FileSystemWatcher running under impersonated user

Question

I have an c# winform application that runs under a local account but needs to monitor folders on a domain. I am using slightly modified code from here to copy the files and that works fine. Can similar code be used with the FileSystemWatcher set up impersonation so I can monitor a folder on a domain?

Answer 1

Yes, there is a good impersonation class here, include this class in your project and than simply place your FileSystemWatcher within a using block like this:

using ( new Impersonator( "myUsername", "myDomainname", "myPassword" ) )
{
   ...

   <code that executes under the new context>

   ...
}

Answer 2

You could:

Apply permissions to the domain folders that allow non-domain users access (i.e. Everyone.)

Logon with a domain account that has permissions and run the winform app.

Refactor the FileSystemWatcher code into a windows service and run it under a domian account with sufficient permissions.

Impersonate a domain account within the existing code, there are several good solutions on code project.