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Vista Idiosyncrasies

Vista Idiosyncrasies, Getting programs to work in both XP & Vista

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AdamSpeight2008
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19 Nov, 2008 - 01:51 PM

Post #1

I know a lot people are confused to why their application works on XP but not Vista. The basis of this tutorial is examine, explain and offer solutions.

Let's take this simple console application.

CODE

Module Module1
    Sub Main()
        Console.WriteLine(My.Computer.FileSystem.SpecialDirectories.AllUsersApplicationData)
        Console.ReadLine()
    End Sub
End Module

When run on;-
Vista
C:\ProgramData\ConsoleApplication1\ConsoleApplication1\1.0.0.0

XP
C:\Documents and Setting\All Users\Application Data\ConsoleApplication1\ConsoleAppliction1\1.0.0.0

Two totally different locations.
TIP 1 Don't hard code any file locations.

Example 2: The location of the .EXE

CODE

Module Module1

    Sub Main()
        Console.WriteLine(System.Windows.Forms.Application.ExecutablePath)
        Console.ReadLine()

    End Sub

End Module

Add a reference to the System.Windows.Forms namespace

Vista
C:\Users\Adam Speight\AppData\Local\Temporary Projects\ConsoleApplication1\bin\Debug\ConsoleApplication1.EXE
XP
c:\Documents and Settings\Adam Speight\Local Setting\Application Data\Temporary Project\ConsoleApplication1\ConsoleApplication1.EXE
TIP 2 Don't hard code any file locations.

More examples to follow.

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jacobjordan
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18 Jan, 2009 - 09:42 PM

Post #2

And one of the reasons a lot of applications will run on Vista and not XP is because they reference the dwmapi.dll to draw Aero glass inside the client area of their form so the UI will better integrate with Vista Aero style. That will make the application non-runnable in XP in most cases. Another main reason some application run only in Vista is because M$ purposely made it that way to force users to upgrade.

Bort

26 Feb, 2009 - 07:30 AM

Post #3

Also, Vista's Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is not compatible with ActiveX controls made using the Active Template Library 7.1 or earlier. If you are using such a control, either refer to the manufacturer for a new version, or find a way around DEP (not really recommended as this is bypassing your computer security).