Search results (48)

Lacuna Launcher v1.0.0

webfork on 20 Nov 2015
  • 462KB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 12 Dec 2008
  • Suggested by lautrepay

Lacuna Launcher uses a single shortcut with a list of files to open all at once. Applications (.exe), shortcuts (.lnk), internet shortcuts (.url), images, music, movies, etc.

Category:
Runs on:Win95 / Win98 / WinME / WinNT / Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
License: Freeware (Donationware)
How to extract:
  1. Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice
  2. Open the included list.txt file in a text editor and make a list with the paths to files you want to open, placing one per line (no limit)
  3. Launch ll.exe
Programs start in the same order that they appear in the list

Note: Command-line options are available to give you more control over timing of the launches and the ability to create multiple lists and specify which you would like to use. To launch files with command line parameters, create a shortcut with the parameters set, and use the path to the shortcut file (.lnk) in the list, instead of a direct path to the application.
Similar/alternative apps: Splat
Latest comments
jonezrin on 2012-05-10 14:38

Been using this app for a few years and it's great. I work part time at 3 different jobs and have a list created for each office. Run the appropriate command line first thing in the morning and all the programs/files I need for the day are loaded and ready to go.

Joe on 2015-02-02 14:35

A good simple alternative to Splat if you are only interested in launching programs.

You can create separate lists for programs you want to launch together, e.g. one for office work, one for graphic design, etc, etc. You can create a list of all your favorite programs and make them start with Windows. Does not remain open or resident in memory once all programs are launched.

Altogether a very useful program.

Tested and works in Windows 8.1 x64 too.

TP109 on 2015-11-17 01:33

Very useful and simple tool for launching programs, opening folders, URLs, etc. with a shortcut. Launch lists use a text file so it's super easy to modify lists quickly and easily with the default txt editor.

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zmPortable (Launcher for Zoom) v5.15.5

webfork on 28 Jul 2023
  • 269MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 26 Jul 2023
  • Suggested by JohnTHaller

Zoom allows you to have virtual video meetings, voice and/or video chat, screen sharing, and more. zmPortable is a portable launcher for this virtual meeting and collaboration platform.

Category:
Runs on:Win7 / Win8 / Win10 / Win11
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: Yes
License: Freeware
How to extract: Download the self-extracting EXE to a folder of your choice and run it. Launch zmPortable.exe.
Latest comments
PAFuser on 2023-06-08 16:31

v5.14.11: updated today

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Simple x264/x265 Launcher v3.02

Andrew Lee on 16 Jun 2022
  • 80MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 16 Jun 2022
  • Suggested by deathcubek

Simple x264/x265 Launcher is a video encoder with a variety of configurations and preset templates. Includes full batch encoding support, as well as running several encoding jobs in parallel.

The program is a lightweight front-end for the x264 H.264/AVC as well as the x265 H.265/HEVC encoder, based on the Qt toolkit. The program also uses the 64-Bit version of x264 with the 32-Bit version of Avisynth, which lets you use 32-Bit Avisynth plug-ins (e.g. DGDecodeNV) and still benefit from the speed improvements of 64-Bit x264.

Category:
Runs on:Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Application folder
Dependencies:
  • Avisynth input only available with Avisynth 2.5+ installed
  • YV16/YV24 color spaces require Avisynth 2.6
  • VapourSynth input only available with VapourSynth R19+ installed
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: Yes
License: GNU GPLv2
How to extract:
  1. Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice
  2. Rename x264_launcher.exe into x264_launcher_portable.exe
  3. Launch x264_launcher_portable.exe
What's new? See: https://github.com/lordmulder/Simple-x264-Launcher/releases
Latest comments
jenss on 2022-06-18 15:43

website hacked

Midas on 2022-06-19 08:21

@jenss: don't think so, it's still available if you click "enter website" link in the bottom right corner -- the landing page is a form of war protest by the web owner.

neykhax on 2023-06-04 20:13

Lightweight launcher with cool advanced optimization options

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Splat v1.1.8

Midas on 4 Mar 2018
  • 2MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 10 Aug 2015
  • Suggested by Checker

Splat (Simple Program Launching and Termination) allows you to build profiles that can launch or close programs and services. Supports drag-and-drop, hotkeys, process priority, and includes the ability to open specific files, folders, URLs, and even other Splat profiles. The program can aggressively close (kill) applications that may not shut down normally or add delays of time, CPU usage, or whether the previous program has closed yet.

