Ok here is what I have found through some digging and research.
I have personall tested these findings as well.
Can you remove the U3 portion of the U3 drive completely?
YES
Can you reinstall it once it is removed?
YES
Can you install your own "Launcher" or script into the "U3 System Drive"
YES
If you run the software update from the U3 LaunchPad it connects to the manufacturers website (in this case Sandisk).
It then runs an ActiveX control which downloads 2 files...
http://u3.sandisk.com/download/apps/LPInstaller.exe
http://u3.sandisk.com/download/apps/LPInstaller.CAB
Once downloaded to your machine the ActiveX control executes LPInstaller which will download an ISO file to your machine.
This ISO file can be found in the folder path below while the Installer is running,
the installer deletes the ISO file when it is finished, so copy it before the installer finishes...
C:\Documents and Settings\{User Name}\Application Data\U3\temp
So if you link directly to the installer file you can save it to your hard drive.
If you saved the ISO file while the installer was running, you can open and edit it with a 3rd party utility such as UltraISO.
You can then re-run the installer which will install your customized "Launcher"
I have personally tested this with both Tray Commander and PStart.
Both run correctly, but both also have issues as the "U3 System Drive" is read only and settings can not be changed.
Hope this answers some of the questions in various threads here.
I also removed the U3 software using the Launchpad Removal.exe in the same temp dir listed above which completely removed the "U3 System Drive".
This turned my U3 drive into a plain old USB drive.
I then re-installed the "U3 System Drive" using the Installer and ISO image, both my custom ISO and the original worked.
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the corresponding files for my Kingston and Verbatim U3 drives. The Kingston web page just says no updates available and the Verbatim doesn't even have an option to check for updates.
interesting, looks like those of us with Sandisk U3 drives CAN have our cake and eat it
how big is the ISO file? and how exactly do you edit it, so that it can be run locally
Would I be correct in thinking that if I wished to return to a "standard" U3 drive, all I need to do is to download these 2 files:
http://u3.sandisk.com/download/apps/LPInstaller.exe
http://u3.sandisk.com/download/apps/LPInstaller.CAB
run the LPInstaller.exe and my U3 drive is back? (to a standard format)
Because if this is the case, then I can run the "remove U3" program to make it a normal flash drive (because U3 isn't very good at this time)
BUT, if things at U3 change for the better, then I can convert my drive back to the U3 standard.
I've come across some posts that seem to imply that the Sandisk Installer would work with other manufacturers.
Possibly the installer is just a "generic" installer and the ISO image is manufacturer specific.
I can't confirm this as I don't have any drives from other manufacturers.
So try it at your own risk.
As far as the ISO, it varies in size depending on the version and manufacturer of the drive.
From what I have read though it should not be any larger than 6 Mb or it may not work or may hose your drive.
Editing can be done with a 3rd party util like UltraIso,
If you need more info than that, you probably shouldn't be editing anything.
Google UltraISO, ISO Editing, etc.
I tried this installer on my Verbatim and Kingston U3 drives as well as a "Privacy Drive" non-U3. In all cases the installer points out it's not a SanDisk compatable drive and quits.
Im working on a generic launcher that will launch which ever menu app you prefer.
Tray Commander, or PStart, or Fast Tray, etc.
It will be designed to replace the U3 Launchpad using the method mentioned here.
It may take a few weeks, I will keep you posted in this thread.
Actually, I would wait. Libertà Launchpad is coming out soon and I've seen a preview. It's spectacular.
----
R McCue
PortaBlog Home and My Website
PortaBlog is now officially out of beta!
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate."
I looked over the Liberta project briefly, It appears they will still be relying on an INF file to launch the menu app.
Which means you still have to click on the windows menu that appears to launch the app menu part of it.
The launcher I am working on is meant to replace the LaunchU3.exe located on the CD-Rom portion of the U3 drive which will launch any Menu App you want it to automatically when the drive is inserted.
Cool. What about Libertà AutoStart? I have beta copies of both.
Hmm, maybe you could be a new developer for Libertà. What do yo' think Steve?
BTW Steve sounds much better than Steven
----
R McCue
PortaBlog Home and My Website
PortaBlog is now officially out of beta!
"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate."
I haven't seen the AutoStart, only the AutoINF.
I would be curious to see how the AutoStart works.
Me Steve or Steven, I don’t care which ;). As for a new dev go for it. See here
https://portableapps.com/node/2216
Yours
Steve Lamerton