What is a good semi-permanent virtualization program?

Hi guys! Is there one like Sandboxie perhaps but works across reboots and has the option to commit ONLY the changes that virtualized app makes to the real hard disk?

So for example!

* I want to test a program but not have it install anything onto my computer "for real".
* That program needs a reboot while installing OR..
* I'd like to test it over a few days

* I decide to buy it or install it "for real" and now it is transferred intact to my hard disk like a normal install but ONLY the changes it made.
* I decide I don't like it and delete/uninstall it. It never touched my "real" system.

The persistent virtualization is important! Ideal would be if it could work for multiple applications at once.

One example: games. I'd like to install a game to a virtualized state and play it and then when I'm done I can just remove that particular virtualized game. At the same time I might want to try out some app. I'd like for them to both be seperately tracked so I know what changes they each make and then can decide to install for real only that chosen one.

Also it must work from CDs if I install something from CD or DVD!

 

Personally i use Altiris Software Virtualisation Solution. It lets me install software into virtualised layers. From there i can temporarily remove the software by deactivating the layer or completely remove the software by deleting the layer leaving no traces (usually this can be done without needing to reboot the OS). Another cool feature is you can export and save these layers so you can use them again in a clean OS install or on a different pc. Best of all altiris is free for personal use, you simply download the software and during installation you register for the free key.

 

Altiris also gets my vote.

You can save any app. virtually -restore it or delete with a mouseclick.
Cant think of any other virtualization system that has the same functionality.

 

In Altiris, can you install a program in one of the layers that needs a reboot to install?

 

Innerpeace,

Yes from memory-its a different concept altogether than the others-it concentrates on individual software installations.

Review

 

Thanks, I'll have a look as I've been wanting to try it, but I have programs that are sorta similar. I've been cautious to try since it's made by Symantec.

Cheers

 

Altiris was taken over by Symantec and the problem ATM is finding a download site free for personal use.
My install is years old-still the same version.

 

Here's the link, http://juice.altiris.com/node/86 Scroll down to free for personal use. They also show that Softpedia.com and Download.com has it.

 

Good find Innerpeace!

Suggest the SVS down load site and additionally download Trinket,a control console

 

Free is good Thanks I will give that a try!

What about other approach like the old GoBack? So is there some rollback programs which do a 100% image and let you roll back but also take some things back to the snapshot too?

So like this

a) Rollback snapshot here

b) install game here

c) edit document here

d) roll back to a), but take c with me.

a + c) now I am here and b) never existed!

Something like that?

 

I downloaded SVS and the Trinket from the link I posted and VirusTotal checked out good. Here are the hashes.

SVS_21_Personal.zip
File size: 4272771 bytes
MD5: a58d1cbc5a9e2011d0f2fc25e1ba871b
SHA1: 3a90579b502979f33c67d1087a935ddcca4ec480

trinket_1.0.0.10_bin.zip
File size: 117793 bytes
MD5: b8a1685c9695abae8db0fa37f8585bad
SHA1: 7f91bc3a58198133500bc20c2cd4d417c00c8ac3

 

Yes there was one called FDISR,but its no longer available.
Probably a similar effect would be to take a specialised image,say of a game with any imaging app,then just archive that image and restore when required and vice versa,

 

Hmm this one? http://www.horizondatasys.com/253715.ihtml I looked on google. Is that the same as this one http://leapfrogsoftware.com/product_info/ and originally from Raxco? All three show on google. The first one is still on sale and has a trial version? I just like to see which approach might be best for me

 

Thats a different version unfortunately -basically a much crippled version of the original-its for restores only in that it carries only one snapshot.

Even if still mentioned the original is definitely not available.

The developers Leapfrog, used to carry it but not anymore,why they persist with these teaser pages is a mystery

You'll find a whole subsection in this Forum - FirstDefense-ISR

 

Hello,
MojoPac should work too.
Mrk

 

Ok cool I found the MojoPac page and that one is free too http://www.mojopac.com/portal/content/hellomojo.jsp it says for USB stick but maybe it works for hard disk as well. In any case these two virtualization ones might be good for temporary application like games but so I don't lose anything I work on later too! Thanks!

 

I've had mixed results when dealing with software that requires a reboot. You can set it to automatically activate a layer upon reboot which works ok for some installs but some just don't work at all. It isn't a perfect solution for every type of software install but for the most part it works great, especially for a freebie. And don't worry its not made by symantec, just owned by them. From what i can see theres no advertising or even a mention of symantec anywhere in the program.

 

I personally use rollback rx and it works great, it can work exactly as you described. You can install whatever, edit whatever and when you're done you can rollback your system to how it was before. You can even rollforward again if you want. Its very robust and powerful however it ain't cheap .

 

Thank you farmerlee. I may have to give it a try then

 

Rollback RX sounds indeed like it does what I want but it is a bit expensive for my home needs so I'll play with Altiris instead That and True Image 8 free version should work well for non critical home use.