Thread: fopen can't open .exe?

  1. #1
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    fopen can't open .exe?

    Is there a reason why I can't open a .exe file with fopen? I've got a function that's supposed to copy some files. It's copying all kinds of files fine (e.g. .doc, .htm, .asm, .inc). But I get an error when it tries to open a .exe file.

    I'm working on WinXP, and my program runs from the command line. If fopen is not supposed to be able to open .exe file, what can I use? Thank you.

  2. #2
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    It works on my computer. I'd think you need to specify read-only access.

  3. #3
    Lurking whiteflags's Avatar
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    Alternatives to what you are doing are explained in the FAQ: see, How Do I ... Run another program from within a program.

  4. #4
    and the hat of int overfl Salem's Avatar
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    > But I get an error when it tries to open a .exe file
    Here's a tip - post the actual error message(s)
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  5. #5
    Gawking at stupidity
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    Are you maybe trying to fopen() a running .exe program? If it's currently running you won't be able to fopen() it in write mode.
    If you understand what you're doing, you're not learning anything.

  6. #6
    Just kidding.... fnoyan's Avatar
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    Well, as I know open() is used to open files in binary and ascii mode. So, give a try to it!

  7. #7
    Gawking at stupidity
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    Quote Originally Posted by fnoyan
    Well, as I know open() is used to open files in binary and ascii mode. So, give a try to it!
    open() is just a system call that fopen() uses internally. It would undoubtedly fail just as fopen() does. Without the actual error message we'll never know, but open()'s not going to succeed if fopen() is failing.

    Did you realize that (without the 'f'), the letters in your name can be used to make the word "annoy"? That's interesting.
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  8. #8
    Supermassive black hole cboard_member's Avatar
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    >> Did you realize that (without the 'f'), the letters in your name can be used to make the word "annoy"? That's interesting.

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  9. #9
    Frequently Quite Prolix dwks's Avatar
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    It's copying all kinds of files fine (e.g. .doc, .htm, .asm, .inc). But I get an error when it tries to open a .exe file
    The error is when you run the copied exe, right? Open the file in binary mode, and don't use a char to store EOF.
    dwk

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  10. #10
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    Thanks for your help. Figured it out finally.

  11. #11
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    I'm having a similar issue. can you share with me how you did it?


    Thanks.

  12. #12
    ATH0 quzah's Avatar
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    This thread is five years old. Why didn't you just make a new one?


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