Mem Reduct Portable: Setup and Settings
Portable mode is enabled by placing memreduct.ini beside the executable. The version 3.5.2 README also describes moving the existing configuration from the user profile into the application folder. Use a writable folder and exit the running program before moving or backing up settings.
What matters for this task
A portable archive and a portable configuration are related but separate ideas. Extracting a program into a folder does not prove that its settings are being stored there. Confirm the location by changing one harmless setting, closing the program, and checking which configuration file was updated. Do not assume portable means the application can never create a startup entry.
Steps to follow
- Extract the binary archive into a dedicated folder that you control. Do not launch the executable while it is still inside the archive preview; extract all supporting files first.
- Exit Mem Reduct through the tray menu. Back up an existing configuration before moving it, especially when multiple copies or Windows accounts have used the program.
- Create a file named memreduct.ini beside the executable, or move your existing settings there. Enable filename extensions so the file does not accidentally become memreduct.ini.txt.
- Launch the same executable, change a visible preference, close it, and reopen it. Confirm that the preference persists and that the local configuration has been written.
Check the result
A local configuration file that updates and restores your selected preference is a useful portable-mode check. Repeat this from the final folder, not from a temporary extraction directory.
Limitations and precautions
A removable drive can disappear or change its drive letter. Do not leave automatic startup pointing to a location that is unavailable at sign-in.
Questions and answers
Where are the profile settings normally located?
The README identifies %APPDATA%\Henry++\Mem Reduct as the profile location used when moving settings into portable mode.
Is an empty INI file enough to select portable mode?
The documented switch is the presence of memreduct.ini in the application folder. Verify that Windows has not hidden an extra .txt extension.
Sources and evidence
Product statements use the tagged release documentation. Diagnostic steps are proposed checks, not claimed laboratory results.