what is the difference between startup folder and HKCU/RUN ?

[*ProteanThread*]

does it matter where i install an application ? what are the advantages
of one over the other ?



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[Phil]

You wouldn't install an app in either of those places. Those are used for
starting your app at windows startup, not to install apps into.
The difference is one is a folder and one is a registry value. If the app
has an option in it to have it start with windows then the app uses the
registry key to set it to startup. If the app has no such option and you
want it to start at windows startup, then you put a shortcut in the startup
folder.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

Unless you thoroughly understand why you might choose an alternative path
for installing a program, it is a good idea to just accept the default
installation folder that is offered by the installer at the time you first
install a program.

 

[R. McCarty]

Some applications make use of "Hard Coded" references.
Not that many these days, but if you change the default path
it could possibly cause some run-time issues.

Personally, I dislike applications that create very long or nested
install paths. Sometimes I just truncate a path to Program Files\
'CompanyName' & be done with it.

Occasionally, you'll find an application that if updated won't
install correctly if you've modified it's default path. You end up
with duplicated install folders that overlap. Some uninstallers
use the "Default" path, so if you uninstall you might run into issues.

 

[Alex Nichol]

does it matter where i install an application ? what are the advantages
of one over the other ?

An applications setup will usually do the deciding. Mostly they install
through one or other of the registry keys. The Startup folder is really
aimed at occasions when you want to do it for yourself; make a shortcut
and drag it into the All Programs - Startup menu. This does give some
extra flexibility; eg in being able in the shortcut properties to
specify a 'starts in' folder, and whether to run in a Normal window or
minimised

Also the HKLM Run is processed first. then the HKCU one then the
Startup folder, so it can be useful if you want to be *sure* one of two
programs is started earlier