Have a very frustrating problem that seems to be a conflict between running both Desktop Chrome and Portable Chrome at the same time. I get the message "Chrome detected that some of your browser settings were corrupted by another program and reset them to their original defaults" and had to resync everything. This wouldn't be that big of a problem if it weren't for:
1. I have a bunch of open tabs on Chrome Portable that I keep losing (Xmarks doesn't backup because Xmarks is signed out and even though the extension is synced back after Portable Chrome is wiped, its settings are lost).
2. A truly portable program shouldn't be in conflict with its desktop counterpart, right?
Can I really only work with 1 instance of Chrome? The whole point of Portable Chrome was that I could continue my session/work from school to home and vice-versa.
Thanks!
P.S.
1. Can I copy the settings files of the desktop version of Firefox and Chrome and transfer it to their portable version counterparts? I noticed that the portable versions of the browsers had a few settings that were different than their desktop counterparts (and also some settings that were added/removed as well).
2. Can I run the portable versions of the browsers on Linux?
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I am not a regular Chrome user (static or portable), but as far as I am aware the software does not allow multiple instances although it does provide for multiple profiles which may if set up correctly give you a workaround solution.
On the rest of your questions, you need to think logically about the way portable apps work, particularly when they encounter instances of installed software, e.g. Google Chrome Portable when started will move your desktop installation settings to a safe location and replace them with the portable settings. When you shut down the portable app everything will be moved back into place, avoiding your/someone else's desktop setup getting completely messed up. It should therefore be obvious that if you start up a desktop version of the app when the portable version is already running then it won't be able to find its 'normal' settings. Whether or not you can run the desktop and portable versions alongside each other would, of course, be dependent on whether the original software can co-operate.
You can copy profile settings (export/import) from one browser installation to another, but if differences in the settings for desktop and portable versions look significant then be wary. There may be a very good reason, e.g. some features may not work if altered or may have to work in a specific way.
Also, no you can't run any Windows software, portable or otherwise, directly on linux systems. You would have to use a Windows Virtual System or create a WINE installation. Or, of course, use a native linux version.
MJA
Wow, really? I didn't know that a portable application actually interacts with files (the settings of an installed application in your example) of the computer. I thought it carries everything it needs in the installation folder that is on the external device itself, with the occasional writing of some registries on the computer that is presumably to be deleted when the portable application exits.
Guess I'll have to find an extension that is capable of managing sessions on different computers then.
Thanks.
Just to add to this I never logged into Google Chrome ever so nothing syncs with Google meaning everything (extensions, bookmarks, etc) is stored locally within the portable apps folder.
This always worked great I could use Google Chrome with all my stuff on any computer however after upgrading to a new portable version it erases everything every time and when you go to settings it states:
"Chrome detected that some of your browser settings were corrupted by another program and reset them to their original defaults."
I'm not sure but I believe this started happening after upgrading to
v37.0.2062.120 or v37.0.2062.103 I did not have this issue in August it just started happening in September.
This is rather annoying because no matter what I do in Google Chrome after it's closed then opened again everything is gone.
I have tried reinstalling the portable version but have had no success so I'm thinking about reverting to an old version or Mozilla Firefox until this is resolved.
This is a different problem. - A quick google search provides some possibilities you might want to check out, e.g.
a) using a cleaning programme such as CCleaner can cause problems with Chrome profiles;
b) corrupted extensions/add-ons (Adblock Plus has been reported by some as having caused problems from time to time). That description might also include any extensions broken by a recent Chrome update. I know Firefox auto-disables any extensions that need updating, but I'm not sure what Chrome does.
The general consensus view on this sort of problem seems to be that some external software is altering the user profile and Chrome clearly doesn't like that sort of behaviour. Such problems might of course be caused by some 'scanning' software running on the computer(s) you use.
c) Another possibility is that your Chrome profile has been permanently corrupted. See http://www.thewindowsclub.com/your-profile-could-not-be-opened-correctly... for some guidance/options on this. Or you could try the radical, yet easier, approach: Re-install a clean version of Google Chrome Portable to see if the behaviour changes/improves.
MJA
It's the same problem, same error message and just as he mentioned it just started happening a little while ago after Google Chrome Portable was updated.
I have reinstalled Google Chrome Portable so it makes a new profile but the issue still exists. I have tried deleting the profile in Chrome and resetting all settings but the issue still exists.
Doesn't matter what computer I use Google Chrome Portable on this still happens something must have changed that is causing this.
The only way I have been able to work around is by syncing everything with Google so when everything resets when I open Google Chrome Portable on another computer I can just sign in and everything follows me. Although my previously opened tabs don't open so I use Session Buddy to restore them.
The same error message does't necessarily equate to the same problem, i.e.
you never mentioned using a Desktop version of Chrome alongside the portable version or running multiple instances of Chrome, which was what this thread was originally about.
Nevertheless, you clearly do have a problem with 'movement' of the app between PCs and the constant resetting/corrupting the profile. There is this ongoing thread - https://portableapps.com/node/42591 - about about some similar issues being experienced by another user that you might want to consider/follow. It could provide some clues to what might be causing these problems, particularly if any of the computers you use still run Windows XP.
MJA
I actually don't recall having this problem until recently as well (Chrome resetting settings).
First I would say do not think that there is some program executed from windows and it will not write to registry at all. Such 'stealth' programs are more of an urban legend.
Chrome needs kind of some parts of windows which other browsers do not need. Example: Chrome uses cryptography system of windows, it has no own on board at all.
Care is taken that other personal infos are not left on the local system, so even they might be created and used during the use of the program, they will be removed once the program is properly closed.
But if windows system decides to write about the use of a program to places which can not be accessed later, well then tis can not be completely wiped then.
Otto Sykora
Basel, Switzerland
mindstormer,
You might want to check out the following thread:
- https://portableapps.com/node/42591
It highlights some fairly recent changes implemented by Google which alter how Chrome user preferences are managed. There may be something there which also impacts on the problems you have been experiencing.
MJA