[.08] Problems with AutoExec

[DR_LaRRY_PEpPeR]

I had never tried to use AutoExec before yesterday... I see no special instructions, but I couldn't get it to work (in my usual "active" sandbox, new one, nothing with 4.01.07). So had to investigate. Worked right away with 4.01.07 on the other XP system! Here's what I found, testing with:

AutoExec=reg add HKCU\Software\Test123

First, it appears that in 3.76 and 4.01, an AutoExec (when it works), is only executed when a sandbox first becomes active -- is that the intended behavior, I guess? Although the SandboxieAutoExec key itself is recreated, if deleted, with each new process.....

It looks like AutoExec in 3.76 ONLY works when using Run Sandboxed, etc. (Start.exe stuff). With Forced Programs, the command will be logged under SandboxieAutoExec, but it doesn't actually run. Assuming this won't be fixed if there are no more 3.x releases...

In 4.01, AutoExec ONLY works when using Forced Programs. So that explains why I couldn't get it to work, since using Run Sandboxed, Run... whatever with Start.exe never does anything.

[Guest10]

In 4.01, AutoExec ONLY works when using Forced Programs. So that explains why I couldn't get it to work, since using Run Sandboxed, Run... whatever with Start.exe never does anything.

I can confirm this one, when sandboxing notepad.exe on 4.01.07, with:
AutoExec=reg add HKCU\Software\Test123

It works when notepad.exe is forced, but not when 'Run Sandboxed'.
(I didn't try the AutoExec command on 3.76)

[tzuk]

Thanks, I will check it in a day or two and post an update.

[tzuk]

This should be fixed in version 4.01.08.

[DR_LaRRY_PEpPeR]

I think it all looked OK in my quick testing. Thanks!

Is that the expected behavior where an AutoExec doesn't run once the sandbox is active...? I assume so, and that's fine. Just wondering since the SandboxieAutoExec key is recreated anytime a program starts. Plus, the AutoExec page says:

"... they are executed again the next time any sandboxed program starts in that sandbox. But it is also possible to get them to execute again, by manually deleting the command from that sandboxed registry key."

Which doesn't say after the sandboxed becomes inactive, but that's what's needed, thus my curiosity.

[Guest10]

Which doesn't say after the sandboxed becomes inactive, but that's what's needed, thus my curiosity.

A question, since I'm not sure that I correctly follow the discussion...
When the sandbox becomes inactive the sandbox reghive is unmounted, so if you wanted to remove the sandbox autoexec key at that time wouldn't you need to modify the reghive file in some way?

[DR_LaRRY_PEpPeR]

I'm not sure why you're asking (what the difference is ), but... It's really about deleting the values in SandboxieAutoExec, but I was just simply deleting the whole key, when I saw that launching a program recreates it, though nothing else AutoExec-related happens.

If what you're asking about is having the key gone when/after the sandbox becomes inactive, without deleting contents, the SandboxieAutoExec key can be deleted, and then close any remaining programs without opening anything new, and it should stay deleted. As far as modifying the RegHive without Sandboxie, sure, File->Load Hive in Regedit or whatever (under HKEY_USERS, if it matters), name it whatever, make changes, Unload Hive. I've never done that...

[tzuk]

There is a similar StartProgram command which could also be useful.

http://www.sandboxie.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=7512

[tzuk]

There is a similar StartProgram command which could also be useful.

http://www.sandboxie.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=7512