Curse

fenwal · Dec 12, 2009, 05:44 AM // 05:44

I'm experimenting with a dual-boot machine, Windows XP and Windows 7. The Templates directory path is different on those two (different HDDs, too, in my case). I'd like to be able to boot up under either OS, fire up GW, and reference the same Templates directory. I tried using short cuts; that didn't work, but maybe I don't have the right magic.

GW support suggested I post to this forum (hope I got the correct place). Has anyone done this successfully?

I'd be very interested in GW doing one of the following:

1. Add a "Templates Location" entry to the Options settings, have it default to whatever it uses today, but let me change it.

2. Stick the Templates path in a Windows registry location, and let me change it there.

3. Add a command line option to gw.exe, for instance, gw.exe -templates <path to Templates>

It's not much of a leap to consider sharing a Templates directory located on a LAN server (mapped network drive or even UNC syntax).

- Fenwal

Quaker · Dec 12, 2009, 05:52 PM // 17:52

It seems to me that the relocating of the templates in Vista and Win7 is something the OS does all by itself. I don't know off hand, of any way to get around it.
One thing you could try would be to use the type of app that automatically "syncs" or mirrors the contents of two devices - like when you plug your PDA into a computer to copy files so that they both contain the same data. You could then, depending upon your computer literacy, set it up to mirror the contents of the 2 Template folders every time you start GW or every time the OS starts.

Here's an example of what I mean - http://allwaysync.com/

Please note - I'm not familiar with that particular software and I'm not specifically recommending it - it's just an example.

fenwal · Dec 13, 2009, 12:12 AM // 00:12

Granted, I could keep the files in sync across multiple locations, but that defeats my goal of having just one set of files that can be shared.

I did have a Eureka moment today, though. Going straight from XP to Win7, I didn't realize that Vista had added symbolic links (a la unix). I was able to use the Win7 'mklink' command to do what I wanted.

Now I need to experiment with 'mklink' to see if it works across a network.

Elder III · Dec 13, 2009, 02:06 AM // 02:06

why not have the same templates in two separate spots with the different OSs, yet still have identical content? It's easy, already known to work, takes less time than to do what you want (even if it is possible) - if it ain't broke don't fix it I say.

fenwal · Dec 13, 2009, 06:19 PM // 18:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elder III

why not have the same templates in two separate spots with the different OSs, yet still have identical content? It's easy, already known to work, takes less time than to do what you want (even if it is possible) - if it ain't broke don't fix it I say.

That's pretty much what Quaker was recommending (with sync software). And file space is cheap, etc; 1K of file space per file isn't the worst thing in the world.

As I said previously, I'm experimenting. With several computers in the house, it's an interesting thought to store the Templates in one location, and have all the computers use them from that location. No sync'ing software necessary, no multiple copies (except for the backups). Might even be useful for a LAN party, heh.

-Fenwal

Bob Slydell · Dec 13, 2009, 09:19 PM // 21:19

Put the Guildwars directory in the root of any partition (or it really dosent matter where) and access the same GW installation from both OS'es. This is the best way to solve it AFAIK. THere will not be problems accessing GW from an OS that dosen't have it installed. GW is known to run on flash drives brought to other computers, and I don't have it installed either myself, just drag and drop every reinstall of windows.

So say partition C is XP, parititon D is Windows 7.

C:/Guildwars
D:/

When you are in either OS, you can access either partition and launch GW. GW will refer back to its very own directory when taking a screenshot or working with templates.

..Since I have my GW directory moved to my documents, screens save right into its directory with the full path going through ...my documents/guildwars/screens and same for templates. Even over the network, saving screens and working with templates goes right back to the directory of gw being shared right over the network as well.

Lemme know how this works out for you.