What is the normal way to send crash reports, product registrations, etc. In C ++?

Question

What is the normal way to send crash reports, product registrations, etc.? In other words, how do you guarantee that your C ++ Windows applications can "call home"?

I am not a newbie, but I am completely lost in this area. I have never done this before, so I will be grateful for any advice.

Yours faithfully,

Answer 1

For crash reports , I highly recommend using Microsoft WinQual , rather than trying to create your own. It is free and easily integrates with Windows, at least with XP. It also does not require changes to the code or the client side at all at the most basic level. To take advantage of the more advanced features, you can use the Windows Error Reporting API.

Answer 2

The code I wrote simply creates an email with the necessary information using the default email application for users with plain text information. I always get user permission to submit, explaining why I think the information is needed. Nothing is sent without their express permission.

I also prefer to use plain text (not always possible with memory dumps, etc.) so that they can check what is being sent, as well as personal or identifying information.

I am very cautious about this material, as there are possible legal consequences with this, at least in the jurisdiction where I work. In any case, this should always be done with the permission of the users as a courtesy.

Answer 3

As for the crash report, the WER is for starters. This has its drawbacks (the biggest thing you need to subscribe to it on microsoft, and all reports are sent to the central server of Microsoft) and is best suited for driver software.

If you need something else (add your own wishes here), you can either minimize your own solution (searching for codeproject.com provides several alternatives - just go to the "crash report").

Regarding product registration, a third-party solution should be available. I have not heard anything about the “built-in” for this, but this is an extensive topic - you should be more specific in the functions that you need.