Hi,
A little background information. I'm intermediate level in both C, C++ and advanced Java.
I want to improve my C++ programming skills right now, and also fix this issue I am having.
Background information on my problem
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I have created a software, and am packing it and all the supporting files with iExpress to make an easy installer. So the result is a nice single .exe that when ran by the user will present them with a pretty interface to extract/install the application to their PCs. What I want is to block the file from simply being able to be extracted by 3rd party extractors. I have noticed if I right-click on my install file winRAR gives me the option of Extracting it.
I think it makes my install file look ridiculous and very unprofessional. I have so far just ignored the issue, but many people who have used my application have noticed this and commented on it, and so I want to fix that now as I feel it cheapens my application!
Solution I have thought up, but need help implementing
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I figure I need to patch the final exe to somehow change the part of the file that shows it can be extracted with wextract, (which is the standard application that extracts an iExpress file). Since the file itself knows to call wextract to start the installation process, then the file will still work as normal. It will just remove the indicator to other applications that this file is just packed and can be unpacked.
I have searched high and low for information on patching exe files, but have trouble with searches on google
I have tried these, and many MANY more similar
"how to patch a file"
"how to patch a PE file in C++"
etc.
They all turn up nothing useful... Can anyone help me? The concept is so simple I don't think this is very difficult, I just don't know where to start.
Thank you for your time