Where to save data files?

[sub]

Yes.

[martint123]

I think I requested on the wishlist some time ago for data to be moved out of the application directory (or more properly, a definable place). Mainly for my backup (well restore in fact) strategy.

[Graham]

Does the datadir registry setting give us the best of all worlds ... We can set it to wherever we want. My choice would be C:\gbpvr to keep everything simple and easy to find.

Which folders would I need to move from Program Files if I set datadir?

Does the current upgrade process handle datadir? For example, would the upgrade to 1.4.7 have been automatic if I had set datadir in 1.3.11 and moved stuff to C:\gbpvr?

Should I assume that most plugins use the installdir registry setting. For example, Aplugin would look for its data file in installdir\plugins\aplugin\?

Thanks

[sub]

I think I requested on the wishlist some time ago for data to be moved out of the application directory (or more properly, a definable place). Mainly for my backup (well restore in fact) strategy.

The app itself has been able to handle data being stored elsewhere for at least a couple of years, but I hate making changes in the installer so have never updated it to take advantage of this feature.

[sub]

Does the datadir registry setting give us the best of all worlds ... We can set it to wherever we want. My choice would be C:\gbpvr to keep everything simple and easy to find.

Which folders would I need to move from Program Files if I set datadir?

It looks for the gbpvr.db3, logs\*, plugins\*, media\*, thumbnails\* files in the datadir.

Does the current upgrade process handle datadir? For example, would the upgrade to 1.4.7 have been automatic if I had set datadir in 1.3.11 and moved stuff to C:\gbpvr?

See previous comment about installe. Its not going handle the datadir at all. It always installs into 'program files'.

Should I assume that most plugins use the installdir registry setting. For example, Aplugin would look for its data file in installdir\plugins\aplugin\?

Sure - entirely possible some plugins will have some hardcoded rules which will stop them from working correctly. The small number of plugins I've run actually worked fine (WebRadio, DVD Ripper etc...)

I'm not recommending anyone actually move their data directory, mainly because the installer isnt going to like it, but just indicating that it was possible.

[steveum]

If you set this registry key, how do your existing files migrate to the new location? Is this something that needs to be done manually or will GBPVR move them automatically?

I am a Vista user, so having an option move the data files out of program files is very appealing.

[sub]

If you set this registry key, how do your existing files migrate to the new location? Is this something that needs to be done manually or will GBPVR move them automatically?

I am a Vista user, so having an option move the data files out of program files is very appealing.

You'd need to have moved these files yourself.

See comment above about the installer not supporting this though. Given it'll break your next attempted upgrade, I wouldnt recommend it.

[pBS]

as for default use, i'd think a dir common to all users would have to be chosen to avoid each user having to set it up again and having separate settings, etc..

[mvallevand]

pBS, I was proposing one common directory for data. However the directory name of this is not going to be common across Windows versions or installations. DataDir could do what I want, but it takes too much coordination with all plugin writers and isn't compatible with upgrades so it isn't an option for now.

Martin

[JavaWiz]

"DataDir". If not specified, it defaults to the same location as InstallDir.

I didn't even realize this existed. WizTools only looks at InstallDir. Next cut I will update to include a check for DataDir related to any lookups for gbpvr.db3, logs\*, plugins\*, media\*, thumbnails\*.

How about the config.xml, is it in the data dir or installdir?

Thanks for the info!