asked on

Create binary files with dll extension that look important

I have 2 files that limits and tracks program uses. I want the files to look important so as to less likely to be deleted.
If i give the filenames a dll extension will this cause any issues ?
something like Win32.dll or Win64.dll

mankowitz

You can name a file whatever you want. As long as you don't put them in a particular directory, there is very little chance of someone trying to link to your fake dll. That being said, if the files are important, there are probably much better ways to hide them. Also, you run the risk of a security conscious person (or software) detecting that these are unused libraries and erasing them just to keep the system neat.

Consider keeping that sort of information somewhere else, If you are using VB, perhaps you could keep it in my.settings

Gerwin Jansen

Just naming the files differently will not give an issue, you should take care that your program still can use them.

What kind of files are they exactly and where did you put them? Do you know why they are being deleted? Is it the end users that delete the files?

isnoend2001

ASKER

Thanks
Typical Paths

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users.WINDOWS\Documents\HomeBids\Win32.dll
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users.WINDOWS\Documents\HomeBids\AppFolder\Win64.dll
Each time the program is ran the files are opened and add 1 use to each and compared
If one is different or missing then the program shuts down

Open sfilename For Input As #fnumber
Line Input #fnumber, sText
Close #fnumber

Gerwin Jansen

So renaming the files is not an issue. What about your fear that they maybe deleted? Who or what is doing that then?

isnoend2001

ASKER

Thanks Gerwin Jansen
No one is doing it. I just want to be able to catch them if they try.
Example:
Win32.dll holds 3 (used 3 times)
if Win64.dll is missing or does not hold 3 then an attempt has been made to crack the program

isnoend2001

ASKER

This seems to be my main concern:
unused libraries and erasing them just to keep the system neat
If the disk cleanup checks the last modified dll's date then this should not be an issue.
If this does delete both the dll's then the uses will start all over

SOLUTION

Gerwin Jansen

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mankowitz

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isnoend2001

ASKER

Thanks, i realize that this method is not fool proof the software tracks homeowners bids for home improvements and the majority
of users are not likely to be hackers ,especially for $50.00