Portable Chrome Browser

feetand nches

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Hey guys, I would like to be able to have my personal Bookmarks and Passwords to use while fixing a clients pc, on their pc. Till now haven't bothered with it, but I think it would be nice to do. I would prefer Chrome or Chromium, but if need be I'll use Firefox. I also use Xmarks to Sync with my Chrome and Firefox browsers but don't think that matters to much, most folks don't seem to use this Extension.

Any opinions as to which Browser use and if this is even something some of you use when fixing computers? I read in the past that Chrome Portable was not all that good, but maybe Firefox is better? I used FF Portable only briefly quite a while ago.

Thanks, Nasty7
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Pavilion dv7-6c23cl
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
CPU
AMD A8-3520M
Motherboard
Hewlett-Packard 180B (Socket FS1)
Memory
6.00GB DDR3 @ 674MHz (9-9-9-24)
Graphics Card(s)
512MB ATI AMD Radeon HD 6620G
Sound Card
IDT High Definition Audio CODEC
Monitor(s) Displays
Generic PnP Monitor
Screen Resolution
(1600x900@60Hz)
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD
Mouse
Logitec M525
Internet Speed
30-75Mbps
Antivirus
Avast Free, Unfortunately
Browser
Google Chrome, Firefox, IE
I use Chrome Portable on a USB flash drive for that exact purpose. I have both Chrome Portable and Pale Moon Portable (I gave up on FF awhile ago), but I'm more of a Chrome guy so that's what I use more often. In fact, I have a couple copies of Chrome Portable because I can set them up with different extensions in case some websites don't function correctly with certain extensions.

Three observations to note, though:

First, beware if you have Chrome set to sync to your Google account. Depending on your sync settings, just logging in to your Google account in Chrome Portable will automatically import your bookmarks, extensions, et al. That's good if you want it that way, but in my case I don't want it syncing extensions so I need to make sure that option is unticked when setting up Chrome Portable.

Second, Chrome Portable never seems to update itself. When you first download it from portableapps.com it will download the latest version of Chrome, but from that point on it never seems to update itself to a later version like the regular installed version does. Perhaps that is a downside for some, but I consider it a benefit because it means I can have different versions of Chrome if necessary for testing purposes.

I don't keep up with every Chrome version, but I tend to download a new Chrome Portable about every 4 or 5 versions or so. (Tip: make a copy or zipfile of the ChromePortable folder after it's installed if you want to keep old versions.)

Third, I'm not sure if Xmarks will work with the portable version of Chrome. It's been years since I tried Xmarks, but IIRC I think it might only see permanently installed versions.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Optiplex 7050
OS
Windows 7/8.1/10 multiboot
CPU
Intel Core i7-7700
Motherboard
Dell, Intel Q270 chipset
Memory
48GB (2x16GB Crucial DDR4-3200 + 2x8GB Hynix DDR4-2400)
Graphics Card(s)
Intel HD630 + AMD Radeon R7 450 PCIe
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus VC279 (27")
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Toshiba M.2 NVMe (256GB),
Samsung 960 Evo (500GB),
WD Red Plus 80EFBX (8TB)
Thanks dg1261, I'll need to play around with that for sure!

A little hesitant to downlaod from Portable Apps but it appears to be legit. Will do some scans on any downloads.

Yes, Sync is always an issue LOL...a big issue if you don't get it right.

Second, Chrome Portable never seems to update itself.
Hmm, you can't Update it manually? I guess it would take another download and install. Have you ever tried to Update it the normal way? I can only assume it won't work that way.

I read a long time ago that you can create a Temp Account while on another computer, I will try this tonight. Still not good if you are rebooting etc. and need to create all over again.

