: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms973920.aspx — garik, Sep 03 '10 at 10:16

garik · Answer 1 · 2010-09-02T21:48:01.817

2

Use XCOPY Deployment for more details.

edited Sep 02 '10 at 21:48

answered Sep 02 '10 at 21:41

garik

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I need install application for it appears in Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs, and Start Menu -> Programs. – Kiquenet Sep 03 '10 at 06:19
@alhambraeidos it is NOT impossible (i think) without rights (registry access). sorry. create just bat file, create shortcut "Remove MyApplication" and put it to the {c}:\Documents and Settings\{User}\Start Menu\Programs\{MyApplication}. Then user can remove your application by deleting all application files (remove-all.bat). – garik Sep 03 '10 at 06:46
@alhambraeidos do the same with "start menu\program": create forlder, put shortcut... – garik Sep 03 '10 at 06:56
any sample for create shortcut. Anyway, user has not rights, can a user (not admin) create shortcut and copy files in c}:\Documents and Settings\{User}\Start Menu\Programs\{MyApplication} ? – Kiquenet Sep 03 '10 at 08:41
@alhambraeidos 1) ShortCut: http://www.geekpedia.com/tutorial125_Create-shortcuts-with-a-.NET-application.html. 2) I think, yes, this is his or her directory {User}, right? – garik Sep 03 '10 at 10:10

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Nov 23 '20 at 09:38

Use InnoSetup and install the application to %LOCALAPPDATA%\MyApp, which is denoted as {localappdata}\MyApp in an ISS file.

Make sure your application uses Registry keys in HKEY_CURRENT_USER only. You can set these up using Root: HKLM

Set PrivilegesRequired to lowest.

Install WinForms application without admin rights

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