vb.net desktop app using a con.fig file

Question

In a vb.net 2010 desktop application, I added an app.config file to the application 2 years ago. I did not so I can point to different directly paths without needing to recompile the application. This change worked at that time.
I have not needed to change the application until recently.

Now I actually have to recompile the application so the app.config file changes will be picked up.

Thus can you tell me what I can do to the application so I can change the app.config file without needing to recompile the application?

dc · Answer

I have an app.config file and has a value like has some of the following information: --> --> I want to change the line above to be: I want to change the app.config file without needing to recompile the program.

Nitin Sontakke · Answer

That somehow doesn't sound right to me. Check if file is read-only. If yes, remove that flag. Also, you are again going back to app.config. I believe, the file to be changed is .exe.config Can you please confirm. I always fail to understand why people do not properly respond to each of the points raised in the original post.

dc · Answer

The app.config file will not let me change the values outside of the application. The file is locked. Once a user signs on to their computer, I try to change the values in the app.config file. The permissions are locked. The network people say that the user and I have all the rights (permissions) that are needed. I open up the app.config file in notepad in the users computer and the values are not saved. Do you know what else could be wrong so I can not change the permissions. I install the application using the old setup and deployment project that is in visual studio.

Nitin Sontakke · Answer

I am not 100% sure about this, however, please follow along and TELL ME if it is working / not working. Wherever is your .exe file, there will be one .config file. For example, if your exe name is SomeExecutable.exe, there will be a file called SomeExecutable.exe.config. Open that file in notepad / notepad++ or any of your favourite text editor. Change the value you want to change and save the text file. Run your exe file and it will read the changed value. That is the purpose of the config file. Why are you thinking / bringing compilation in between is not understood by me at all.

Nitin Sontakke · Answer

I read and re-read your question 3 times and failed to understand what you are trying to say / achieve. Could you elaborate a bit, please. Give some example, code sample, etc.