Great for a computer startup sequence that won't slow down your computer or for switching between different separate program groups (such switching from a view all your financial programs, data, and files to all your photo/video editing tools)

Category:
Runs on:Win7
Writes settings to: Application folder
Dependencies: Administrator rights
Stealth: ? Yes
License: Freeware
How to extract: Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch Splat.exe.
Similar/alternative apps: Lacuna Launcher
What's new?
  • Added the ability to create a profile shortcut in your startup folder. Right-click a profile and choose the option from the menu.
  • Fixed: Context menu did not work for reordering profiles.

a023.gif Applause for "Best new portable freeware of 2015" !
Latest comments
webfork on 2015-01-18 22:43

I very quickly integrated this into the startup sequence on both of my main machines. Great to get multiple portable software up and running in a system-friendly way.

Midas on 2015-01-19 13:16

Thanks, webfork. Your comment made me realize that Splat can be used as a start-up manager... duh!

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AutoRun LWMenu v1.5.6 Updated

lwc on 19 Apr 2024
  • 2MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 19 Apr 2024
  • Suggested by lwc

AutoRun LWMenu is a control menu that can launch applications, URLs, system commands, etc.
It's not only portable itself, but acts as a portabilizer so the launched apps will become portable too. In fact, it can back up and restore whole registry values/folders/files of the programs it launches (or just use symlinks to run folders/files portably), including a simulator to test everything.

Category:
Runs on:Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10 / Win11
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: Yes
Path portability: Automatic relative path (eg. ..\..\personal\work.doc)
License: GPL
How to extract:
  1. Download the ZIP package.
  2. Extract to a folder of your choice.
  3. Launch either the 64-bit (if your system supports it) or 32-bit EXE.
Similar/alternative apps: PortableApps.com Platform
What's new? See here
Latest comments
-ElCoyot- on 2024-03-14 08:11

If you understand the program well, you can create portable software that leaves no traces in the system.

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GUIPro PortAL v1.5.0

I am Baas on 8 Dec 2015
  • 166KB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 21 Jun 2015
  • Suggested by I am Baas

PortAL is lightweight launcher based on hotkeys, menus, and system tray icons. Note that all of PortAL configuration is based on a single XML file which contains the list and the organization of applications.

Category:
Runs on:Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8
Writes settings to: Application folder
Dependencies: MSVCR90.DLL MSVCP90.DLL
Stealth: ? Yes
Path portability: Automatic relative path (eg. ..\..\personal\work.doc)
License: GPL
How to extract:
  1. Download the installer and extract / (un)7-Zip to a folder of your choice
  2. Move img folder from $_OUTDIR to doc folder
  3. Delete $PLUGINSDIR and $_OUTDIR folders
  4. Launch PortAL.exe

Note: To extract the 64-bit version too, choose "Auto Rename" (u) when prompted. The 32-bit executable is smaller in size.
What's new?
  • Addition of a skin system.
  • Addition of the event attribute.
  • Addition of the variables section to define internal variables.
  • Addition of the clipboard variables.
  • Addition of the %config% variable.
  • Improvement of the file notification system.
  • Fix memory leak when reloading the configuration.
  • Avoid error when a percent character is not forming a variable.
  • Avoir error when loading a config file with an empty group.

Full changelog at https://github.com/obsidev/guipro/releases.
Latest comments
Shadeclan on 2015-07-03 17:22

Current PortAL version is now 1.5 as of 22 Jun 2015.

Although I am not the developer, I've been doing some user testing for him and I might be able to help some of you with issues.

veyselcelik: I looked at the message you posted and that comes up when the configuration file has an error. You might try restoring the default file and see if the message goes away.

Proteanic: The app icons are appearing just fine in my configuration. You may want to go out to the Obsidev/GUIPro Issues section of GitHub and report the problem - the developer may be able to resolve your problem. Personally, I find that explicitly pointing to the icon in the config file usually takes care of any issues of that sort.

A friend of mine wanted to try PortAL but couldn't get it to run. The current version of PortAL needs the Microsoft Visual Studio Redistributable package installed to work (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=40784) but the developer has agreed to compile the necessary binaries into the installation package so that users should not need to install the Re-distro package in the next release.

The developer has added the ability to create user-defined variables inside the configuration file, which has been a big convenience for me. He has also created some cool new skins which can be changed within the PortAL tag in the config file, along with the ability for users to make their own skins. A local help file which explains how to configure PortAL is not included in v1.5 but will be included in the next release. Until then, you can find configuration help here: https://github.com/obsidev/guipro/wiki/PortAL-Configuration

I discovered a few issues during user testing which will be fixed in the next release. My user testing notes can be seen here: https://github.com/obsidev/guipro/issues/13. The developer is very responsive - feel free to give observations, report bugs or make comments in the obsidev / guipro issues section of GitHub.

