Application Mover 4.3

Overview

Application Mover is a useful tool that serves the simple function of moving the files of an installed application to a new file path on your hard drive. In other words, it gives you the ability to change where a specific program is stored in your computer, which can be quite handy if you own a small SSD and want to run all important programs from it.

Installation

With a file size of less than 2 MB, the software is so compact that is almost nonexistent in terms of disk space consumption. A self-installing setup file pretty much takes care of the installation process for you. Compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, and 7.

Interface

The user interface is so intuitive that you shouldn't have to use anything more than common sense to figure out how to use it. It is a basic window with three file/folder selection input fields – Current Path, New Path, and Log Changes Made to File. Simply specify the file path of the application you're trying to move, choose a new path, check/uncheck the self-explanatory option boxes as you see fit, and then choose a location to store a log file if desired.

Pros

• Keeps an application's functionality intact by scanning through the system registry and changing any references to the current file path so that they are replaced by the new file path. By moving the program files to a new folder and then making the necessary corresponding changes to your registry, this software makes it as though the application was originally installed in the new file path you've assigned

• If you make the mistake of installing a new program in the wrong folder, this application can quickly fix your mistake with a few clicks of the mouse

• Scans for any start menu Windows shortcuts and automatically changes path references to match the new file path

• Scans any install.log and .ini files that are related to the moved application to determine whether any references to the old file path are made, and if they are they're automatically replaced with the location of the new file path

• If a program is being used or is locked from inside for whatever reason the software will automatically prompt you to reboot, and upon logging in it will resume the pending operation

Cons

• The user interface is extremely primitive. However, this is almost expected considering the limited functionality of this one-dimensional program

Alternatives

Application Mover is somewhat unique in its ability to relocate the location of program files in the operating system. However, a similar software would be Steam Mover, which facilitates the process of migrating installed programs and other files/folders.

Conclusion

If you're for an easy way to relocate installed programs on your hard disk, without having to perform an installation/reinstall, Application Mover offers an incredibly convenient solution that is very easy to use. Although it is a good idea to understand how to move an application from one folder to another manually, doing so is no longer necessary because Application Mover completely automates the process.