I am thinking of switching to the Platform proper. Currently, I download and install each PortableApps.com application individually. I am looking to solve two wishes by switching to the full platform.
First, I wish to install to a USB flash drive and then run applications on other computers with that flash drive set to read-only. It's okay if a few applications don't work like this, but does anyone have experience trying this? Does it just give too many issues in day-to-day usage? Currently, I have two sets of apps, one I use on my own system, installed to the hard drive, and another on a flash drive which I use on untrusted systems. (Side question: Does the read-only switch on a flash drive prevent writes via hardware, or is it just a flag to be read by the OS and then the OS mounts the drive as read-only?)
Second minor wish, I want to have file associations on the go. I understand the official solution to this is being worked on. The links I found in the forums to previous unofficial solutions are all dead links now. And it is my understanding those will not work on Windows 8 and newer. Xenon is what I have used for the last year, but sometimes an application just doesn't work for you, if you know what I mean. Mostly I need to associate archives like .ZIP files, and starting 7-Zip versus starting Xenon is the same amount of work. It's possible I missed a thread. If there's something obvious I should read, please let me know. Thanks.
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Checking here only to receive an email when he receives an answer.
thanks
Rocking for the One who is the Rock
+1 I'd love to be able to run PA Platform from read-only drives to ensure that the drive does not get infected by a virus or if I run it from a slow network location.
Currently (29.5.3) the platform starts and I can open apps, e.g. KeePass Classic. However, KeePass does not find its config file.
On closing the Platform, it keeps showing an error message "Unable to write to x:\...\PortableAppsMenu.ini" and won't close. But it can be killed in Task Manager.
I am aware that read-only capability of individual apps also depends on the app. But maybe we could start with the Platform first?
Portable Apps save their settings in the Data folder, So, I don't think this possible for most apps.
Exception(s): I've read somewhere about to make a Live CD/DVD of LibreOffice.
It's a 'switch', that prevents from writing. A similar principle for old Cassettes and Floppy disks.
“Life is a strategy game, where roles are already distributed”
― Neo Buddha ―
Hi ACR, I'm aware of this default behavior. But many apps do not need to store settings or updated settings in a read only mode.
PA Platform could simply show it is in read-only mode and not accept any settings or simply not store them on exit. It's not trivial but not hugely difficult either.
Same for KeePass. But that's a challenge for them, obviously.
My use case is e.g.: I run PA Platform on a VeraCrypt container. If I'm in a potentially unsafe environment, I mount it in read-only mode, so I can be sure the container is not infected.
i heard once of apps on a cd or dvd you can use this way, this would be only safe way in unsafe enviroment.
if your prefered apps can it, no idea.
i help were i can. maybe you can help me too. threads in account/track.
if you don't want to help don't post crap!