Checker on 2015-07-03 18:33

@ Shadeclan: Thanks ... and updated ;)

webfork on 2015-07-03 19:34

Shadeclan: Thanks for the data. See response in forums.

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Famulus v1.00.5b

lwc on 7 Jul 2023
  • 760KB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 24 May 2012
  • Suggested by dmg

Famulus is a simple file and application launcher, and Windows Run replacement. Press and hold the numpad * key for a fraction of a second to bring up a text prompt. Type a predefined custom command and hit the Enter key to run an associated file, folder, application or website.

Written in AutoHotkey.

Category:
Runs on:Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Path portability: Requires manual entry of relative path (eg. ..\..\personal\work.doc)
License: Freeware/Open Source
How to extract: Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch Famulus.exe.
Similar/alternative apps: Run-Command
What's new?
  • Fixed two significant bugs in how the activation key works.
Latest comments
Cornflower on 2012-04-06 13:58

I added the commands famulus and "famulus ini" to manually add/edit commands and settings (and use the mouse less). This is a great find. Thanks, dmg.

guinness on 2012-05-24 23:15

@loner - How many times do we have to tell you, don't flood the comments section with irrelevant comments. Use the Forum please.

Cornflower on 2019-02-14 10:29

For those interested, I continue to use Famulus on Windows 10, both Home and Corporate editions.

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RocketDock v1.3.5

lwc on 7 Jul 2023
  • 10MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 2 Sep 2007
  • Suggested by USBman

RocketDock is a smoothly animated, alpha-blended program launcher that resembles the "dock" found in Mac OS X. It features a simple drag-and-drop interface, multi-monitor support, running application indicators, compatibility with most dock skin format, relative path support etc.

Though it's no longer maintained, its basic functions were tested to work on up to at least Windows 11.

Category:
Runs on:Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10 / Win11
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: Yes
Path portability: Requires manual entry of drive-less absolute path (eg. \docs\personal\work.doc without the drive letter)
License: Freeware
How to extract:
  1. Download the installer and extract to a folder of your choice
  2. The application is in the {app} folder
  3. Create a blank file called Settings.ini in that folder
  4. Optionally, delete unnecessary language and help files and skins
  5. Launch RocketDock.exe
What's new? See here.
Latest comments
Gmacri on 2010-09-22 17:41

Somebody know if there will be a program update?

webfork on 2010-09-23 17:14

Gmacri: looks like the last release was the "final" one. You might try emailing the authors.

giulia on 2013-10-31 19:06

No Stealth
it creates this folder HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\StackDocklet

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QuickWayToFolders v1.3.11

Andrew Lee on 8 Sep 2023
  • 2MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 4 Sep 2023
  • Suggested by crownixx

QuickWayToFolders provides quick and easy access to a folder on your computer via a taskbar icon. The program window disappears when you click outside the window. Display modes include:

  • Desktop: Act like a mini-desktop, with small icons
  • Small Browser: very similar to Windows explorer in "details" view
  • Menu: Display folder content in a menu
  • Multiple Folders Menu: Display multiple folders content in a single menu (note that you must manually add them or nothing will appear when you click the icon)
In the "Menu" and "Multiple Folders Menu" settings, the program can act like a Program Launcher. Multiple instances of the program can be run with customizable icons and each entry is added to the taskbar.

To use the program as a root folder of a portable folder choose Options - Local path, then use a forward slash: "\". To set an image as a background place it in the application folder and set path as "image name.jpg" etc.

Category:
Runs on:WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Application folder
Unicode support: No
Path portability: Requires manual entry of relative path (eg. ..\..\personal\work.doc)
License: GNU GPLv2
How to extract:
  1. Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice
  2. Launch QuickWayToFolders.exe
  3. Right-click the taskbar icon, select Options and uncheck "Launch at Windows Startup"
What's new?
  • Add support for multiple monitors
  • Handle mouse media buttons to browse forward and backward
  • Small GUI improvements and bugs solved
Latest comments
TP109 on 2016-03-21 12:48

@thehop

Thanks, those are interesting apps. I really find ShortPopUp especially useful.

smaragdus on 2016-03-21 21:28

@billon
Better trust the executable. Softpedia also corrected the version number:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Launchers-Shutdown-Tools/QuickWayToFolders.shtml

Midas on 2016-05-24 11:17

The version discrepancy should be noted -- the changelog at http://jacquelin.potier.free.fr/QuickWayToFolders/history.php stops at v1.3.4 ...

