Tested on Windows 7, Windows 7 64, Windows 7 64 vlited, Vista, Windows XP sp3, Windows XP sp3 nlited, Administrator and Guest accounts
(10-15-11)
A safety recovery mechanism is now included. If someone leaves the machine in portable desktop mode, and disconnects their portable device from the machine...the recovery mechanism will execute amongst a restart and return the computer to normal. Restarting is probably one of the first things the computer owner would do if they came to their machine and see it's not quite right.
(10-13-11)
I made a few more adjustments. The program can now be installed anywhere on your portable device. You can rearrange the files and folders into any exsisting, or new folders, or how ever you choose.
I also didn't want the program to come off as being competition to the geek/portableapps menu so using the wallpaper and menu function is optional. If you'd like to use PortableDesktop's wallpaper swapper, add a bitmap named 'pdwallpaper.bmp'. If you want to use the wallpaper and the start menu add or rename a bitmap to 'pdmenuwallpaper.bmp'. Either one or the other. If you have two bitmaps with both names...pdwallpaper.bmp will take precedence. If neither exists the host's wallpaper will be used.
(10-9-11)
I've updated the program.
-64 & 32 bit
-PortableApps (Programs) folder integrated in the Windows start menu
-Wallpaper Swapper
-Keeps Host's desktop icons at their original positions
I wrote in the wallpaper swapper function because I couldn't figure out a way to exit the PortableApps/GeekMenu and execute the HostDesktop.exe program in one click, without leaving the host computer with a different wallpaper. That dominoed into including the function of having the programs visible in the Windows start menu.
Anyone wants any features disabled, or modded versions, let me know.
(3-10-11)
Tested on Windows 7, Vista, and XP
About 150kbs
Install program to the root of removable drive. X:\
Fixed issue with having to be executed from the root of removable drive. Must be ran from X:\PortableApps\PortableDesktop\PortableDesktop.exe
Fixed issue with program icons, installed for 'All Users' being visible on your Portable Desktop.
Put together much better than before.
I happen to like my original version over the PortableENV/Open Desktop version. Not because I made it. I think it works better.
Please try it. Please leave any comments, errors, or suggestions...
(Jan 2, 2010)
Any help, modifications, feedback, mishaps, drawbacks, etc. is definitely welcome.
This was tested on XP & Vista using both, Administrator and Guest accounts.
Install to the root of your flash drive. "X:\"
Your flash drive's, soon to be, desktop icons/files/shortcuts should be in X:\Documents\Desktop
To switch to your portable desktop you'll launch the .exe in root (which must remain) or from your menu.
To switch back to the original computer owner's desktop environment launch HostDesktop.exe either from your newly visible desktop icon, or from your menu.
And that's it. Kind of reminds one of Mojopac, but better. Best to have it autorun w/your menu for the full effect. Using the PortableApps menu wallpaper swapper feature, adds on really nicely as well.
Would be nice to get it to auto-switch back to HostDesktop amongst exit, but you have to manually do it otherwise the computer will look for a folder that is no longer there.
Once again any help is invited, appreciated, and wanted.
This program is Superb! But without a shadow of a doubt, still definitely room for improvement.
(screenshots)
PortableDesktop
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/6366812/PortableDesktop.jpg
PortableDesktop Start Menu
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/6366812/PortableDesktopStartMenu.jpg
HostDesktop
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/6366812/hostdesktop.jpg
(source)
http://cid-6d272f24aa8e012e.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Public/PortableD...
(Download)
http://www.mediafire.com/?d9b4kxkzczdd3sf