Deleting running executable file during creation

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Hi All,
I have one application call FullScreenDisplay of AppWizard type.
In OnCreate() of mainfrm.cpp i written code that hide the Task bar and start menu.
so only application desktop can saw.

If i create application that hide the Task bar and start menu.but not shows the Application window that is a application that only hide the Task bar and start menu.

i was successful in this by writting code for same in OnCreate() of mainfrm.cpp and returning 0

now i want to delete executable after running what i can do?

that in simple a person that run that exe will hide the Task bar and start menu.
And same time .exe also deleted.

All Related information are most WELCOME.

EDIT:-

Can any body tell me what wrong with deleting running executable. After that lots of discussion.

Posted 14-Mar-11 23:53pm

santosh dhanawade

Updated 15-Mar-11 17:28pm

v2

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Olivier Levrey · Answer 1 · 2011-03-15T01:20:00

Solution 1

As far as I know it is not possible to delete the executable file from which your code is running because the file is locked by the operating system after being loaded.

And why would you need such a strange thing??

Posted 15-Mar-11 1:20am

Olivier Levrey

Comments

[no name] 15-Mar-11 7:40am

Not strange thing its part of my application.will execute only when any undesire user access my system
next he/she doesnt even not get my .exe

please any suggestion are welcome from you.

Olivier Levrey 15-Mar-11 8:29am

I told you it is not possible. If you try to delete the file, you will have an "access denied" error.

Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 15-Mar-11 15:34pm

Olivier,

Yes, this is possible, but I'm sure you're well aware of that. You probably did not want to consider the opportunity, because such solution is too dirty, should be discouraged.

Anyway, I decided to answer, let OP breaking the head, not mine...
Please see.

--SA

Olivier Levrey 15-Mar-11 15:57pm

No I didn't know it was and I answered honestly.

Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 15-Mar-11 17:37pm

You did anyway.
Good to know :-) Thank you.
--SA

Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 15-Mar-11 15:35pm

Anyway. Olivier is right (my 5). If you want, you can use my answer.
--SA

[no name] 15-Mar-11 23:23pm

Its not dirty thing i need to do that for my executable security

Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov · Answer 2 · 2011-03-15T09:32:00

Solution 2

More exactly, you can delete it in the following way:

1) Locate the process holding the file and obtain its handle in your process's address space.

2) Using the process handle, call TerminateProcess, see http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms686714(v=vs.85).aspx[^].

3) Delete the file.

Doing of all this is highly discouraged; you don't want to take the risk of destabilizing your system.
I suggest you only do it for research purpose.

What is the purpose of your Question? I'm sure there is a better resolution, if you explain your ultimate goals.

—SA

Posted 15-Mar-11 9:32am

Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov

Updated 15-Mar-11 10:51am

v4

Comments

Espen Harlinn 15-Mar-11 15:52pm

My 5 - one possible use of hiding the taskbar and start menu, is to display your own.

If I was writing an application that hijacked the users desktop - I would proably like to hide my tracks too, by deleting the executable, and delete any other trace of it's existence, before it terminated. I expect this is not OPs intention, but it's an obvious possible use :)

Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 15-Mar-11 15:55pm

Thank you, Espen.
Unfortunately, we're discussing stuff which is all too dirty for development and not tricky enough for hijacking...
--SA

Espen Harlinn 15-Mar-11 16:33pm

If I could, I'd 5ed that reply - but it is actually posible to delete the executable of a running process, but it has to be created with this in mind ...

Olivier Levrey 15-Mar-11 15:58pm

I don't know if it is good to know but I learned something! :) My 5.

Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 15-Mar-11 16:50pm

It's always good to know, even if it is from the "Don't repeat at home!" series. :-)
Thank you, Olivier.
--SA

LloydA111 · Answer 3 · 2011-03-15T10:55:00

Solution 3

I can't remember the name of the API/registry key, but I know that you can tell Windows to automatically delete specified files on boot.

Posted 15-Mar-11 10:55am

LloydA111

Comments

Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 15-Mar-11 17:40pm

That is true, something used in installers. Sysinternals should help I guess. My 5 for the note.
--SA

Henry Minute · Answer 4 · 2011-03-15T11:25:00

Solution 4

Just a note of caution.

If you ever succeed in achieving your aims, you need to be aware of the law in the markets you are aiming at. In the UK a program that deletes itself could well be considered illegal, since it modifies the users system. I realize that many programs modify systems (saving settings etc.) and I cannot be bothered to look up the correct wording, but believe me it is illegal.

Posted 15-Mar-11 11:25am

Henry Minute

Comments

Espen Harlinn 15-Mar-11 17:31pm

I believe you - a 5 since I can't give you a 100 - but that's definitely something to be aware of.

Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 15-Mar-11 17:40pm

My 5, however the fact of illegal program of the sort is quite weird. How about the program which install itself -- also "modifies the users system"? Sounds ridiculous.
--SA

Henry Minute 15-Mar-11 17:49pm

Yep does sound odd and as I said I can't be bothered to dig out the exact wording but it is aimed at viruses, trojans etc. that might delete applications and data. However, because of the way it is worded it also applies to a program that deletes itself without explicit permission at the time of deletion.

Sergey Alexandrovich Kryukov 15-Mar-11 17:57pm

Thank you for those notes.
--SA

Deleting running executable file during creation

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