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ASuite v2.0

billon on 3 Aug 2020
  • 2MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 20 Apr 2020
  • Suggested by El Salvador

ASuite is a lightweight program launcher that allows you to define a hierarchical list of menus for launching applications, folders and web links from the system tray. Includes search tab, scheduling, hotkeys, most recently used programs list, custom background, automation tools on startup/shut down and more.

The program can scan for applications or import file structures from WinPenPack, Pstart, and other launchers. Supports relative paths.

Category:
Runs on:Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? No
Path portability: Automatic compensation for dynamic drive letter in removable storage devices
License: GNU GPLv3
How to extract: Download the 7z package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch ASuite.exe.
Similar/alternative apps: Pstart, PortableApps Platform, WinPenPack NetMenu
What's new? See:
https://github.com/salvadorbs/Asuite/releases
Latest comments
PAFuser on 2021-02-02 09:45

I tried, unable to get captcha correct. Posted on https://sourceforge.net/projects/asuite/ instead. Tried Asuite contact again, still not able to read captcha correctly.

webfork on 2021-02-02 13:42

@PAFuser - thanks for trying. That's ... frustrating.

El Salvador on 2021-05-05 13:06

Hi, sorry for the delay, I am only now reading your message.

In any case, the error messages are those related to the non-execution of some asuite items ("Seems scheduler did''t run the item% s as expected by options. Do you want execute it now?")? has it happened again in recent months?

Meanwhile, I opened an issue on github: https://github.com/salvadorbs/Asuite/issues/86

Thank you!

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jPortable v8 Update 411 Updated

SYSTEM on 21 Apr 2024
  • 157MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 18 Apr 2024
  • Suggested by Checker

jPortable (formerly Java Portable) allows you to easily add a Java runtime environment to your portable device. It can be used in combination with jPortable Launcher to open Java JAR programs (many with their settings made portable) or used automatically with Java-enabled apps like PortableApps.com versions of LibreOffice and OpenOffice as well as web browsers like Chrome/Chromium, Opera, SeaMonkey and Firefox.

Category:
Runs on:WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: None
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: Yes
Path portability: Automatic relative path (eg. ..\..\personal\work.doc)
License: Freeware / Partially Open Source
How to extract: Download the EXE and install to the folder CommonFiles\Java relative to the applications that use Java. For example:
  • If you have installed LibreOffice to Z:\PortableApps\LibreOfficePortable, install Java Portable to Z:\PortableApps\CommonFiles\Java
  • Similarly, if you have installed the Java Portable Launcher in Z:\PortableApps\JavaPortableLauncher, install Java Portable to Z:\PortableApps\CommonFiles\Java
Java programs can be launched via batch files as well (thanks to user bro).
What's new? See:
https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase/8all-relnotes.html#R180_411
Latest comments
SYSTEM on 2011-03-06 07:57

I've got jPortable working with X-LibreOffice as well. :)

E:\X-LibreOffice\Lib>dir /a
Volume in drive E is OHJELMAT
Volume Serial Number is A4D5-8D47

Directory of E:\X-LibreOffice\Lib

02.03.2011 20:19 <DIR> .
02.03.2011 20:19 <DIR> ..
30.01.2011 10:36 <DIR> 7za
02.03.2011 20:19 <JUNCTION> Java [E:\CommonFiles\Java]
0 File(s) 0 bytes
4 Dir(s) 12 645 406 208 bytes free

The trick is that E:\X-LibreOffice\Lib\Java is a junction that points to E:\CommonFiles\Java. This way the content of E:\CommonFiles\Java shows up in E:\X-LibreOffice\Lib\Java.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTFS_junction_point

webfork on 2011-06-21 21:50

freakazoid: jPortable can work independently of PA programs, including muCommander and some others I've tested. I tried to edit the entry to help give some idea of how to make that work.

REVerdi on 2020-03-09 21:17

CommonFiles\Java64 don't need to be at the root of the app folder.

For example, I adopted the following folder structure:

D:\Apps\Java\CommonFiles\Java64\...
D:\Apps\Java\JavaPortableLauncher64\... (not necessary, but it works)
D:\Apps\IRPF\IRPF2020\... (the application that requires java)

And in "D:\Apps\IRPF\IRPF2020\" I created the following bat:

@echo off
start D:\Apps\Java\CommonFiles\Java64\bin\javaw.exe -jar D:\Apps\IRPF\IRPF2020\irpf.jar

For me, it worked perfectly!

