How do I replace embedded resources in a .NET assembly programmatically?

Question

I am trying to replace a Resource of an exe (.NET, C#) file using C# code.

I have found this article and made this code (using Mono.Cecil 0.6):

AssemblyDefinition asdDefinition = AssemblyFactory.GetAssembly("C:\\File.exe");
EmbeddedResource erTemp = new EmbeddedResource("encFile", ManifestResourceAttributes.Public);
erTemp.Data = myNewFileBytes;
asdDefinition.MainModule.Resources.RemoveAt(0);
asdDefinition.MainModule.Resources.Add(erTemp);
AssemblyFactory.SaveAssembly(asdDefinition, "C:\\newFile.exe");

The code is actually removing the resource and then adding a new one with the same name. The resource name is encFile and stored as encFile.exe (tried both).

I tested the code and the remove is working (i can tell by the size of the file) and the adding too, but the new file crash just like the file i created with the remove only (for the testing) - it acts like he can't see the replaced resource.

What can i do to fix it? Maybe some changes in the edited EXE file? The EXE file reads its resource this way:

byte[] buffer = ProjectName.Properties.Resources.encFile;

Answer 1

Trying to do this seems overly complex. If you need dynamic update of resources, ship your resources as a folder for your application (set items in the folder as content and copy if newer in project properties).

If you need dynamic update at runtime, then it's as simple as either:

1] Allow user to replace items in place or
2] Even better, treat it like word-press themes and allow an override folder for each resource.

If you need to tag each resource with metadata you could use a sqlite database or even easier, allow a matching .meta file for each resource to describe it in more detail.

Finally, if you are allowing digital download of your software, then you might consider code-signing your executable - in which case modifying the executable in any way will not be an option.