#57 Config optioen for multiple instances

[Gimli_Gloin]

Hi Rolando,
a co-worker directed me to MaxLauncher because I am looking for a replacement of my current launchbar, because the developer stopped working on it a long time ago.
I gave MaxLauncher a try and it has much features I really like. A nice piece of software.
But it seems not to support the way I am using my current launcher.

I have to launch over the day several applications. Some of them in an alternative account with specific administrative permissions on resources.
To make my life easier I start 2 instances of my launcher:
One with my normal account and have on it's surface the common programs like Word, mailprogram and so on.
The second instance is started by a batchfile/link that calls the exe with RunAs and a commandline parameter for a configuration with several management consoles and administration tools.

To access a tool within the right contect I use different hotkeys and colour themes for the different launcher instances.

I tried to accomplish this with MaxLauncher and defined different mld-files to start the instances.
It was half a success: The tab data ist different but the favorites and the hotkey are shared among both instances and also is the theme the same.

I think I can achieve this with MaxLauncher by using two complete separate application folders to start the instances from.

I suggest the (from my point of view) smarter way:

Hotkey and theme are currently defined in the app.cfg. The mld-file still contains a theme tag, but with no effect. The FavoritesConfigFile is common to all instances.

For the support of multiple instances with different configurations it would be nice, if you could add tags for what hotkey and what FavoritesConfigFile shall be used.
Together withe the theme tag these mdl settings shoud overwrite the global settings if present.

Thanks for reading.
Martin

[madproton]

Hi Martin,

1. Local Theme (theme for each mld file) - The easy one first. Regarding the theme, by default the global theme is used. You need to go to [Settings] - [Options] and turn of [Always use application theme]. When this is off, the theme in the mld file will be used.
2. Multiple instances -
   I am not 100% clear on what you are trying to do. There are many types of configurations already built-in. Maybe, it is already available for what you are trying to accomplish.

When you use RunAs, are you specifying a different user or just with Admin priveleges?
If specifying a different user, try adding /profile to RunAs? This will result in the config files being located in C:\Users\<USERNAME>\AppData\Roaming\MaxLauncher.

If running with Admin priveleges, wouldn't it be simpler to just configure the particular programs assigned to buttons with the [Run as adminstrator] checked. When using this method, explore using the [Data] menu option for easier and faster loading of multiple mld files. Or, the old way of doing things, you can assign the mld file for those files to a favorites button.

If you want a completely different set of configurations (hotkey, favorites.cfg, etc.), for the same user and using the same standard installation, then the program needs to be modified. The only thing I don't like about this, is that, the user needs to manually create and modify a config file for each instance. The program was created and shared to make life easier, not complicated. But I do understand that users have different needs.

Oh, BTW, I'm assuming you are using the standard installation method and not the portable version.

Thanks.

Roberto

[Gimli_Gloin]

Hi Roberto,
thank you for the quick repsonse. I made my first attempts using the portable version.
Yes, the first one was easy and I am happy with it. I must admit I missed this option.

"Multiple instances - I am not 100% clear on what you are trying to do"
Well, I unchecked the option "Single Instance"because I want to start it twice or thrice (e.g. local user, local admin and domain admin ).

An Example:
When I have all three instances running and want to create a normal local script I will use the hotkey Ctr-# to bring the LocalUser launcher to front and start notepad ++.
When I want to edit my ...\etc\hosts I will do the same for the launcher running as LocalAdmin via hotkey Win-#.
And if I want to edit any configfile of my server application on an UNC-share where I need special permissions, I do the same with via the hotkey Alt-# which brings my launcher running in an authorized account to front.
This makes my life easier and saves much time. Configuring the config file is a one-time invest for an all-time saving.

But I can understand your issues. I tried the installed version and agree that the "Run as Administrator" option is a solution for the local admin. I will reseve one tab for these items.

I also tried the RunAs with the installed version. You don't need the /profile option because it is the default but you need to copy the folders Theme and Language manually from the installing users %AppData% to the other users %AppData% if you don't want to stick with English and Default theme.
But at last I consider to use the portable version with own folders for each user. It has the advantage of easy backup and restore and will work well.

Thank you that you shared your your knowlege, time and this great application.

All the best
Martin