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Unlocker v1.9.2

lwc on 22 Oct 2021
  • 112KB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 16 May 2013
  • Suggested by Unknown

Unlocker Assistant helps unlock files locked by operating system permissions or other issues. The program automatically launches if you are trying to delete/rename/move a file that is locked. When not in use, it stays in your system tray bar. Additionally, individual locked files and folders may be drag-and-dropped onto unlocker.exe.

Alternatively, Unlocker Portable (beta) is a launcher-only version of Unlocker.

Category:
Runs on:Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7
Writes settings to: Application folder
Dependencies: Administrator rights
License: Donationware
How to extract: Use Unlocker Portable
Similar/alternative apps: FileASSASSIN
What's new?
  1. Improved Installer: Universal installer for both 32 and 64 bit machines
  2. Fixed Bug: Fixed small memory and behavior bugs
  3. Promotional feature: Fully optional Delta toolbar.
Latest comments
olliebean on 2015-08-23 18:21

Is this still available? I clicked on the portable download from the website, which redirected me to a download site, which redirected me to another download site... about half a dozen sites later with no download in sight, one of them finally tried to get me to download and install a dodgy "Download Software Manager" app. I gave up at that point.

webfork on 2015-08-23 19:22

olliebean: confirmed. Switching download link to point to softpedia.

Guido76 on 2021-10-22 08:09

I don't understand why we find today this software which is always at the same version since 2013. The site of the designer even seems abandoned. Several links are broken (404 error). This doesn't take away anything from this excellent software, but it doesn't add anything new.

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WinBar v2.0.1

lwc on 7 Jul 2023
  • 376KB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 29 Sep 2009
  • Suggested by Darkbee

WinBar is a system monitoring utility that provides information on CPU, memory, hard disk, battery etc. in a collapsible bar located at the top of the screen. It has various modules that you can enable/disable that provides access to a wide range of functions, including email, news, network time synchronization, application launcher etc.

WinBar is available in 32 and 64 bit editions.

Category:
Runs on:Win95 / Win98 / WinME / WinNT / Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7
Writes settings to: Application folder
License: GPL v3
How to extract:
  • Download the installer and extract to a folder of your choice
  • Delete $R0 file, $PLUGINSDIR and $APPDATA folders
  • Launch WinBar.exe
  • Right-click on the bar to configure for portability
Latest comments
Technomancer on 2008-03-13 11:59

Nice neat utility. I can keep an eye on the CPU usage and see if it seems excessive.
Needs to have a similar display for HDD activity.

Wolfghost on 2010-02-05 17:33

New home: http://sourceforge.net/projects/winbar/

Billy Bob on 2010-04-05 23:44

Look at Glint as an alternate, it shows CPU, disk and more

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PStart v2.11

webfork on 26 Dec 2022
  • 769KB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 7 Jun 2007
  • Suggested by Tony Chard

PStart is an easy-to-use system tray program launcher with a hierarchical list of menus for launching applications and documents, much like the Windows "Start" menu. Includes support for drag-and-drop program management, customizable look and feel, program auto and scheduled start, search, and much more.

Unlike many other launchers, PStart automatically uses relative paths when adding applications and documents, so portability is automatically preserved when changing drive letters as long as the applications and documents are located in the same drive as PStart.

Note: 64-bit OS users may wish to use this in a compatibility mode.

Category:
Runs on:Win95 / Win98 / WinME / WinNT / Win2K / WinXP / Vista
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: Yes
Path portability: Automatic relative path (eg. ..\..\personal\work.doc)
License: Freeware
How to extract:
  1. Download the installer and install using the "Portable setup" option to a folder of your choice
  2. Launch PStart.exe
Additional notes from the author (Jens Gruschel): "The installer has a combo box with all removable drives listed. But if you click the [Next] button, you can select any folder you want, so there is no need to copy the file afterwards (which you can do of course). I added this combo box, because I thought that most people would install it to a USB stick (in fact I wrote the program because I wanted such a tool for my USB stick). But since I also like programs located on my D: drive, I didn't want to limit it to removable drives."
Latest comments
_joepie_ on 2012-04-15 00:11

@webfork: problem solved;
This is what happened, I had a version of PStart from 4 years ago running on my PC at the D-drive.
When I installed the newest version of PStart on my E-drive I replaced the old version of PStart on the D-drive at the same time, however only the menu of the E-drive was working.
After your last comment that I should work, I completely removed PStart from the D-drive and reinstalled it again.
Now everything works fine, I think that some remains of the old Pstart menu was interfering..does not matter anymore, I got what I want..!!
Great, thanks a lot Webfork...
_joepie_ makes a deep bow for WF.. :)

webfork on 2012-09-22 19:54

The program does indeed have minor problems on Win7: I frequently have to restart in order to get to the "Panel" view. Based on developer activity to date, we are unlikely to see an update to fix this.

albert on 2017-04-12 22:18

The best launcher I've never used. It works very well in Windows 10, and only in 769KB.
I've love it very much.

