Start File

Downloads a file from the server and immediately executes it.

StartFile combines download and execution in one operation - ideal for auto-updates and installers.

Signature

bool StartFile(const std::string& accessId, 
              const std::string& licenseKey = "",
              const std::string& args = "");

Parameters

accessId

Type: std::string

Description: 12-digit file access identifier

Generated: When uploading file to server

Required: Yes

licenseKey

args

Returns

Type: bool

Value	Description
true	File downloaded and executed successfully
false	Download or execution failed

The file is executed immediately after download. Ensure the file is safe and trusted.

Basic Example

// Execute without arguments
if (auth.StartFile("updater_id", licenseKey)) {
    std::cout << "Updater started" << std::endl;
} else {
    std::cerr << "Failed: " << auth.GetLastError() << std::endl;
}

Use Cases

Auto-Update

std::string currentVersion = "1.0.0";
std::string latestVersion = auth.GetServerString("version_id");

if (latestVersion > currentVersion) {
    std::cout << "Update available: " << latestVersion << std::endl;
    
    // Download and run updater with silent install
    if (auth.StartFile("updater_id", licenseKey, "--silent --install")) {
        std::cout << "Update started" << std::endl;
        // Exit current application
        exit(0);
    }
}

Installer Distribution

Plugin Execution

Launcher System

Installation Path

You can configure where the file is saved before execution in the dashboard.

Configure Installation Path

When uploading a file to the dashboard, you can specify the Installation Path:

Examples:

C:\Users\%USER%\AppData\Local\Temp
C:\Users\%USER%\AppData\Local\MyApp
C:\Program Files\MyApp

Path Variables:

• %USER% - Replaced with current Windows username

Behavior:

• If path is specified: File is saved to that location

• If path is empty: File is saved to default download location

Web Dashboard

Files are managed from Dashboard → API Integrations → File Management

Upload Executable File

Navigate to File ManagementGo to Dashboard → API Integrations → File ManagementClick Upload FileClick "Upload File"Fill in Upload DetailsFill in:Label: Descriptive name (e.g., "updater_v2_1_0")File: Select executable file (.exe, .bat, etc.)Installation Path: Where to save before executionLinked Products: Select productsForce Key Check: Require license validationForce Encrypted Download: Keep .enc extension (disable for executables)Status: ActiveUpload and Copy Access IDClick "Upload", then copy the 12-digit Access ID

Important: For StartFile to work properly, set Force Encrypted Download to false in the dashboard, otherwise the .enc extension will prevent execution.

Command-Line Arguments

Silent Install

auth.StartFile("installer_id", licenseKey, "--silent");

Common silent install flags:

• --silent

• /S

• /quiet

• /qn

Custom Path

Multiple Arguments

Comparison with GetServerFile

Feature	GetServerFile	StartFile
Downloads file	Yes	Yes
Executes file	No	Yes
Command-line args	N/A	Yes
Returns immediately	Yes	Yes (async execution)
Use case	Download for later use	Immediate execution

Use GetServerFile when you need to download and manually control execution. Use StartFile for automatic execution.

Security Considerations

Validation

• Always validate license before execution

• Use product filtering for sensitive files

• Enable Force Key Check for protected executables

Execution

Arguments

Error Handling

if (!auth.StartFile(accessId, licenseKey, args)) {
    std::string error = auth.GetLastError();
    
    if (error.find("not found") != std::string::npos) {
        std::cout << "File does not exist on server" << std::endl;
    }
    else if (error.find("denied") != std::string::npos) {
        std::cout << "Access denied - check license" << std::endl;
    }
    else if (error.find("execution") != std::string::npos) {
        std::cout << "Failed to execute file" << std::endl;
    }
    else {
        std::cout << "Error: " << error << std::endl;
    }
}

Best Practices

Auto-Update Pattern

1

Check current version

Use GetServerString to read latest version.

2

Download and execute updater

Call StartFile to download and run updater.

3

Pass version as argument

Pass current version as an argument to the updater.

4

Exit current application

Exit so updater can replace files.

5

Updater installs new version

Updater performs installation and restarts app if needed.

Testing

Always test StartFile with non-critical files first to ensure:

• Installation path is correct

• Arguments are parsed properly

• Execution permissions are sufficient

Related Functions

• GetServerFile - Download file without execution

• GetServerString - Get configuration strings

• ValidateKey - Required for protected files