asked on

Set File Permissions via Code

Can someone tell me how to set file permissions in Delphi? I am using TINIFile.Create to create INI files in my application. The problem is that if I create the file while logged onto Windows as an administrator and then try to run the application as just a standard user and overwrite the INI file, I do not have permission to do so. I put the file in the AllUsers\ApplicationData\MyProduct folder. I'd like to either set the permissions to this folder or to the INI file I create. I need AllUsers to have Full permissions to either the MyProduct folder or to the INI file I create. If its possible to do this through a WindowsAPI that'd be great because I also need to do this in C++ and C#. I'd really appreciate any help. Thanks!

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

jkr

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

BluePain

You can also use the terminal "attrib".
system("attrib -your command-");

jkr

>>You can also use the terminal "attrib".

No - 'attrib' manages attributes, not permissions. 'cacls.exe' manages permissions in the above way, but that does not meet the criteria 'via code',

farekat

ASKER

thanks jkr, do I have to include any special uses (i.e. System, Windows) in the Delphi file...to use GetNamedSecurityInfo...etc??

BluePain

I see

jkr

I don't know Delphi very well, but you'll need advapi32.dll (aclapi.h). Just check the MSDN docs for the respective functions:

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa379579.aspx ("SetNamedSecurityInfo")

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa376378.aspx ("BuildExplicitAccessWithName")

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa379576.aspx ("SetEntriesInAcl")

farekat

ASKER

It works when I do it to a file but I cant seem to get it to work with just a folder...any ideas?

jkr

Works with a folder also. In fact the code was even used for one. What error codes do you get?

farekat

ASKER

I was not getting any errors but it just didnt set the permissions for the directory. Ill submit code shortly.

farekat

ASKER

I just got it to work NEVERMIND!!!! what a nightmare, JKR you're the best thanks for the help!

Stef Merlijn

farekat:
Would you mind sharing your Delphi code with me which sets permission to the folder?