When researching issues Github issues #8474 & #7948, there are potential issues with rights to the \AppData\xxxx directory. As part of a Windows 10 Enterprise installation, is it possible to NOT default to the Local\AppData directory? There are permission issues embedded in the local policies that hide the \AppData\xxxx directory structure and despite being an admin on my machine, there are rights restrictions on the \AppData\xxx direcotry.
I would like for all the user portion of the installation to go to a completely different directory.
ballscrewbob:
You could use the "portable" install version of the IDE.
However it would still leave traces due to the windows structure of doing things.
It is probably a better Q. to ask of Microsoft.
Thank you for the response. I understand the "portable" version has its own set of "issues". I am not familiar with this software application but one would think the the install location is controlled by the application. Is MS dictating the deployment of files? I have many applications that do not install to Local\AppData. Thanks.
So far trying to run on this Windows machine is not usable. Spent 8 hours researching and hashing through several issues. Even uninstalled, reinstalled, put on latest Java, updated configuration files, etc.. Worked once and then back to Java issues. Tried running it on CentOS7 on a VMware Workstation Player VM and that did not work (could not access serial port). Next stop.. RPi4.
Why was I thinking this stuff was easy to install and use?
So you're having trouble with either Boards Manager or Library Manager?
dantemc:
There are permission issues embedded in the local policies that hide the \AppData\xxxx directory structure
There is a simple fix. Just configure File Explorer to show hidden items: View > Hidden Items (check).
dantemc:
I would like for all the user portion of the installation to go to a completely different directory.
The only way to accomplish this is by using portable mode.
dantemc:
Thank you for the response. I understand the "portable" version has its own set of "issues".
Which issues are you referring to? Have you tried using portable mode?
dantemc:
one would think the the install location is controlled by the application. Is MS dictating the deployment of files? I have many applications that do not install to Local\AppData.
Windows does have some security restrictions on certain locations. For example, one of the "issues" with portable mode you might be alluding to is that it's difficult or impossible to do with IDE installations under the "Program Files" folders due to Windows being very restrictive of those fodlers.
In addition to hard restrictions, there are also established conventions, which applications are not required to follow, but it's best practices to do so. The use of %LOCALAPPDATA% is one of these conventions. In fact there was a kerfuffle years back because at that time Arduino was not using it.
Virtual machines pose a whole new set of problems unless you are pretty proficient in thier uses and foibles.
Serial ports being just one of the more common issues.
Yes there are some software's that dont use any of the appdata folders.
Most of those tend to be small utilities, much older software or software that only uses the hooks and api's that are already present in windows.
Most common failures in getting to appdata folders is often due to restrictions placed on such as corporate or EDU systems by the higher administrator levels.
Often known as a "policy restriction" for which Arduino has no control over.
Windows 10 brought with it further restrictions that to this day still cause people problems.