avoid write-protection for running .exe

[Dietmar Brueckmann]

Hi,

I want to update a .exe-file with a newer version for my inhouse-users via
xcopy-batch-file.
But if the user runs this .exe the xcopy fails and I've to phone him and..
Or I write an intelligent update-service, checking in start procedure if
there is a new version, start the update-process...
A very simple solution would be to set an option that it is possible to
overwrite currently running .exe-files. Than I would start my .bat with
xcopy and after success I would sent an email.
Does anybody know if there is such an interesting option or similiar simple
solution for this problem.

 

[David Candy]

An running exe file becomes a swap file. You can rename it. And that is it.

 

[Torgeir Bakken \(MVP\)]

Hi,

You can use Microsoft's InUse utility for this, reboot needed though...

Inuse.exe: File-In-Use Replace Utility (v1.4)
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/reskit/tools/existing/inuse-o.asp

Run inuse.exe /? in a command prompt for help.

and

228930 - How to Replace Currently Locked Files with Inuse.exe
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=228930

 

[Adibaby]

Easiest would be to use a command line utility called hobocopy. Strictly made for copying complete directory structures but can be used for a single file in the following manner:

hobocopy "z:\sourcedir" "c:\program files\dest" program.exe

Best to use the quote marks and don't use trailing directory slashes (which is contrary to the documentation for some reason)

https://github.com/candera/hobocopy/downloads