A setup that works across all systems and installation modes (regular vs. USB) will simplify your life. Opt for dongle mode and organize your exports in folders, especially when using device-specific adaptations.
True, but if only I knew how a portable installation should be (or can be) set up, regarding the required folder structure.
The folder structure is made for you.
I don't understand?
I just made a fresh export from my fixed installation to a USB drive, and it looks like this. There's program files, DLL's and configuration files all mixed together in one folder, and among the folders there is one folder called "ConfigFiles" which obviously is not the only place where config files are saved.
I don't think this structure is a good idea.
So is there a way to clearly separate program files and config files in a portable installation?
Are they all in the root of the drive? If not, what does it matter?
Is it normal that “Backup/Restore” is grayed out in a portable installation? And if so, why would that be?
I have now succeeded in puzzling together a running copy of my portable installation using bits and pieces from half a dozen copies I had lying around.
However, I'd rather export the entire configuration and then import it into a clean portable installation.
The portable install is designed to be an export ("backup") of a real install. Additionally, each USB install requires a separate licence. A backup/restore function doesn't make sense in that context.
For me, the portable installation on my work PC is the main installation that I use 90% of the time.
How am I supposed to save my configuration in case something goes wrong? And how can I update the program and keep the configuration?
Also, how can I export the configuration from my portable installation and import it into my installed program version?
It's all just files, you can copy them using a file manager.
How does the portable version know that it is a portable version and should use the portable folder for all program and config files?
Somehow I now managed to puzzle together a portable version that thinks it is an installed version and that puts its configuration files into the respective installed configuration folders.
As long as you don't mess with the relative structure of the DOPUS folder and things below it, it'll work.