I am updating a launcher I created with the 1.0 spec. In the interim, both a 2.0 spec and a new version of the appname have been released. I have updated and created a successful launcher including updates to the registry. Now for the part I need help with:
The new appname uses data and saved files in directories outside it's program folder, like it should. So now I need to get into DirectoriesMove to backup what is there (if any), copy the portable data and then revert. The data is largish (>50MB) which would take time and I think I have to make individual lines for each file as wildcards are not supported. So, can I backup what is there (if any) and then create symlinks to the folders on the thumb drive, wait for the app to exit and then remove the symlinks and restore any backup instead? If so, how or at least get me started. Here are some details:
Data Path -> C:\ProgramData\app name\
Save Path -> C:\Users\username\Documents\app name
Thanks,
Homer
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Symlinks are not an option. It's probably been discussed a half dozen times, so I will not rehash it here. To summarize, they can be buggy, may not work on all machines, don't work on FAT32 (which some people have), etc.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
OK... nevermind.
Thanks,
Homer
Since symlinks are not an option, is there a more acceptable way or a list of options I can explore to get the app to run more portably?
I've tried changing the reg keys. That works for the install directory, but not the data/save files.
Homer
Check out the PA.c Launcher. We don't bother with custom launchers anymore. It can automatically backup and restore stuff and move it in and out.
Though, honestly, an app with no way to redirect that stores 50mb of data locally (that will then need copying back to the portable device) will take a very long time to shut down and wouldn't be considered for inclusion here at PA.c.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
Good news for me! I now have the command line arguments to redirect the directories rather than move/symlink them.
Homer
Get packaging!
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
The launcher I have built is for Army Builder (www.wolflair.com). It runs in Demo mode only as activation is required for full use and this is similar to Windows activation (PC and OS/SP level). I suppose you could activate it, but then why make it portable.
I help maintain the files for Warhammer 40,000. Demo is sufficient to allow file editing on the go or replicating reported bugs in the data files. I can package it as a launcher, if you think there would be interest.
Homer