How to save user and application settings in C#?

Question

1.00/5 (1 vote)

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I want to save Users and the Application settings.

I also read this well documented article, but still no luck:

I created the Settings named as Language and Country. Both are Strings.

As a next step, I try to Load the Settings at Runtime. Then here, I have a problem. When I add the using statement "using Options.Properties;" to my code then not use in it. Not highlighted, but anywhere in the code seen the settings if try to type something with.

C#

Properties.Settings.Default.language = textBox1.Text;
Properties.Settings.Default.language = comboBox1.SelectedItem;

But I have an error with TextBox and ComboBox as: An object reference is required for the non-static field, method, or property.

What have I missed and how can it be fixed?

What I have tried:

Here some screenshots:

Settings are working

Settings are not working

Posted 5-Nov-23 5:47am

ernteSKY

Updated 6-Nov-23 6:51am

v3

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[no name] 5-Nov-23 12:14pm

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/desktop/winforms/advanced/using-application-settings-and-user-settings?view=netframeworkdesktop-4.8

ernteSKY 5-Nov-23 12:26pm

I also seen this too... But in a simple Form App the Visual Studio asking for using statement if type Settings or hover with mouse the code of Properties.Settings.Default... Then replace with Settings.Default... and start using that using statement where storing the data. What about is it an DLL?! I think is same but I cant set to using my using using statement.

[no name] 5-Nov-23 12:50pm

"If you use Visual Studio, you can define settings within the Windows Forms Designer using the (ApplicationSettings) property in the Properties window."

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/desktop/winforms/advanced/application-settings-overview?view=netframeworkdesktop-4.8

"If you want more detailed control over your settings, you can define your own custom applications settings wrapper class. This is accomplished by deriving a class from ApplicationSettingsBase, adding a property that corresponds to each setting, and applying special attributes to these properties. For details about creating wrapper classes, see Application Settings Architecture."

2 solutions

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Richard MacCutchan · Answer 1 · 2023-11-05T06:52:00

Solution 1

See How To: Write User Settings at Run Time with C# - Windows Forms .NET Framework | Microsoft Learn[^] for how to save chenged values to your settings.

Posted 5-Nov-23 6:52am

Richard MacCutchan

Comments

Maciej Los 5-Nov-23 13:21pm

5ed!

Richard MacCutchan 6-Nov-23 3:44am

Thanks. But I do wonder why so many developers cannot find their way to the documentation.

Maciej Los 6-Nov-23 10:25am

The question is not "why they cannot find their way" by "why they don't try to find it".

Richard MacCutchan 6-Nov-23 10:54am

You are correct.

ernteSKY 6-Nov-23 11:08am

This does not cover the whole reality! I made that example solution and it doesn't work! Can't you ask for help or what's wrong with you?!

Richard MacCutchan 6-Nov-23 11:12am

"I made that example solution and it doesn't work!"
:sigh: what does that mean? How do you expect people to help you if you do not explain what your code is doing and what actually happens when you run it. Saying "it doesn't work", tells us absolutely nothing.

ernteSKY 6-Nov-23 11:28am

I understood but have you really read what I wrote? I try again... The read the article and made the same sample program. This sample program as well not working... I missing something... I also tried in a bigger project but I can't use the Properties and really don't know why. Not seen is a Property! I want to create .dll file where the settings are managed in different classes.

Richard MacCutchan 6-Nov-23 12:03pm

And again you tell us nothing about the actual problems you have:
1. "This sample program as well not working" What exactly happens? We cannot see your screen, or read your mind; you need to give us the details.
2. "I can't use the Properties and really don't know why." What Properties are you referring to, and what actually happens when you try to use them?
3. "I want to create .dll file where the settings are managed in different classes." Fine, go ahead and do it. And if you have actual defined problems then give us the full details or we cannot help you.

Maciej Los · Answer 2 · 2023-11-06T06:03:00

Solution 2

Your error message is:

Quote:
An object reference is required for the non-static field, method, or property

It means that you're trying to access an object in non-static method. For example, if your method is:

C#

private void ReadData(..){...}

change it to:

C#

private static void ReadData(..){...}

More at: Compiler Error CS0120 - C# | Microsoft Learn[^]

Posted 6-Nov-23 6:03am

Maciej Los

Comments

ernteSKY 6-Nov-23 12:53pm

Yeah I already tried... I made some screenshots! You can find under "What I have tried" sections...

Maciej Los 6-Nov-23 13:11pm

It seems you're trying to set the properties to object whose instance does not exist (Form_Settings).

ernteSKY 6-Nov-23 13:16pm

Is there but not seen and don't know why... Try to delete the whole class project and try again? The namespace is all the same... I already created before this Form_Settings in a different project but inside in the same solution. After I deleted... That can be made some error?

Maciej Los 6-Nov-23 13:30pm

Sorry, i don't understand you...
What i'm trying to tell you, is:

Form_Settings fs = new Form_Settings();
fs.ComboBox_Language.SelectedItem = Properties....