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Portable Start Menu v3.8 Updated

Ennovy on 6 Feb 2024
  • 6MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 5 Feb 2024
  • Suggested by USB_Kx

Portable Start Menu is a program launcher that allows you to organize your programs via a simple menu system and launch them through a tray icon. If you are running from an USB memory stick, Portable Start Menu can be configured to automatically close all launched applications when it terminates.

Category:
Runs on:Win7 / Win8 / Win10 / Win11
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: Yes
Path portability: Automatic compensation for dynamic drive letter in removable storage devices
License: Freeware
How to extract:
  1. Download the installer and extract to a folder of your choice
  2. The application is in the {app} folder
  3. Launch psmenu.exe
Similar/alternative apps: ASuite, PStart, SyMenu
What's new?
  • Automatic closing of programs improved
  • Smaller fixes and improvements
Latest comments
starshakur on 2017-04-06 16:56

psmstart.exe may be essential to launch 64-bit applications (psmenu.exe doesn't start with either missing), but that doesn't change the fact that psmenu.exe is a 32-bit application.

hamasaki on 2020-10-21 21:18

Download links go to the wrong page.

hamasaki on 2020-10-21 21:31

Also, on extraction, there is no {app} folder. Files are in the root.

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Qsel v2.30

Andrew Lee on 3 Jul 2022

Qsel is a flexible program launcher with categories and icons. It supports easy configuration of launcher items via drag-and-drop.

Category:
Runs on:Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: Yes
Path portability: Automatic compensation for dynamic drive letter in removable storage devices
License: Freeware
How to extract:
  1. Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice
  2. Launch Qsel.exe
  3. Optionally, right-click on the window and select "Keep Window opened?" to keep Qsel around after you launch an application
What's new? See: https://www.horstmuc.de/wnews.htm
Latest comments
Midas on 2012-09-14 15:58

I'm having the same problem with another launcher, and horst explanation seems pretty accurate to me...

Napiophelios on 2015-03-15 16:22

I have used this program for a long time and I really like it;
I have always used it to launch programs,
but recently I have been using it to launch shortcuts to folders
and 2 out of 3 times that I do it,it crashes explorer.

Has any one else had this happen?

aazard on 2020-11-12 07:03

Note: 2020-11-12, still 100% functional, VERY nice option at its size

- v2.26 (x86) is infact 86kb, if reduced to exe, its needed ini/chw files & help/readmes combined to 1 txt file.

- only 2 programs that "still function 100% as of posting date" exist:

- VNChelper, at 80kb is SUPER NICE, its hard to pick between Qsel and VNChelper, they differ only in UI & 6kb file size... but I'm going Qsel for same function and 6kb SAVED.

- Then Popsel are smaller at 74kb, which is from same author and is funcationally the same with no "window" section, just a minimalist "fly-out" menu like Linux's "flux or black box" menus

(all reducing size with same readme method and UPX compressed via lmza)

All 3: Qsel, VNChelper and Popsil are FANTASTIC byte for byte

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PortableApps.com Platform v29.5 Updated

Ennovy on 25 Apr 2024
  • 11MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 24 Apr 2024
  • Suggested by gp_hbk

PortableApps.com Platform is an all-in-one tool for portable software download, management and updating. An included launcher shows nested folders organized automatically by function or favorite status, as well as a cascading app view on right-click of the tray icon. The program's appearance can be customized with transparency and several color, texture, and background options.

Other tools include a find-as-you-type search functionality, available cloud installation, drive error checker, backup/restore utility, portable fonts, automatic application closing on shutdown and more. The program can also work with portable software outside of the PortableApps format (see Extract instructions).

Functional in 64-bit and WINE, includes broad language support and proxy support.

