Running a software from an external hard drive

[Ken Blake, MVP]

But there is one burning question that remain , how come, some
software can be made portable...what's the difference with those that
can't...?

This is my last post in this thread. I'm tired of saying the same
thing to you, and don't know why you consider this a "burning"
question. But to reply to your question once more, here is a quote
from my first message to you in this thread:

"The answer depends on what program you are talking about. However, be
aware that almost all programs except an occasional one, typically
small, will *not* permit you to do this."

"That's because the program is not just a single file (or even files)
that you can move in that way. Most programs also consist of registry
entries, and other files and references within files located
elsewhere."

So if you need clarification, *some* programs (as I said "an
occasional one, typically small") are self-contained and what I
described is not a factor.

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Sunday, May 03, 2009 4:59:44 PM, and on a whim,
Roy pounded out on the keyboard:

Is it possible to run a software installed in another hard drive
already converted to an external one by emplacing it in an HDD casing.
via USB connection?
That converted external drive comes from another pc that was recently
been dismantled( retired<grin>)

Roy,

I didn't read every post in this thread, but the answer is a definite MAYBE.

I have a folder on my Desktop to apps that don't require any
installation. Most are utilities. But they're in the folder
appropriately named "Programs that don't need reinstalling".

In the past I have been able to get some client programs running when
they weren't able to find the original disks. Since you have the drive,
you have all the files. Copy the program folder from the old drive to
the Program Files folder and try to launch it. A lot of programs put
files into the System32 folder and other locations. Launching the main
program file will sometimes reveal those files by error dialog boxes
(Program.exe cannot find thisfile.dll). I would copy each file and
re-launch the program until everything was there that it needed.
Sometimes I'll place the files in the program folder instead of the
System32 folder if they're unique files. That way you won't have to run
them down if you do this again.

If there are extensive registry entries, then it probably won't work. I
have exported certain programs registry entries successfully and have
had success in importing them on another system to get a program
working. You could do some research on how to open the old registry
files you have on the old drive if you're willing to do the work.

And here is a link for some apps that will run the way you want:
http://portableapps.com/


Terry R.

 

[Roy]

This is my last post in this thread. I'm tired of saying the same
thing to you, and don't know why you consider this a "burning"
question. But to reply to your question once more, here is a quote
from my first message to you in this thread:

"The answer depends on what program you are talking about. However, be
aware that almost all programs except an occasional one, typically
small, will *not* permit you to do this."

"That's because the program is not just a single file (or even files)
that you can move in that way. Most programs also consist of registry
entries, and other files and references within files located
elsewhere."

So if you need clarification, *some* programs (as I said "an
occasional one, typically small") are self-contained and what I
described is not a factor.

Sorry Ken if I hit your nerve...
But your denial implies there is some mystery on the inner workings
of softwares that you don't know.
Or if you perhaps if you happen to know
you don't want to talk about it.
You can't even talk a tiny bit about portable softwares why do they
exist and how
does it differ from others that can't.?
I am want to know these hidden things how they work as it might led
to the
solution of my problem..

 

[Roy]

The date and time was Sunday, May 03, 2009 4:59:44 PM, and on a whim,
Roy pounded out on the keyboard:


Roy,

I didn't read every post in this thread, but the answer is a definite MAYBE.

I have a folder on my Desktop to apps that don't require any
installation.  Most are utilities. But they're in the folder
appropriately named "Programs that don't need reinstalling".

In the past I have been able to get some client programs running when
they weren't able to find the original disks.  Since you have the drive,
you have all the files.  Copy the program folder from the old drive to
the Program Files folder and try to launch it.  A lot of programs put
files into the System32 folder and other locations.  Launching the main
program file will sometimes reveal those files by error dialog boxes
(Program.exe cannot find thisfile.dll).  I would copy each file and
re-launch the program until everything was there that it needed.
Sometimes I'll place the files in the program folder instead of the
System32 folder if they're unique files.  That way you won't have to run
them down if you do this again.

If there are extensive registry entries, then it probably won't work.  I
have exported certain programs registry entries successfully and have
had success in importing them on another system to get a program
working.  You could do some research on how to open the old registry
files you have on the old drive if you're willing to do the work.

And here is a link for some apps that will run the way you want:http://portableapps.com/

Terry R.

Thank you very much for that information Terry!

 

[3c273]

You can NOT do what you want to do.

BS! It depends on the program. To the original poster, it would help if you
told us which program. Some programs, such as Winamp, Filezilla, Recuva,
(I'm just listing a few for the people that say you CAN'T do it) either do
not store their settings in the registry or they will rewrite their default
settings to the registry on first run. These programs can be moved. Others,
like MS Office, that spew files and registry entries everywhere can not be
easily moved. Have you tried it yet? If not, backup your hard drive and try
it. Or, post the name of the program here and you might get a better answer.

Louis

 

[Terry R.]

The date and time was Tuesday, May 05, 2009 2:21:50 PM, and on a whim,
Roy pounded out on the keyboard:

Thank you very much for that information Terry!

You're welcome Roy. If you have enough time and patience, you can get
just about anything to work.


Terry R.

 

[Roy]

BS! It depends on the program. . Others,
like MS Office, that spew files and registry entries everywhere can not be
easily moved. Have you tried it yet? If not, backup your hard drive and try
it. Or, post the name of the program here and you might get a better answer.

Louis- Hide quoted text -

Louis... I had a copy of portable MS office 2003 and 2007,given to me
by a friend , this comprises of the MS word Excel and Power point. I
I can put it in the flash drive and
bring iit instead of bringing my laptop. I can run this portable
office tools in any windows run pc I use....And when I quit using
the PC I just removed the flash drive and go ...
Therefore if this vaunted MS tools that are supposed to have multiple
registry entries can be made portable then the other softwares can be
made as well....

If anybody here can tell m e the technique I would be much pleased to
hear about it.

 

[pat]

Louis... I had a copy of portable MS office 2003 and 2007,given to me
by a friend , this comprises of the MS word Excel and Power point. I
I can put it in the flash drive and
bring iit instead of bringing my laptop. I can run this portable
office tools in any windows run pc I use....And when I quit using
the PC I just removed the flash drive and go ...
Therefore if this vaunted MS tools that are supposed to have multiple
registry entries can be made portable then the other softwares can be
made as well....

If anybody here can tell m e the technique I would be much pleased to
hear about it.

BS Those 2 programs are viewers and are designed to operate that way.
Pat

 

[Roy]

BS Those 2 programs are viewers and are designed to operate that way.
Pat- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Well thats BS pat have you ever experienced using those things I
mentioned? Maybe not...From my experience these portable MS wares
works like the full version except for their mobility and convenience

 

[Roy]

Hello Roy. It is my theory that these programs are created using
portable work environments. These are full version softwares from which
the core components are stripped using these "portable work
environments". To know more about this technique, please go
*'here'
(http://pc-tutorials.suite101.com/article.cfm/your_software_to_go)*.

Hope that explains things better.

Kind regards.

-- Goku

Thanks for that information Goku!