Maybe this will interest you, seems as though this one is more popular, Chromium.
Chromium Portable download | SourceForge.net
Or here
Chromium Portable
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Pavilion dv7-6c23cl
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
CPU
AMD A8-3520M
Motherboard
Hewlett-Packard 180B (Socket FS1)
Memory
6.00GB DDR3 @ 674MHz (9-9-9-24)
Graphics Card(s)
512MB ATI AMD Radeon HD 6620G
Sound Card
IDT High Definition Audio CODEC
Monitor(s) Displays
Generic PnP Monitor
Screen Resolution
(1600x900@60Hz)
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD
Mouse
Logitec M525
Internet Speed
30-75Mbps
Antivirus
Avast Free, Unfortunately
Browser
Google Chrome, Firefox, IE
I just create a html page with my links / bookmarks on it you can then double click to run it or load it as a page. You can of coarse just create your own portable apps How to Create Portable Versions of Applications in Windows 8.1 Using Cameyo
Thanks samuria, I have also used html pages, but I have like 2500 Bookmarks. I'll look into creating the apps but will most likely try the Chromium one first. Just went out to get USB for just this and they were closed? I was pissed off lol. O. Depot supposed to be open till 9pm but closed at 6pm, no fun with all this Holiday traffic.
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Pavilion dv7-6c23cl
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
CPU
AMD A8-3520M
Motherboard
Hewlett-Packard 180B (Socket FS1)
Memory
6.00GB DDR3 @ 674MHz (9-9-9-24)
Graphics Card(s)
512MB ATI AMD Radeon HD 6620G
Sound Card
IDT High Definition Audio CODEC
Monitor(s) Displays
Generic PnP Monitor
Screen Resolution
(1600x900@60Hz)
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD
Mouse
Logitec M525
Internet Speed
30-75Mbps
Antivirus
Avast Free, Unfortunately
Browser
Google Chrome, Firefox, IE

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Pavilion dv7-6c23cl
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
CPU
AMD A8-3520M
Motherboard
Hewlett-Packard 180B (Socket FS1)
Memory
6.00GB DDR3 @ 674MHz (9-9-9-24)
Graphics Card(s)
512MB ATI AMD Radeon HD 6620G
Sound Card
IDT High Definition Audio CODEC
Monitor(s) Displays
Generic PnP Monitor
Screen Resolution
(1600x900@60Hz)
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD
Mouse
Logitec M525
Internet Speed
30-75Mbps
Antivirus
Avast Free, Unfortunately
Browser
Google Chrome, Firefox, IE
Maybe this will interest you, seems as though this one is more popular, Chromium.
Chromium Portable download | SourceForge.net
Or here
Chromium Portable

Yeah, they're all to the same thing. Note the PortableApps site links to SourceForge, and the SourceForge pages mention the download is in PortableApps format. They're the same thing.

I don't know why it doesn't update. It never has, and I've been using the portable version since about v28. Chrome's Help|About page merely says, "An error occurred while checking for updates." But it's never been a big deal to me because I never like auto-updating anyway. I always prefer manual updating on my schedule, not the app's schedule. That way, if something starts going wonky I can identify a cause/effect relationship.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Optiplex 7050
OS
Windows 7/8.1/10 multiboot
CPU
Intel Core i7-7700
Motherboard
Dell, Intel Q270 chipset
Memory
48GB (2x16GB Crucial DDR4-3200 + 2x8GB Hynix DDR4-2400)
Graphics Card(s)
Intel HD630 + AMD Radeon R7 450 PCIe
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus VC279 (27")
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Toshiba M.2 NVMe (256GB),
Samsung 960 Evo (500GB),
WD Red Plus 80EFBX (8TB)
Some body help me because I'm old and dumb and only have 3 brain cells.

What does one do with 2500 Bookmarks?
I seems to me it would take longer to find the right Bookmark than it would to type the subject into Google and find the website.

From post #5

Thanks samuria, I have also used html pages, but I have like 2500 Bookmarks.

Jack
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home made Desktop
OS
Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
CPU
Intel i7-6800K @ 4.3
Motherboard
ASUS X-99 Deluxe II
Memory
Corsair Platinum 16 gig @2400
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GTX 1070 OC
Monitor(s) Displays
Asus 27" LED LCD/VE278Q
Screen Resolution
1920-1080 or 1280-720 HDMI
Hard Drives
INTEL SSD 730-240 Gb Sata 3.0/
PSU
EVGA Platium 1200W
Case
Phanteks Luxe Tempered Glass 8 fans/ one radiator
Cooling
XSPC/ Water Cooled CPU
Keyboard
Das 4 Professional
Mouse
Logitech M705/MX Anywhere 2-S
Internet Speed
100 mbits
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials/ Malwarebytes Premium 3.0/ SAS
Browser
I.E. 11 default/Firefox/ ISP Time Warner Cable/Spectrum
Other Info
LG BluRay Burner/
Sound system-KLipsch-THX/
Icy Dock ssd Hot Swap bays.
You do not need to sync to your Account.


