Create Portable Apps with Cameyo on Windows 8.1

The Benefits of Portable Applications

If you frequently work across multiple computers, portable applications offer a significant advantage. They allow you to carry your software library with you and execute it on any Windows-enabled machine without the need for individual installations.

While numerous portable applications are readily available, you may encounter software essential to your workflow that lacks a portable version. This is where tools like Cameyo become invaluable.

Creating Portable Applications with Cameyo

Cameyo is a free application designed to create portable versions of existing Windows programs. It packages an entire application into a single executable (.exe) file.

This single file can then be easily copied to a USB flash drive or external hard drive, enabling you to run the program on any Windows computer without undergoing a traditional installation process.

To begin, download Cameyo to a folder on your hard drive. It doesn't require a formal installation; the downloaded file is itself a portable program.

Best Practices for Packaging

The developers of Cameyo recommend performing the packaging process within a virtual machine. Their guidance emphasizes a clean environment for optimal results.

As outlined in their Virtual Application Packaging -- Best Practice Guide, it's crucial to prepare a basic virtual machine free of unnecessary programs and disabled updates, including Windows and anti-virus updates. Avoid running other applications during the process, as any modifications to files or registry keys can interfere with successful packaging.

They suggest utilizing XP SP3 32-bit unless your software necessitates a more recent operating system.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Cameyo

First, launch Cameyo by double-clicking the .exe file. A dialog box will appear, prompting you to select a program to open.

Since our goal is to create a portable application, choose "Capture an installation" and click OK.

Cameyo will then initiate a preliminary snapshot of your system before the application installation begins. This snapshot is displayed in the lower-left corner of your screen.

Once the initial snapshot is complete, you'll be prompted to install the software you wish to package as a portable application.

Proceed through the standard installation procedure for your chosen software. During installation, any settings you configure will be saved within the portable application.

Therefore, after the software is installed, but BEFORE clicking "Install done", launch the application and customize it to your preferences. Then, click "Install done" to finalize the capture process.

If no configuration changes are needed, simply click "Install done" immediately after the installation completes.

Cameyo will then take a post-installation snapshot, capturing all changes made during the process.

Upon successful package creation, a dialog box will confirm the result. Click OK to close it.

Your newly created portable application will be located in C:\Users\\Documents\Cameyo apps, named after the program with the ".cameyo.exe" extension.

Double-click the file to run the program. You may encounter a User Account Control dialog box; click Yes to continue.

Note that the User Account Control dialog box may or may not appear, depending on your system's security settings.

If the application requires registration, you will be prompted to do so. This information will be stored within the portable application, eliminating the need for future registration.

Exploring Cameyo's Additional Features

Cameyo offers additional modules accessible through the main program. To access them, double-click the Cameyo.exe file again, select "Cameyo" from the dialog box, and click OK.

If this is your first time launching the main Cameyo program, you may be prompted to register. Registration is free and unlocks additional features.

The "Computer" icon at the bottom of the window displays available portable apps, including the one you just created. Click it to run the application or click the "X" to delete it.

Click the "Studio" icon to modify settings for your packaged applications.

You can also edit a package by selecting "Edit a package" from the Cameyo dialog box.

Within the Package Editor, you can adjust various settings, including the application's behavior and compatibility options. Click "Advanced" for further customization.

The "Advanced" tab allows you to control whether the program leaves traces on the host computer.

Refer to Cameyo's User Guide for detailed information on these settings.

Save your changes by selecting "Save" from the "File" menu.

To close the Package Editor, select "Exit" from the "File" menu.

Configuring Cameyo's General Settings

To adjust Cameyo's overall settings, open the main program and click the wrench icon in the lower-right corner.

Here, you can modify the directory where portable apps are saved and configure other options. Click OK to save your changes.

Close the main Cameyo window by clicking the "X" in the upper-right corner.

Cameyo's App Library

Cameyo includes an extensive app library containing hundreds of popular software titles. This allows you to test software without installation, and easily remove it without leaving remnants on your system.

Cameyo is free for home use and smaller businesses with up to 49 machines. Alternative methods for creating portable applications also exist.