How to download each app seperately?

from WinCustomize Forums
I just purchased Object Desktop a week ago, however there is one problem. It seems I'm only able to download and install the apps (Windowblinds, IconPackager, SkinStudio, etc.) thru the Stardock Central interface. How do I get each apps individual installation file? I don't want to have to count on an internet connectino if/when I want to install one of these apps. I'd like to have all the installation files for the apps backed up on a cd for easy access.

Thank you
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Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top

Unless you had the snapshot cd sent to you...


once you have the apps downloaded/installed via SDC - archive them via SDC (right click on one in SDC) and copy the archive to disk

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks for the quick reply! If I archive the apps, where is the archive file placed? And how do I back everything up, ie. place on a cd-r/dvd-r? How would I use that archive file to reinstall that app?

The reason I ask is because I'm in the military and getting ready to deploy for 3-6 months. Where I'm going, internet connections are going to be limited to say the least. The only thing I take to keep me occupied while not on duty is my Laptop. If that goes belly up, I'm screwed lol! I've learned the hard way to make sure I have EVERYTHING backed up in case of a catastrophic Windows meltdown. I have my WinXP install backed up with Norton Ghost and then I back up every single application, driver, helpfile, etc, onto a dvd-r. That way, if I'm forced to reinstall windows, I'll have every singe thing I had before the meltdown.

So, I'm curious how the archive system works. Once the apps are archived, where do I find the archived files to copy onto a dvd-r? I looked in the SDCentral folder under Program Files, but didn't see an "Archive" folder or anything like that. If I have a backup of the StarDock central install file and then an archaive file of the apps, will I be able to reinstall everything on a laptop without an internet connection?
ie, I install windows, install SDC, then what? How would I install the archived apps?

Thank you
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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
They are located in a folder named "Backup" in the SDCentral folder.
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

I don't have access to the apps or even WinCustomize while I'm at work.


Corky O has an archiving tutorial at WinCustomize, unless somebody is kind enough to post it here, you'll have to search for it or wait until tonight.


you would basically install SDC 1st, the restore the archives.  However I'm unsure on the registration aspect and I seem to recall a sig.bin file that need to go with WB5 in order to activate it - but what I read last night [ https://forums.stardock.com/?ForumID=167&AID=105125#820862 ] says that only works on the computer it was installed/activated on - so you would want to install/activate on the laptop prior to going deployment - see comment 13 & if you reformat, you will have to re activate - see comment 6

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Everything should be archived in C:\Program Files\Stardock\SDCentral\BACKUP. It'll have an *.sdc extension.

Burn those on to a DVD/CD and burn the SDC installer on the same CD.

To unarchive, install SDC on the new PC and then hit ctrl-r to restore.

I don't know if internet activation fits in. I know SD is moving that way and that teh sig.bin is critical for some apps. I'd burn those to the DVD too [Renamed to the app name for reference}.

Good luck and God bless. I appreciate what teh armed forced do for me. I owe you.

Posted via WinCustomize Browser/Stardock Central
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks for the advice guys, I really appreciate it. I did see the BACKUP folder and glanced inside, but I guess I was focused on looking for something with an exe extension. Tunnel vision is a bitc...

I'll probably end up installing every single app via SDC, archive every singe app, then copy the entire Program Files/Stardock folder onto a DVD-r. Overkill maybe, but the only way I can be sure to have everything I need... I hope. In my experience, windows decides to rear it's ugly BSOD at the worst possible moments and I've learned to be prepared!

Again, thanks for the help!

"Good luck and God bless. I appreciate what teh armed forced do for me. I owe you." <-- Thanks Zubaz, much appreciated!