Category:
Runs on:WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10 / Win11 / Wine
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: Yes
Path portability: Automatic relative path (eg. ..\..\personal\work.doc)
License: Freeware/Open Source
How to extract:
  1. Download and run the portable installer
  2. Options are provided to extract to the local PC, connected portable drives, cloud drives, and custom directories
  3. Launch Start.exe

To add non-PortableApps applications place the program in its own subfolder under the \PortableApps subfolder and press F5 or restart. The new app will appear in the launcher menu under Other.
Similar/alternative apps: AutoRun LWMenu
What's new? See: https://portableapps.com/platform/changelog
Latest comments
ihateyou on 2013-03-15 21:39

The PortableApps Platform has been updated (a few times) since this was last updated.
I believe the current version is 11.2 (also there is a version 12 beta, I think its Beta 2)

Please update this listing!

webfork on 2013-03-16 15:13

ihateu: checker got it

shnbwmn on 2018-05-10 03:26

Latest version (v15.0) now supports .NET programs, the first of which appears to be KeePass Professional (or 2.x).

https://portableapps.com/news/2018-05-09--keepass-professional-portable-2.39-released

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Keypirinha v2.26

webfork on 21 Mar 2021
  • 10MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 8 Nov 2020
  • Suggested by I am Baas

Keypirinha is a fast and flexible keyboard-based launcher that supports themes, searching, keyword assignment, launch arguments, drag and drop, history, plugins, and more.

Category:
Runs on:Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: Yes
License: Freeware
How to extract: Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch keypirinha.exe.
What's new? See:
https://keypirinha.com/changelog.html

Hoekey v1.22

webfork on 22 Dec 2015
  • 51KB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 9 Nov 2015
  • Suggested by nevemark

HoeKey lets you assign most keys on your keyboard to various different actions. You can use it to run programs, control window actions, create and run aliases, hide/unhide windows, or even use it as a portable launcher.

Configuration is done in a text file access by Edit Config.

Category:
Runs on:WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Path portability: Requires manual entry of relative path (eg. ..\..\personal\work.doc)
License: Freeware
How to extract:
  1. Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice
  2. Download the the latest version of HoeKey from the homepage and overwrite the existing HoeKey.exe file
  3. Launch HoeKey.exe
Similar/alternative apps: Clavier+, X-HotkeyP, Slickrun, TyperTask, HotKeyz
What's new?
  • Added %z in strings to get current directory of first selected file (%Z for url-encoded).
  • Fixed not copying first char of define.
Latest comments
BGM on 2015-11-02 15:54

Oh - forgot - with HoeKey you also get a little panel that lists all of the hotkeys you assigned. That's really handy.

freakazoid on 2015-11-02 18:11

This used to be one of my favorite programs back in the day! :)

webb on 2015-11-03 04:01

It's now at version 2.0

Add string aliases, *foo=something to define, ~N=MsgBox|Some text:%{foo} to use.
Add SetBrightness command. e.g. ~N=SetBrightness||Absolute Value (0-100)|Relative Value (-100 - 100). Requires Vista or newer.
Remove RunAlias command.

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PopMenu v 3.0

agam on 14 Apr 2021
  • 198KB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 14 Apr 2021
  • Suggested by agam

PopMenu, a small menu (program launcher), is started either by a hotkey or a click on the tray icon. It is able to handle changing drive letters and therefore it is particularly suitable as a starter for an USB stick.

Category:
Runs on:Win95 / Win98 / WinME / WinNT / Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: No
License: Freeware
How to extract: Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch PopMenu.exe.

XVA Assistant v0.10.2018.1215

billon on 17 Dec 2018
  • 8MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 15 Dec 2018
  • Suggested by smaragdus

XVA Assistant is a stylish launcher for programs, files and websites, organizing items into panels and folders. The program can reside either in task-bar next to start menu (Cool XVA-Button) or in sustem tray. The program supports skins (any BMP, JPG and PNG images) and two view modes: "View as Pad" and "View as Phone".

Other features include autostart, always on top, animation effects, minimize after launch, minimize on losing focus, hot key and more.

Category:
Runs on:Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: Yes
License: Freeware
How to extract: Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch XVA.exe
Similar/alternative apps: Qsel
What's new? See:
https://www.softpedia.com/progChangelog/XVA-Assistant-Changelog-251045.html
Latest comments
Stroport on 2017-09-09 07:41

Good news, this app is interesting is there a place to post features suggestions ?

__philippe on 2017-09-09 11:28

Perhaps contact developer XuanYuan YuShun directly ?
Email: debuger@outlook.com

Belga on 2017-09-11 16:56

That's the best solution.
FYI, developer gives this answer related to keeping the enlargement of the window after reboot :
"I guess when the system shutdown, OS didn't give XVA enough time to save configuration files, so the windows size don't save correct, and I would optimize it in the next version.
You can use the temporary plan as follows:
1. Adjust the window size.
2. manually exit.
3. restart XVA."
It worked for me !

