Can I install a game on an external HDD, and play it on a laptop?

[Jumpem]

I have heard of people running apps from thumb drives, but not sure of this.

 

[FoBoT]

it will probably run poorly, why not move static files (docs, pics, music) from the laptop drive over to the external drive to free up space on C: of the laptop, that will give you better performance

 

[KLin]

I agree with FoBoT. Not a good idea at all.

 

[mercanucaribe]

I've run WoW from an external hard drive. Contrary to popular belief, a hard drive doesn't have to be that fast.

 

[Jumpem]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
it will probably run poorly, why not move static files (docs, pics, music) from the laptop drive over to the external drive to free up space on C: of the laptop, that will give you better performance

My PC is downstairs, and I want to play while upstairs in the living room on the couch. The laptop is my gf's work machine though so I don't want to install anything directly on to it.

 

[Jumpem]

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
I've run WoW from an external hard drive. Contrary to popular belief, a hard drive doesn't have to be that fast.

Exactly what I want to do.

I'd probably have to play at 800 x 600 or on this. It's only a 1.8 Pentium M, with a mobile 9600.

 

[mb]

Have you considered just trying it and finding out for yourself?

 

[FoBoT]

when you install a game, it puts stuff in the registry, not just the file system. if you are going to litter the registry with the game , i don't see how putting the files on the external drive will make a difference. the IT guys that administer the laptop can see a game was installed whether it goes to an external drive or the internal hard drive

 

[Jumpem]

Originally posted by: mb
Have you considered just trying it and finding out for yourself?

Nope. Wanted an idea it would work before I go buy a drive.

 

[Jumpem]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
when you install a game, it puts stuff in the registry, not just the file system. if you are going to litter the registry with the game , i don't see how putting the files on the external drive will make a difference. the IT guys that administer the laptop can see a game was installed whether it goes to an external drive or the internal hard drive

Even if I install it to the HDD from another machine? I don't think her IT department is that strict. It's a small office, and the IT guy is the son in-law of one of the partners.

 

[mb]

Originally posted by: Jumpem

Originally posted by: mb
Have you considered just trying it and finding out for yourself?

Nope. Wanted an idea it would work before I go buy a drive.

Oh, I thought you already had one

 

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by: Jumpem

Originally posted by: FoBoT
when you install a game, it puts stuff in the registry, not just the file system. if you are going to litter the registry with the game , i don't see how putting the files on the external drive will make a difference. the IT guys that administer the laptop can see a game was installed whether it goes to an external drive or the internal hard drive

Even if I install it to the HDD from another machine? I don't think her IT department is that strict. It's a small office, and the IT guy is the son in-law of one of the partners.

i am just saying there is really no point to this. if they don't care, then just install the game and play it, what is the point of the extra drive?

 

[0roo0roo]

only old games that didn't make registry changes really work without installs on that specific system. stuff like old quake games and such.

 

[ppdes]

I'm running my OS off an external drive...although it is eSATA, not USB.