How applications detect the computer?

[msnuser193]

I have an application that I want to convert to portable. After creating the app, it works but a message pops up: "This is not the computer the program was installed to". How does it detect the computer?

btw, maybe it's the computer id, is it possible to fake a computer id?

[guinness]

There is more than one way the program can achieve this, most likely its via a registry that is created when installed and simply says "No RegKey = No way this could have been installed on this PC" Or is could have the installed Computer's name in an .INI file.
Whats the program? Maybe a .PAF or JauntePE project has already been created?

[msnuser193]

Is it possible to track all the app's actions?

such as what file it accesses, registry key, changes created, etc.

This would be helpful if it does access *.ini file for computer id.

[M@tty]

http://www.portablefreeware.com/index.php?id=1033

[msnuser193]

Nice!, will report my findings.