Run Windows Software Without Installing

This method of using Windows software is superior to a typical install (described in Install Windows Software) as it does not consume space in your save file.

Note: If you are using a full hard drive installation of Puppy Linux you will of course not be using a save file and must instead install Windows software with the method described in Install Windows Software.
Note: If you do not have a Windows operating system installed on your computer then any software you wish to use with WINE must be installed as described in Install Windows Software.
Note: This method my not work with all Windows compatible software. If it doesn't you will need to use the method described in Install Windows Software.

Go to Menu > Filesystem > ROX-Filer

Browse to /mnt/home

Browse to Programs folder in Windows partition.

Note: Location of Programs folder will vary depending on Windows version.

Alternatively click the mounted hard drive icon in the lower left corner of desktop (icon looks like a bare metal drive). The mounted drive has a dot superimposed over it to indicated that it is mounted.

Located the folder containing the software you want to use.

Open folder and locate the software executable file. Example illustrator.exe

Resize window.

Drag and drop file onto desktop.

In future you may start the Windows software by clicking this desktop shortcut.

Note: Windows software typically takes longer to start than software bundled with Puppy Linux.

Give New Desktop Shortcut A Better Icon

The new shortcut will have the default square gray icon used for all executable files. You may instead Set Desktop Icon to something more appropriate.

Using Windows Software That Has No Installation Method

Not all Windows software requires installation. Such software need not be located in the Programs folder either. Freeware may only have a single executable file and can be located anywhere in the Windows partition. In Windows running this type of software is simply a matter of double clicking the executable file. If this is the case with the software you want to run then use the same method as described above. Browse to executable file then drag and drop it onto the Puppy Linux desktop. After you place shortcut on desktop you may start software by clicking once it.

Fix Inoperative Desktop Shortcut

Right click desktop shortcut.

Select Set Run Action

In the field below Enter a shell command type:

wine ”$@”

Click Use Command button.

Shortcut should again be functional.

Give New Desktop Shortcut A Better Icon

The new shortcut will have the default square gray icon used for all executable files. You may instead Set Desktop Icon to something more appropriate.

Related Article

• WINE Runs Windows Software in Puppy Linux (download)
  
• Install Windows Software
  
• Desktop Navigation
  
• ROX-Filer File Manager