Create copy of my exe

[Magnum]

How would I make a copy of my program with a different name when it runs ?

Thanks.

[Vortex]

If the program does not permit you to make a copy then you can use the volume shadow service.

[Magnum]

I am talking about writing a program that would write out another copy with a different name.

[jj2007]

No problem under Windows XP SP3:

include \masm32\MasmBasic\MasmBasic.inc        ; download
        Init
        FileWrite "MyCopy.exe", FileRead$(CL$(0))
        .if Exist("MyCopy.exe")
                MsgBox 0, Cat$("Written "+GfDate$(-1)+", "+GfTime$(-1)+Str$(": %i bytes", GfSize(-1))), "Create a copy:", MB_OK
        .endif
        Exit
end start

The question is of course, is there a legitimate reason to do that ::)

[Vortex]

Hi Magnum,

Copying locked files is much more meaningful.

Here is a quick example trying your idea :

Code Select Expand

include ExeCopy.inc

.data

FileName            db 'ExeCopy.exe',0
DestFile            db 'test.exe',0

.data?

pMem                dd ?
pNumbOfBytesRead    dd ?
buffer              db MAX_PATH dup(?)
buffer2             db MAX_PATH dup(?)

.code

start:

    invoke  GetModuleFileName,0,ADDR buffer,32
    invoke  NameFromPath,ADDR buffer,ADDR buffer2
    invoke  lstrcmp,ADDR buffer2,ADDR DestFile
    jz      @f  ; Terminate the application if already copied

    invoke  ReadFileToMem,ADDR FileName,ADDR pMem,\
            ADDR pNumbOfBytesRead

    invoke  WriteFileToDisc,ADDR DestFile,pMem,pNumbOfBytesRead

    invoke  FreeMemory,pMem
@@:
    invoke  ExitProcess,0

END start


[qWord]

A smart virus simply use the function CopyFile()  ::)

[KeepingRealBusy]

qWord,

I was about to ask the same question, but would have suggested using a batch file to do the copy, or use a file editor such as PFE to COPY the file and SAVEAS.

Why invest the time to program such a common task?

Dave.

[jj2007]

A smart virus simply use the function CopyFile()  ::)

There are indeed many ways to skin a cat. Two questions:
1. Is there a situation (by Windows version, by login status) where the OS would not allow a running exe to be loaded in memory, or copied to a different folder?
2. Why would our Christian friend want to do this...?
::)

[Magnum]

Thanks Vortex.

It is not being used for any hurtful purpose.

Andy

[KeepingRealBusy]

JJ,

I started a test of VSTest.exe and took a breakpoint. I then started a DOS prompt and copied the VSTest.exe to a Temp.exe, no problem. Then while  VSTest.exe was still at the breakpoint, i executed Temp.exe. It too executed and started another copy of VS which took the breakpoint. Again, no problem. So you can copy an executing exe and the copy will work. Now if both exes are trying to access the same files, there will be problems unless both are opening the files for reading.

Now, this was all with Windows 7.

YMMV.

Dave.

[jj2007]

So you can copy an executing exe and the copy will work... Windows 7.

Thanks, Dave. Still, I do not see a meaningful application of this possibility, unless you want to spread your exe all over the place... and as usual, the OP will not reveal his "unhurtful" intentions ::)

[KeepingRealBusy]

JJ,

This was in response to your prior post about the OS allowing a running exe to be loaded into memory. I was not advocating such a copy.

Dave.