Installing https://portableapps.com/apps/internet/google_chrome_portable on Win XP SP2 under administrator account to e.g. C:\Program Files\GoogleChromePortable, I get:
The destination folder you selected is invalid. Please choose
a valid folder. [C:\Program Files or sub-directories]
Any ideas? Thanks.
Program Files is not a valid location to run portable software from. It is for installed apps only. Many portable apps will NOT run in portable mode when installed to Program Files. This is by design in the original apps and can't be changed. Plus, when you upgrade your OS to Vista or later (as you should once Microsoft shuts off XP updates in April and it becomes an insecure OS), all your portable apps in Program Files will cease to function due UAC.
As such, Program Files and Program Files (x86) are locked out by the PortableApps.com Installer for all apps. This is to prevent current issues (apps that run in local mode in Program Files automatically) and future issues (once you update your OS).
Please install to C:\PortableApps instead. All apps will work properly there. As a bonus, the PA.c Installer will automatically find that location when you go to install an upgrade later.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
> Program Files and Program Files (x86) are locked out by the PortableApps.com Installer for all apps."
Thanks. Suggestion for improvement: fix
Please choose a valid folder. [C:\Program Files or sub-directories]
> Please install to C:\PortableApps instead.
Thanks - that works.
Another suggestion: fix that the installer's default destination is the very poorly chosen:
d:\Chrisjj\Documents and Settings\Chris\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\AANBH0QX\GoogleChromePortable
The default is to run a search and see if a PortableApps directory exists on any system drive as well as your User root on the local drive. If found, it'll default to there. If none are found, it'll default to the current directory, as users will often download and install to the current directory to test (often their Download directory or Desktop directory). It's generally a bad idea to run something directly from your browser without virus scanning it first. It's assumed that only a more technical user will download and run a portable app installer directly. Most non-technical users will use the PA.c Platform which handles everything for you automatically.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!