Run (Some) Programs Without Installing

Building on a tip I posted a couple of weeks ago about opening non-zip files using 7-Zip, a practical use for this can be when you want to run a program that does not offer a portable version without installing. By opening the setup EXE file using 7-Zip, you can extract the files the installer copies to your system and then run the program like a portable app.

For example, last week I had to run a one-time utility on our QuickBooks server which is only available via an setup program. Not wanting to install the program and then immediately uninstall it, I used 7-Zip to extract and then run the program. In this case it worked with no problems.

While this method will not work with all installers, it will work on a good many. If an installation program has to make entries to the registry, copies files to multiple directories or registers DLL files on your system, this method will not work.

If you are stingy about what you install on your system then this it worth a shot.

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Comments

  1. Bertrand - Geneva says:

    Nice info. Thanks.
    Personally I use Sandboxie.
    It creates a virtual environment where you can install the program you’re testing.
    and you just delete the forder to remove the tested program….

  2. Another good application that extract files from almost all kind of setup files is “Universal Extractor”.

    Download :
    http://download.c1pher.com/uniextract16.exe

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