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UrlDownloadToFile returns INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND under SYSTEM account and when behind a proxy

Hi experts,

I have a very simple looking C++ code that uses URLDownloadToFile and fails when run from behind proxy and under SYSTEM account. It works fine if I either use direct connection or run under a user account. I am making following call:

URLDownloadToFile(NULL, wszURL, wszFullpath, 0, NULL);

I have a service that runs under SYSTEM credentials. This service launches a program, say, DownloadMyFile.exe that downloads a file using above call. This download works.

Then I connect my machine to proxy and specify the proxy thru IE options. After this URLDownloadToFile starts giving INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND (-2146697211) error.

Now when I double click on DownloadMyFile.exe, which makes it run under user credentials, it successfully works, even from behind proxy.

I tried this on Vista/Win7/XP and found same behavior.

Any clues?

Thanks!

Viney Kumar

ASKER

Guys,

This is a very critical requirement for me. I will highly appreciate early replies.

Thanks,
Viney

jkr

our problem is that services running under the 'LocalSystem' account have almost OS privileges, but are not allowed to use _any_ networking facilities. To overcome this, make sure to assign your service to run under a predefined user account (preferrably one belonging to the admin group) which does have network access (this is usually done by specifying an account name&password in the call to 'CreateService()', but you're also able to change this from the 'services' control panel applet).

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

DanRollins

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George Tokas

jkr is right and allready posted solutions about that...
I had the same problem but didn't solved it because I wanted the application - service - to be with no memory leaks...
By the time I solved the leak problem I didn't had a need for the service application...

George Tokas.

Viney Kumar

ASKER

I tried following and had limited success.
-      Find PID of explorer.exe
-      Get token of logged-in user by calling OpenProcessToken() using above PID
-      Lauch copy of MyDownloadApp.exe calling CreateProcessAsUser() and using logged-on users token.
-      Now MyDownloadApp.exe runs under user credential and can successfully download

This solution is working on XP. But on Win7 it gives error INET_E_SECURITY_PROBLEM (0x800C000EL or -2146697202).

Before I get completely diverted, I will find out more on what DanRollins has suggested.

jkr

Have you tried running the service under a different account also?

Viney Kumar

ASKER

Guys, finally I could solve my problem. My earlier post was almost the solution. One additional step that I took is that I tried downloading from a secure site. I changed the URL that was having a valid Verisign cert. That removed INET_E_SECURITY_PROBLEM (0x800C000EL or -2146697202).

George Tokas

I think that DanRollins has given a valid answer....

George Tokas.

Viney Kumar

ASKER

The solution given was an excellent lead to the right final solution. I needed to dig out more info. I could find out the final solution and posted here.