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Task Coach Portable v1.4.6

billon on 27 Apr 2019
  • 31MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 27 Apr 2019
  • Suggested by JohnTHaller

Task Coach is a simple todo manager to keep track of personal tasks and todo lists. It grew out of a frustration that most task managers do not provide facilities for several activities so Task Coach was designed to deal with composite tasks. In addition, it offers effort tracking, categories and notes.

Task Coach Portable includes a PortableApps.com format launcher to handle portablisation. X-Task Coach is also available from the download page.

Cross-platform (OS X, Linux, BSD and iOS) with synchronisation features available via the Funambol service.

Category:
Runs on:Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7 / Win8 / Win10
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Path portability: Automatic relative path (eg. ..\..\personal\work.doc)
License: GNU GPLv3
How to extract: Download the "PortableApps Format" self-extracting EXE and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch TaskCoachPortable.exe.
What's new? See:
https://www.taskcoach.org/changes.html

Porta'Menu v1.0.4.1

lwc on 7 Jul 2023
  • 204KB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 23 Aug 2021
  • Suggested by Andrew Lee

Porta'Menu is a small menu launcher that supports relative paths for portable use. You can arrange the menu items in any order, as well as categorize them under different program groups. It has an optional anti-virus/spyware feature to check an EXE against its hash signature for changes and/or tampering before launch.

Category:
Runs on:Win95 / Win98 / WinME / WinNT / Win2K / WinXP / Vista / Win7
Writes settings to: Application folder
Dependencies: Administrator rights
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: No
License: Freeware (Donations Accepted)
How to extract: Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch PortaMenu.exe.
Latest comments
Homer on 2010-08-03 11:53

That is a good hint 1way. But is there a trick to make it launch a web address?

1way on 2010-08-03 14:34

Sure Homer. For portability I use Browzar for private trackless surfing, put this in your .bat file: browzar http://www.1way.ws If you want to use Internet Explorer use: "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" http://www.1way.ws (I'm using XP, if you use a different OS adjust the path to IE accordingly, the downside is the link then becomes OS dependent.)

Homer on 2010-08-11 13:20

Thanks 1way. It works well provided that the browser is in Porta'Menu's foder.

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Svift v1.1

lwc on 7 Jul 2023
  • 152KB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 11 Apr 2011
  • Suggested by I am Baas

Svift is a lightweight application launcher. Type a few letters to find applications on your Start menu or access online services such as search and email.

Category:
Runs on:WinXP / Vista / Win7
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
License: Freeware
How to extract: Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch Svift.exe.
What's new? By popular request from Svift users under Windows 7, the shortcut key has been changed from Win+Space (which conflicted with Aero Peek) to Win+Enter.
Latest comments
freakazoid on 2011-04-18 05:08

It appears that you can't. It's a simple launcher that parses your Start Menu. Can configure some websites as well, but that appears to be it.

Emka on 2014-12-06 14:32

links broken

Midas on 2014-12-07 15:48

Site and download links have been removed by author.

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Toolbox v2.85

lwc on 7 Jul 2023
  • 2MB (uncompressed)
  • Released on 12 Jul 2009
  • Suggested by M. Maltbia

ToolBox is an alternative application launcher for Windows. It helps you organize your desktop and get rid of numerous shortcuts that take up valuable space on it. It handles almost anything you can throw at it: applications, drives, folders, files and control panel applets. It also supports relative paths for portable use.

Category:
Runs on:Win95 / Win98 / WinME / WinNT / Win2K / WinXP
Writes settings to: Application folder
Stealth: ? Yes
Unicode support: No
Path portability: Automatic relative path (eg. ..\..\personal\work.doc)
License: Freeware
How to extract: Download the ZIP package and extract to a folder of your choice. Launch toolbox.exe.
Latest comments
Kermode on 2008-03-28 20:57

Current version does not take into account user might have set high DPI in windows (like me) and then calculates its framesize incorrectly (can't see all buttons)

netslave on 2008-07-04 02:31

Softpedia has a review on their site.
http://www.softpedia.com/reviews/windows/ToolBox--Review-75011.shtml

author on 2008-07-05 15:50

Latest Version 2.78 includes:
* Better support for URLs dropped onto ToolBoxes
* "Open With" now has a button to easily a program to open a file with
* Various cosmetic fixes for computers with higher DPI settings
* You can also, "Alt-click" to bring up the shortcut properties, there's a new icon library manager with drag & drop support for easy customization.

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