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For a number of reasons, I'm interested in having a portable version of the DnDI Character Builder. Does anyone know if it can 1) be installed on a flash drive, and 2) run independently from that drive?
The CB writes keys to the registry of the machines it is installed on, so it's not as easy as plugging in a flash drive on a PC and running it. You CAN install (or copy an install) to the flash drive, but you HAVE to have installed it on the PC you wanna run it on to work.
So the next test would be install the full registered version to the flash drive, and then install the demo to each computer you want to use it on and see if that works. Though if your restriction is can't install things at work rather than 5 computers isn't enough That still won't help you. But it's worth a try.
I know this post is borderlining on illegal activity, so mods feel free to delete if you think it needs to go.
Hmmm... I was afraid the answer would be something like that. Oh well. The main reason is to be able to view, print, and play with the character while I'm at my friend's house, since he doesn't have a dndi subscription. Instead, I guess I'll have to stick to third-party excel spreadsheets and the like.
actually, you could use install a Linux to your USB stick and install a Windows virtual machine on that linux. If you install the character builder in that virtual machine you could boot into it where ever you are. (As long as the computers are able to boot from usb)
You could just create a windows virtual machine on windows, install the CB in the VM and put that upon your usb stick. If your friend has a virtual machine client you could boot it at his place too, without ever having to touch a linux
so, it is possible and actually not that hard to do, if you are willing to invest some time to get used to the concept of virtual machines. Oh, and the software involved is free.
Yes, I'm quite aware of that, and I'm pretty sure that's illegal. I'm not looking for pirating options, I'm looking for mobility.
Alternatively, can a basic (levels 1-3) version of Character Builder view files that encompass later levels, even if they can't edit them?
As near as I can tell, WotC has not only not discouraged such activity, they have mildly encouraged it. They do allow 5 separate downloads after all.
__________________ All we want to do is eat your brains
We’re not unreasonable; I mean, no one’s gonna eat your eyes
All we want to do is eat your brains
We’re at an impasse here; maybe we should compromise:
If you open up the doors
We’ll all come inside and eat your brains
actually, you could use install a Linux to your USB stick and install a Windows virtual machine on that linux. If you install the character builder in that virtual machine you could boot into it where ever you are. (As long as the computers are able to boot from usb)
You could just create a windows virtual machine on windows, install the CB in the VM and put that upon your usb stick. If your friend has a virtual machine client you could boot it at his place too, without ever having to touch a linux
so, it is possible and actually not that hard to do, if you are willing to invest some time to get used to the concept of virtual machines. Oh, and the software involved is free.
Hmmm... now this sounds like a fun little option. I'll have to look into this. Thanks for the suggestion.
Quote:
Originally Posted by malraux
As near as I can tell, WotC has not only not discouraged such activity, they have mildly encouraged it. They do allow 5 separate downloads after all
Well I'll be... If that's the case, then that makes things a lot easier!
... although I may still look into the Linux/virtual Windows option since I'm such a nerd anyway.
Yes, I'm quite aware of that, and I'm pretty sure that's illegal. I'm not looking for pirating options, I'm looking for mobility.
Alternatively, can a basic (levels 1-3) version of Character Builder view files that encompass later levels, even if they can't edit them?
Actually since the Character Builder and the Char Sheet Viewer are completely separate programs, I'd be surprised if the Sheet Viewer is restricted/limited. Given that the character files are just XML, I'm pretty sure the Sheet Viewer (even from a demo download) will print any file.* It is some mobility to be able to print elsewhere.
Heck, just add in something like LogMeIn.com (I use that thing daily), and you can you run the CB on your home machine from anywhere, then just email yourself the file and have the Sheet Viewer print it at your friend's house.
Quote:
Originally Posted by malraux
As near as I can tell, WotC has not only not discouraged such activity, they have mildly encouraged it. They do allow 5 separate downloads after all.
I'm more inclined to think it's for people who want a copy at home and at work (or also on laptop, etc.). If they were ok with installing it on other people's computers, it'd probably state that in the license terms you agree to when you update it, but like more user license, I'll admit to never having bothered to read it.
* In fact, I'm tempted to directly edit a character file to see if I can get the Sheet Viewer to display non-CB content, like say new powers or OBE's witch doctor class. Hmm... time to experiment this weekend.
It is web based, so works better with the iphone than the itouch, but other than that, is a pretty decent model.
__________________ All we want to do is eat your brains
We’re not unreasonable; I mean, no one’s gonna eat your eyes
All we want to do is eat your brains
We’re at an impasse here; maybe we should compromise:
If you open up the doors
We’ll all come inside and eat your brains
Here's another vote for iplay4e: CB + iPod Touch + free wifi + iplay4e = smooth gaming. Everything I need to take with me tonight to play AGLA1-1 fits in my dice bag.
Much love for iplay4e!
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I've been meaning to try out the virtual-machine-on-USB thing for a while. You don't have to do Linux to do it (Vista and the upcoming Windows 7 both have a virtual machine host, so you just have to come up with the OS license for the VM. I have a spare copy of Windows XP lying around since I recently upgraded to a new machine). I need to figure out if I can cram a VM image of Windows and Office onto a 2 gb USB stick.
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