Transferring Programs to External Hardrives?

captainstitch · 04-26-2008, 10:48 PM

Is there a way to transfer programs to an external hard drive?

My question isn't as simple as that, actually.

I'm wondering if there's a way to transfer one of my already installed programs (i.e. Photoshop) onto a different hard drive, as I do not have the original installation discs for my programs (i.e. Photoshop).

johnhook · 04-26-2008, 11:02 PM

captainstitch,

Unfortunately, there's no clean or easy way to simply 'move' an installed program to a different drive. This is because when programs are installed, they place lots of entries in Window's Registry pointing to the locate of files in the original drive and folder(s) where they're installed. Moving those programs elsewhere breaks these references. Programs also tend to install .DLL and other files in c:\program files\common files\xxxx as well as drivers and .DLLs in Windows folders. To further complicate matters, many install routines hard code paths and file locations in user and program configuration and log files.

It can be done - but it's a major science fair project that involves extensive registry manipulation, searching for hardcoded references in files and editing these files, moving files, etc. Even if you know what you're doing - there still a good chance that the program will not work after all that effect.

Bottom line is that you really need to uninstall the app from the old location and re-install in the new location. If you own a legit copy of the software and have lost your original disk - most MFGs will replace your disc at a minimal cost. If you have a hacked, stolen or pirated version of the program - this sites rules forbid supporting illegal software.

- John

04-26-2008, 10:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
captainstitch Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1 OS: Windows XP	Transferring Programs to External Hardrives? Is there a way to transfer programs to an external hard drive? My question isn't as simple as that, actually. I'm wondering if there's a way to transfer one of my already installed programs (i.e. Photoshop) onto a different hard drive, as I do not have the original installation discs for my programs (i.e. Photoshop).

04-26-2008, 11:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnhook Tech Hardware Team Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 810 OS: MS SBS 2003 SP2	Re: Transferring Programs to External Hardrives? captainstitch, Unfortunately, there's no clean or easy way to simply 'move' an installed program to a different drive. This is because when programs are installed, they place lots of entries in Window's Registry pointing to the locate of files in the original drive and folder(s) where they're installed. Moving those programs elsewhere breaks these references. Programs also tend to install .DLL and other files in c:\program files\common files\xxxx as well as drivers and .DLLs in Windows folders. To further complicate matters, many install routines hard code paths and file locations in user and program configuration and log files. It can be done - but it's a major science fair project that involves extensive registry manipulation, searching for hardcoded references in files and editing these files, moving files, etc. Even if you know what you're doing - there still a good chance that the program will not work after all that effect. Bottom line is that you really need to uninstall the app from the old location and re-install in the new location. If you own a legit copy of the software and have lost your original disk - most MFGs will replace your disc at a minimal cost. If you have a hacked, stolen or pirated version of the program - this sites rules forbid supporting illegal software. - John