Where to keep config data other than config file (Windows App)?

Question

My Windows application GUI is accepting some required application configuration fields from the user. I need to store them of course, but I wanna hide these fields from the user.

1. I cannot use database to store these configs.
2. I want to avoid using app.config either. (No app.config encryption)

Any suggestions, Where and in which format i should store fields. (Field example is: Accepting database User credentials, Task Schedule info etc.)

Answer 1

You can always write your own XML file and use the .NET cryptography classes to encrypt the data.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms229749.aspx

Answer 2

Encrypt the details to an XML file?

Use rijndael encryption that you can decrypt when you need it.

Answer 3

It's called The Windows Registry. I hate to recommend the use of it, but I think that it fits your requirement and its use quite ubiquitous.

Answer 4

These are possible: (but crazy and bad ideas): 1. Registry 2. Create your own custom settings file 3. Encrypt them 4. Write a web service api and store them on a web server

Answer 5

I would use an XML file (encrypt if you feel its necessary) and use

Environment.GetFolderPath(Environment.SpecialFolder.ApplicationData)

to store it in the %AppData% section of the user's file system.

Additionally, you may write a Settings class which you serialize to disk and deserialize to memory -- this could save you some persistance logic with the XML namespace.