For Google Chrome bookmark

Click on an empty space on the bookmark bar.

Do right-click and select Bookmark Manager

Finally, click on Organise and select Export bookmarks to HTML.


With this HTML, this also can add as the backup if you unexpectedly delete one folder.
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Toshiba L630 and L735
OS
Windows 7 x64
Hard Drives
240 GB SSD
Some body help me because I'm old and dumb and only have 3 brain cells.

What does one do with 2500 Bookmarks?
I seems to me it would take longer to find the right Bookmark than it would to type the subject into Google and find the website.
Jack
You've never researched something for a while and wanted to save your self all that time finding it again? I've been doing that for years. Yes some of them could be deleted but haven't found the time to do so.
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Pavilion dv7-6c23cl
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
CPU
AMD A8-3520M
Motherboard
Hewlett-Packard 180B (Socket FS1)
Memory
6.00GB DDR3 @ 674MHz (9-9-9-24)
Graphics Card(s)
512MB ATI AMD Radeon HD 6620G
Sound Card
IDT High Definition Audio CODEC
Monitor(s) Displays
Generic PnP Monitor
Screen Resolution
(1600x900@60Hz)
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD
Mouse
Logitec M525
Internet Speed
30-75Mbps
Antivirus
Avast Free, Unfortunately
Browser
Google Chrome, Firefox, IE
You do not need to sync to your Account.

Eric, I maintain 7 OS's currently, and all of them are Synced, so all bookmarks and Passwords are available at all times. How do you expect me to Copy Paste across all those OS's and different Browsers and keep them all organized?

And want to be able to collect more Links if needed when I'm working on a customers pc, I'm still learning so all this helps, especially when I'm working with so many different OS's, Windows and Linux.
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Pavilion dv7-6c23cl
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
CPU
AMD A8-3520M
Motherboard
Hewlett-Packard 180B (Socket FS1)
Memory
6.00GB DDR3 @ 674MHz (9-9-9-24)
Graphics Card(s)
512MB ATI AMD Radeon HD 6620G
Sound Card
IDT High Definition Audio CODEC
Monitor(s) Displays
Generic PnP Monitor
Screen Resolution
(1600x900@60Hz)
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD
Mouse
Logitec M525
Internet Speed
30-75Mbps
Antivirus
Avast Free, Unfortunately
Browser
Google Chrome, Firefox, IE
Some body help me because I'm old and dumb and only have 3 brain cells.

What does one do with 2500 Bookmarks?
I seems to me it would take longer to find the right Bookmark than it would to type the subject into Google and find the website.
Jack
You've never researched something for a while and wanted to save your self all that time finding it again? I've been doing that for years. Yes some of them could be deleted but haven't found the time to do so.


Maybe you could categories into several group for certain purpose.
As bookmarks can be saved to html files, where any browser can use.

What i do not like about Chrome bookmark is that once "Delete" it can never retrieve.
There should have an additional dialog box for confirmation.
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Toshiba L630 and L735
OS
Windows 7 x64
Hard Drives
240 GB SSD
Xmarks

If you had read the first post you would have seen that I'm using Xmarks to Sync across Chrome and Firefox. Hopefully this will also work during a Portable Session. Maybe it will only work with Firefox Portable I don't know. Like you said...there are other ways, and that's what I'll do if needed. Haven't even had the time to start this project, and need another good USB but short on money now.

As always, Thanks for your input!
 
Last edited:

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Pavilion dv7-6c23cl
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
CPU
AMD A8-3520M
Motherboard
Hewlett-Packard 180B (Socket FS1)
Memory
6.00GB DDR3 @ 674MHz (9-9-9-24)
Graphics Card(s)
512MB ATI AMD Radeon HD 6620G
Sound Card
IDT High Definition Audio CODEC
Monitor(s) Displays
Generic PnP Monitor
Screen Resolution
(1600x900@60Hz)
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD
Mouse
Logitec M525
Internet Speed
30-75Mbps
Antivirus
Avast Free, Unfortunately
Browser
Google Chrome, Firefox, IE
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