How to Stop Resource Hacker from Creating Backup Files: A Comprehensive Guide

Resource Hacker is a powerful tool for managing and modifying the resources in an executable file, DLL, or other types of compression formats. It is widely used by developers and enthusiasts alike to tweak Software programs to better suit their preferences or improve functionality. However, for anyone using Resource Hacker frequently, an oft-recurring issue is the creation of backup files every time you save a modified DLL or other file types. While these backups, labeled with the suffix “_original,” serve as a safety precaution, accumulating unnecessary files can clutter your workspace. You may prefer that these backup files not be created automatically.

This blog post will explore how to stop Resource Hacker from creating these backup files, providing you with a cleaner work environment. We’ll delve into the settings of Resource Hacker, provide step-by-step instructions for modifying related settings, and discuss alternatives and best practices for managing backups manually.

Understanding Resource Hacker and its Features

What is Resource Hacker?

Resource Hacker is a free utility developed by Angus Johnson. It allows developers to view, modify, add, or delete resources within Windows executable files. It is a highly versatile tool in Software tweaking, used for resource editing tasks such as modifying dialog boxes, replacing icons, and changing string tables within an executable file.

Key Features

• Viewing and Modifying Resources: You can browse and inspect the internal resources such as strings, icons, bitmaps, and more.
• Extracting and Replacing Resources: It enables you to extract embedded resources to your file system and replace them with your custom ones.
• Adding New Resources: Developers can add new resources such as different language translations.
• Script-Based Resource Compiling: Resource Hacker scripts can automate these tasks in batch form.

Importance of Backup Files in Resource Hacker

Whenever a DLL or executable file is modified and saved using Resource Hacker, it automatically creates a backup with the suffix “_original.” This backup file contains the data prior to being modified. Although this functionality ensures a safety net—a wise precaution in Software development—it might be unnecessary for more experienced users or in cases where backups are manually managed.

Why You Might Want to Disable Automatic Backups

Workspace Tidiness

With every modification creating a backup, your files can quickly become cluttered, especially if you are making multiple changes across various projects. This clutter can hinder organization, reducing productivity by making it harder to find the versions you need to reference.

Storage Considerations

In environments with limited storage, unnecessary files take up valuable space. Regular edits can lead to a buildup of these files, especially if dealing with multiple or large DLLs.

Manual Backup Management

Experienced developers often prefer handling backups manually. They may have version control systems (VCS) like Git in place, where each change gets tracked and reverted if needed. In such cases, automatic backups become redundant.

How to Stop Resource Hacker from Creating Backup Files

Resource Hacker does not provide a direct setting through its graphical user interface to disable the creation of backup files. However, various indirect methods can be explored to achieve this goal. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Method 1: Use Resource Hacker Scripts

Resource Hacker scripts allow you to automate resource modifications without opening the GUI. By managing file operations through scripts, you can disable the backup process manually.

1. Create a Resource Script:

Writing a script instructs Resource Hacker on which files to modify, how to modify them, and where to save the changes.

“`plaintext
[FILENAMES]
Exe=YourFile.dll
SaveAs=ModifiedFile.dll

[COMMANDS]
-delete “RT_ICON”, “1” ; Example command
-addoverwrite “RT_ICON”, “1”, “NewIcon.ico”
“`

1. Execute the Script:

Instruct Resource Hacker to run the script without GUI intervention:

batch
ResourceHacker.exe -script MyResourceScript.txt

1. Manual Deletion of Backups:

Post-modification, set a batch script to delete backup files automatically. You can include:

batch
del /Q *_original.*

Method 2: External Backup Automation

If you prefer to keep the modification process GUI-based:

1. Utilize Scripting within Windows:

Create a Windows Batch script to delete “_original” files post modifications:

batch
@echo off
for /R %%f in (*_original.*) do del "%%f"

Schedule this batch file to run at intervals using Windows Task Scheduler after modifications.

1. Integrate with a Version Control System:

Use a VCS to handle all your backup and restoration needs:

• Git Setup:
  • Initialize a Git repository in your project folder.
  • Commit original files before using Resource Hacker.
  • Rollback to committed states when needed.

Best Practices for Managing Resource Files

Regular Backups

Regardless of inconvenience, regular backups still form an essential part of any developer’s routine. Ensure other fail-safe measures like regular manual backups or automated solutions are in place, given no software is foolproof.

Maintain a Clean Structure

Keep your workspace clean by organizing projects in dedicated folders. Use consistent naming conventions so backups and modifications remain distinguishable, simplifying script utilization.

Alternative Solutions

Should Resource Hacker not meet your need because of the backup issue, consider alternatives like:

• PE Explorer: A commercial tool providing resource editing with customization options.
• XN Resource Editor: A free option with simpler GUI and backup control.

Conclusion

Resource Hacker’s robust features make it an exceptional tool for resource manipulation, but auto-generating backups can be a nuisance for certain workflows. While it doesn’t allow disabling backups directly, the methods described in this blog can help tailor the software to your needs. Whether using external scripts, a version control system, or exploring alternatives, achieving a streamlined workspace is feasible with the right adjustments. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage your resource files without accumulating unnecessary clutter, thus maintaining a productive development environment.