Hi:

I'm creating a little app that configures a connected device and then saves the config information in a file. The filename cannot be chosen by the user, but its location can be chosen.

Where is the best place for the app's default save-to folder?

I have seen examples out there where it is the "MyDocuments" location (eg Visual Studio does this).

I have seen a folder created right at the top of the C:\ drive. I find that to be a little obnoxious, personally.

It could be in the Program Files[Manufacturer] or Program Files[Product Name], or wherever the app was installed. I have used this location in the past; I dislike it because Windows Explorer does not allow a user to browse to there very easily ('browsability').

Going with this last notion that 'browsability' is a factor, I suppose MyDocuments is the best choice. Is this the most common, most widely accepted practice?

I think historically we have chosen the install folder because that co-locates the data with the device management utilities. But I would really like to get away from that. I don't want the user to have to go pawing through system files to find his/her data, esp if that person is not too Windows-savvy.

Also, I am using the .NET WinForms FolderBrowserDialog, and the "Environment.SpecialFolders" enum isn't helpful in setting up the dialog to point into the Program Files folder.

Thanks for your input!

Suz.