How to Properly Create User Configuration Files During Admin-Privileged Application Installation?

Admin-Privileged Application Installation: Creating User Configuration Files

Installing applications requiring user privileges often necessitates placing configuration files within the user's AppData directory. However, limitations can lead to these files being created in the administrator's profile instead.

Solutions

Several methods address this challenge:

Common Methods

1. System-Wide Template:

Install the configuration file in a system location accessible to all users. On application launch, copy the file to the user's profile directory, ensuring the user's context is active. This avoids complex MSI impersonation and sequencing.

2. On-Launch File Creation (Default Settings):

Generate the configuration file when the application starts, using default settings. This eliminates installation complexities. However, it assumes certain settings are fixed and not customizable.

3. MSI Self-Healing:

Utilize MSI self-healing to install the configuration file. This happens when an advertised shortcut is launched. This relies on access to the installation source during repair and might be unreliable due to security software or ransomware.

Cloud-Based Solutions

4. Download Configuration:

Download the configuration file from a network share or web server. An administrator manages the file, ensuring default values and removing unwanted settings.

5. Remote Database Access:

Retrieve configuration settings directly from a remote database or web service. This removes the need for local files, but introduces vulnerabilities to network connectivity issues and firewall restrictions.

Best Practices

Modern practices often favor cloud-based solutions over local configuration files. However, network and firewall limitations must be considered. For home or small office environments, methods avoiding the need for original installation media, like the system-wide template or on-launch file creation, are generally preferred.

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