Character Builder on Flashdrive?

[Scribble]

So a while back when the beta test of the character creator first came out I mentioned it would be less useful to me because I can't instal it on my work computer.

Someone mentioned instaling it on a flashdrive.

I know instaling some programs on a flash drive is possible, but is it possible with the character builder?

How does one do such a thing?

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

So a while back when the beta test of the character creator first came out I mentioned it would be less useful to me because I can't instal it on my work computer.

Someone mentioned instaling it on a flashdrive.

I know instaling some programs on a flash drive is possible, but is it possible with the character builder?

How does one do such a thing?

The important question is: Can you set the target folder for the installer? If you can do so, it should be possible. Just pick the flash drive instead of your hard drive when installing.

 

[Scribble]

The important question is: Can you set the target folder for the installer? If you can do so, it should be possible. Just pick the flash drive instead of your hard drive when installing.

Yeah but most programs write stuff to the registry when you instal them, and if you just move the hardrive to another computer, it won't work right.

I know some flashdrives have that U3 thing, but I was under the impression a program had to be designed to work with u3 before it was flashdriveable.

 

[Holy Smokes]

That would be good to know. Since it's a .NET app, there is no requirement for the devs to write to the registry; .NET apps can be written to run from any location, given valid path and security permissions. It's really a design decision on whether to use the registry or not.

So the question is, is the CB dependent on any registry entries? I don't have access to an install at work, or I'd puzzle that out myself.

 

[Intrope]

Yeah but most programs write stuff to the registry when you instal them, and if you just move the hardrive to another computer, it won't work right.

I know some flashdrives have that U3 thing, but I was under the impression a program had to be designed to work with u3 before it was flashdriveable.

U3 doesn't really enter into it here; either the character builder will run from the directory on the drive, or it won't, depending on whether it depends on the registry or whatnot. (U3 is about 60% advertising, 40% annoyance IMO).

BTW, you can get rid of U3: Go Here

 

[Oldtimer]

So the question is, is the CB dependent on any registry entries?

I can't remember seeing anything worrying in the Registry table in the MSI database when I went through it. I'll have another look when I get home. (Now, why didn't I put that MSI on my USB stick?)

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

Now, why didn't I put that MSI on my USB stick?

That's a mystery only you hold the key to.

2Scribble: Try it and report the results.

A possible problem I can see and I can't answer due to my bad memory: Does the updater request administration privileges? If he does, the update probably indeed goes to the installation directory (since the Program Files directory is protected under Vista, writing there requires admin rights). If it doesn't, he might download and write it to a different, unprotected directory (possible C:\ProgramData\<something> or C:\Users\<username\Appdata\<something something>). In that case, you might be out of luck. You could try copying such files onto the USB drive, too, note the directory and then copy it on the same on your home computer.

 

[Scribble]

Scribble: Try it and report the results.
.

Ok, so I installed it to my flashdrive last night.

It was working on my laptop (which also has the CB installed on it) but not my work computer.

 

[deleteme123456]

Maybe we need to look at the installer to see if it's writing anything to the registry or putting files in other places (for example, it does put stuff in your profile folder, e.g., documents and settings\USERNAME\my documents\ddi\saved characters )

 

[Asmor]

Given that they're limiting updates (admittedly, it's a very generous limit IMHO), I'd be mildly surprised if it was as simple as copying the thing to a drive, since that would essentially mean you could just copy it to an arbitrary number of computers.

Only mildly surprised of course-- while it's clear by design they should prevent such an obvious loophole, it wouldn't shock me if they didn't whether out of neglect, altruism, or incompetence.