HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run An entry here can autostart any app during a boot. But one needs admin privileges during install to write there. This may not work if a standard user account is used to logon after a reboot. I think, an app with "requireAdministrator" in manifest will not start after reboot for any user account. I've found out that in order to make this to work, I need to modify the manifest for the program exe file. In the manifest, I have to change the setting of "requestedExecutionLevel" from "requireAdministrator" to "asInvoker". Unfortunately, this change causes side effects to the program. Just adding a manifest with "asInvoker" will not be enough. "asInvoker" manifest will work fine when coupled with the above method. Even a standard user account will be able to launch the app after reboot. But if your app needs admin rights, this will not work. Unfortunately, this change causes side effects to the program. You may need to refactor code for UAC compliance. I do not think there are acceptable workarounds. ... View more

Hi Alpesh, Thanks for your help. However, I remember that when I bought the certificate from VeriSign before, there was no such problem. This time, the certificate is bought from Thawte and the problem exists. Is it because the certificate created by VeriSign is better? Thank you. John ... View more

I found out that on Vista, Win 7, and 2008 Server, it doesn't generate a PVK file. Instead, the private key is installed into the registry. Then I reissue the certificate from Thawte on my XP machine. Later Thawte sent me a link to download and install the actual certificate and two intermediate certificates. These certificates don't require to have a PVK file. I can still export the certificate to a PFX file and import the file on a different machine. Therefore, I think it's still ok to purchase a certificate on Vista, Win 7, or 2008 Server, and the certificate can still work fine without a PVK file. Anyway, thank you for reading my post and trying to help me. ... View more