Recommendation to change default data storage directory to ProgramData

[ericnewton76]

This pulls data out of the Program Files area, which is UAT controlled and problematic sometimes.

Also, ProgramData appears to be becoming the de-facto storage root.

I recommend changing the default during installation to this directory.

Of note, I've switched my installation to use it after installing and having Data placed under Program Files. The only problem I've run into is the Backup routine. In spite of changing hmailserver.ini, its still thinking that the Data is still in C:\Program Files (x86)\hMailServer\Data. Possibly a new issue.

[OutbackMatt]

But ProgramData is a hidden directory by default. I think that will complicate life for a lot of non-admin users.

btw, what backup routine do you use? What does it say?

ALSO, this discussion should happen on the user forum please...

[ericnewton76]

Either way, it desperately needs to be removed from Program Files, since
this is an area that is rightly-so protected with UAC in order to protect
the application files from tampering.

ProgramData is a smart choice, especially if its hidden from non-admins.

On Wed, Apr 15, 2015 at 10:38 AM, OutbackMatt notifications@github.com
wrote:

But ProgramData is a hidden directory by default. I think that will
complicate life for a lot of non-admin users.

btw, what backup routine do you use? What does it say?

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[LeeThompson]

ProgramData is the recommended location for this kind of data. I think it should be configurable by the admin with ProgramData being the default for new installs. (Upgrades should keep whatever the current setting is or under Program Files to not break legacy users.)

[martinknafve]

@ericnewton76 Can you tell me what actual issues you are experiencing with the current default configuration?

[LeeThompson]

As for where hMailServer currently stores data, I'm not having any issues with Windows 2008R2 or Windows 7, but Microsoft is continuing to lock Program Files down and all the developer guildlines indicate that personal data should be under AppData and general data should be under ProgramData.

*Microsoft Certification Requirements: *
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/mt674655%28v=vs.85%29.aspx

Your app data, which must be shared among users on the computer, should be stored within ProgramData.

Your app’s data that is exclusive to a specific user and that is not to be shared with other users of the computer, must be stored in Users\<username>\AppData

NOTE: This is for desktop applications, I'm having trouble finding the server application one.

[OutbackMatt]

I seen windows 10 'updates' remove apps. I've not seen updates remove hMailserver yet, but I have seen other 'line of business' applications get removed automatically, including MYOB and specialised clinical software for doctors, and also paid versions of Antivirus software.

Seen Windows Updates remove stuff (without warning or consent) multiple times.

Anything to avoid that is welcomed...

BTW, I've changed my mind about this, I now think this is a good idea.

[LeeThompson]

@OutbackMatt, yeah I've heard about that too. What's happening is Windows 10 acts like it's a full OS upgrade (windows.old and everything) so Program Files is going to be affected by that. The only way around that would be to install in it's own path (C:\hMailServer or something). I'm not quite sure why Microsoft is doing it this way.

As for backing up if hMailServer used ProgramData. - Yes it is a hidden root (I wish it wasn't), my backup routines however, do back it up (with VSS). Of course, hMailServer's native backup script can place the backup data wherever the administrator chooses. (If only it didn't crash periodically but that's a different issue.)

[martinknafve]

This won't be implemented. I agree that the current implementation does not match current best practices, but changing the default would require quite a bit of testing.