How to Make Your Windows Computer Portable

Guide Note

Laptops are very convenient, but having one in addition to your home computer means constantly needing to sync files between the two machines.This guide will show you several simple ways to use software to access your Windows computer wherever you go.

Table of Contents

Make Your Windows Computer Portable Tips
  1. You'll always need another computer to be able to access yours remotely.
  2. PortableApps lets you configure a Portable Firefox, so you can use the same web browser, with its saved bookmarks.
  3. Box.Net offers 1GB of free storage, and paid accounts with even more storage capacity.
  4. Remote connection software is available for different versions of Windows.

Introduction

  • Do you sometimes wish that you could use the same operating system wherever you go? Or that you'd be able to remotely access all your computer's files, simply and easily? Lucky for you, now there are several options that let you use your Windows PC, no matter where you are.

Use PortableApps

REQUIREMENTS:

(Photo by Paul Joseph)
(Photo by Paul Joseph)
  1. If you have a 1GB+ storage device, download the Standard Version of PortableApps.
    • If you're using a 512MB flash drive, then download the Lite Version of PortableApps. Please note you will not have full functionality with the Lite version.
  2. Save the file to your desktop, not your portable drive.
  3. If you do not already have your portable unit plugged into your computer, please do so now.
  4. Doubleclick the file you just downloaded.
  5. When the setup window appears, click on the ... button.
  6. Navigate to your portable drive and click OK.
  7. Now click the Install button.
  8. PortableApps will now install on your drive.
    • It may take over 15 minutes to install; do not unplug your drive or turn off your computer.
  9. When PortableApps is installed, remove your portable device, then plug it back in.
  10. Click OK at the prompt you receive.
  11. This will launch PortableApps. You can now use any of the available programs.

Optional Advanced Firefox Configuration

  • You can configure a Portable Firefox, like the browser you use on your computer.
  1. If you are using Firefox right now, open this guide in another browser and then exit Firefox.
  2. Click on Start and select My Computer.
  3. Paste the following into the address bar:
    • C:\Documents and Settings\your username here\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox
  4. Right click on the profile folder and select copy.
  5. Go to the drive window and select paste.
  6. This will paste all your extensions and bookmarks onto the Firefox installation.

Adding More Software

  • One of the highlights of using PortableApps is the ability to add more applications.
  1. To see if an application you want is available, visit the apps section of PortableApps.com.
  2. Scroll through the list; if you see the software you want click the title and install to your portable unit exactly as you did when installing PortableApps.
    • Remember, that means initially saving the file to your desktop, not your portable drive.
  3. If you do not see the software listed, go to their forums and browse the available beta test software to see if the program you want is listed.
  4. If you still do not see the application you want, you can post a request for it here.
    • Please make sure to read the request guidelines before you post a request.
    • Be patient regarding any request you make, as development takes time.

Use Box.Net

  • With a free Box.Net account, you can upload and access stored files. You can even share files with other users.
    • A free account has a 1GB storage limit. If you have more to store, you can pay a monthly fee ($7.95 for 5GB or $19.95 for 15GB).
  1. Go to Box.Net.
  2. Select Lite if you want a free account.
    • Please note the free account has a 1GB storage limit.
  3. Fill out the short form with your information and click Continue.
  4. You will be redirected to the MyBox screen where you can create your different folders.
  5. Create a folder and start uploading files.

YouOS: An Online Web Operating System

REQUIREMENTS: A 2MBps broadband Internet connection, or better.

  1. To get started using YouOS, you must register for a new account.
  2. After you've verified your account, return to YouOS and log in.
  3. You can now use the online operating system: store files and access them wherever you have Internet access.

Remote Connections

(Photo by Zanetta Hardy)
(Photo by Zanetta Hardy)
  • The solutions listed above let you access files from almost any computer. But perhaps you're only interested in checking in on your home computer from a few remote locations. In that case, you may wish to set up a remote desktop connection.
  1. If you're running Windows Vista on your computer, instructions for setting up a remote desktop are here.
  2. For Windows XP users, go here to learn how to set up a remote desktop.
  3. Or visit RealVNC, an open-source software that works with any recent version of Windows (and more).

Conclusion

  • Though it takes time and patience, making your Microsoft Windows computer portable is possible. Think about your needs for remote access and pick the method that's right for you. Then you'll be able to access your computer's files from anywhere.

Resources for How to Make Your Windows Computer Portable

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