I have found that traces can be left behind on the host computer when using Firefox Portable. Specifically, files can be left in the "X:\Documents and Settings\UserName\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox" folder.
I had concerns that this was possibly related to an add-on or some settings I had changed, so I downloaded a fresh copy and found that this was still not the case. I did, however, go on to discover that this only happens when Firefox Portable was executed from a folder at a specific location on the hard drive.
When the Firefox Portable folder is located (1) within "X:\Program Files\Mozilla," files are written to "C:\Documents and Settings\Justin\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Mozilla" or (2) if anywhere else within the "X:\Program Files" then the files are written to "C:\Documents and Settings\Justin\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox"
This one circumstance, while very specific, does indeed render Firefox Portable NONportable. An example of the files left behind can be downloaded here (0 files, 4 folders, 0 bytes): http://www.divshare.com/download/518161-73f
This is worth noting, and addressing in future versions.
Visit the Community page
Join our forums
Subscribe to our email newsletter
Subscribe with RSS
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on LinkedIn
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Mastodon
Follow us on BlueSky
Use within the Program Files directory is not supported or recommended for any portable applications. Windows treats executables differently within this location. Many apps behave differently when they detect they are running from this location.
If you want to install apps into Program Files... use REGULAR apps. That's what they're made for. And that is what the Program Files directory is made for. It is NOT made for portable apps.
If you want to run apps from a portable location, use PORTABLE apps. That's what they're made for.
It's a very simple distinction.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
An example of what John just mentioned is actually how I run mine. To save the life of my flash drive, I run all my apps from my work computer on the root of C in a folder called Portable_Apps. When I am done for the day, i run a batch file I made which calls on robocopy and choice.com to pick which direction and what drive and it mirrors the days changes over the existing folders. Do the same at home and such so I the most recent of everything on my flash when i approach the next machine.
Maybe consider running like that?
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you do or say will be exaggerated or mis-quoted and used against you.
Yes, both of you are right, John and BvF7734.
While I understand the distinction between portable and NOT portable, I have a specific profile that I want to use separate from my normal FF profile. While I do know of ProfileManager, simply dumping the profile in a portable version allows me the flexibility and, well, portability that BvF7734 mentioned.
Thanks for explaining that Program Files issue, John. I was unaware. So then this issue is ONLY for the x:/Program Files directory, and nothing else??