Hide database file from user

[NarendraSinghJTV]

codeproject helped me many times and i m thankful for that. There is another question when we create setup for windows application. can we set any property to hide the application database from the user. I want to hide the mdf file from the user. thanks for all the reply in advance

Regards Narendra Singh (Jindal Tech Ventures)

[Ashfield]

No more than you can hide any other file - you could set the hidden attribute, but thats about all. Why not use encryption within your database?

Bob Ashfield Consultants Ltd Proud to be a 2009 Code Project MVP

[NarendraSinghJTV]

can we define the hidden property at the time of creating setup project and how can i use the encryption in database if u please define some more it will be very helpfull for me

Regards Narendra Singh (Jindal Tech Ventures)

[Saksida Bojan]

The hidden attribute is a file atribute. It hides files from view for simple users. However more advance users uses 3rd party file manager or uses explorer setting "Show All Files". That settings shows files with Attribute: Hidden and System atribute. One whay to fool users is to use .mdf database with custom extension (something.Dat). If you realy want to prevent users from using your database, use on the fly encryption/decryption. I do not recommend to use hide attribute. You could use windows folder and put somewhere or Use custom partition and use it to store database there. The second option is not recommended, because it is too hard and too long to successfully use it.

[Ashfield]

In reality there is no real way to hide the file, anyone with a bit of knowledge will ab able to find the file whatever you do. The only way to be secure is to use sql server encrytion, so just google that.

Bob Ashfield Consultants Ltd Proud to be a 2009 Code Project MVP

[NarendraSinghJTV]

thanks ashfield now ill try to do encryption on database can u provide me some links for startup

Regards Narendra Singh (Jindal Tech Ventures)

[NarendraSinghJTV]

thanks saksida now ill try to do encryption on database can u provide me some links for startup

Regards Narendra Singh (Jindal Tech Ventures)

[Ashfield]

Try Google. We have given you the advice, now its up to you to do it.

Bob Ashfield Consultants Ltd Proud to be a 2009 Code Project MVP

[Saksida Bojan]

Simple encrypting and decrypting data in C#[^]

[NarendraSinghJTV]

Ok thanks for your rplies

Regards Narendra Singh (Jindal Tech Ventures)