UpdateHelper Actions Plugin and Windows Service

Benefits

This software bundle allows users of TrueUpdate the execution of privileged operations, even if the update client is not running with the "Require administrator (default)" setting. With the aid of this software, composed by an actions plugin and a matching Windows service, programs running as invoker are able to perform changes in the system registry (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE) and replace files in folders that are under the control of the UAC (User Account Control), like Program Files, for example, without triggering any security prompts, annoying the end user.

The update client does not need to request elevation before running, and can be executed as the logged user, not showing any UAC warnings before checking if a newer version of the product is available. Using the "as invoker" setting, the developer can perform silent update checks, yet he can execute privileged operations when the need arises, by safely communicating with a Windows service over an encrypted channel.

You can avoid messages like these and UAC security prompts on recent operating systems like Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 and Windows 7, when you add the plugin to your TrueUpdate project and inform the Windows service about the privileged operation that needs to be performed. Using this plugin and the service, changes can be made to restricted areas and under the control of the UAC, quickly, silently and safely.

The encryption key used between the actions plugin and the Windows service differs for each customer of this software bundle. If one developer deploys the UpdateService on a client's computer, another developer will not be able to communicate with it, by using his own licensed copy of the actions plugin. By allowing that only matching softwares are able to exchange information, the risk of abuse of the Windows service is greatly reduced. This means as well, of course, that a licensed version of the plugin is unable to communicate with the evaluation version of the Windows service, and that the evaluation version of the plugin cannot send commands to a licensed version of the Windows service.

Version comparison

Not all of the functions are available in the evaluation version. Some functions are not compiled into the code of the evaluation version, and are available only in the full build. (Related info can be found here.) Additionally, the evaluation version will work only with TrueUpdate, while the full version will be recognized in AutoPlay Media Studio, Setup Factory and Visual Patch as well.

	Evaluation	Full version
UpdateHelper.Test()
UpdateHelper.FileCopy()
UpdateHelper.FileMove()
UpdateHelper.File.Delete()
UpdateHelper.FileInstall()
UpdateHelper.FileRun()
UpdateHelper.RegistryCreateKey()
UpdateHelper.RegistryDeleteKey()
UpdateHelper.RegistryDeleteValue()
UpdateHelper.RegistrySetValue()
Compatible applications

Download

Compatible with:	(evaluation) / (full version)
License:	Commercial plugin, free trial for 7 days
Documentation:	Deployed with installer, or online here
Forum post:	Indigo Rose User Forums
Download links:	Evaluation version Full version for registered users

Purchase

The plugin will work for 7 days, after this it you will need to unlock the program if you wish to keep using it. Please use the form below to send your registration info. The cost for this plugin is US$ 39.95. If you have any questions, please use the contact form prior to your purchase.

Site code:
MID:

If you are unable to use PayPal, I ocasionally accept Amazon Gift Cards as well for single purchases.

When making your payment, please inform the Site code and MID, as shown on the activation dialog displayed by the plugin, to allow us to create the correct unlock code. If you forgot to inform the data in the message sent through PayPal, you can reach us anytime later through our contact page.

The activation code does not expire, and will work with future versions, including updates and bug fixes. A new activation code may be required if you need to reinstall your operating system, and will be sent for free - just let me know.

Please use the trial period to evaluate if the product meets your needs - the software is provided "as is", and no refunds will be granted if you later decide that something is not working as you thought it would.

Change Log