Install XNVIEWMP 1.7.2 three times, each in a different language. Is it possible?

[josedumoretzsohn]

Is it possible to install XNVIEWMP 1.72 three times, each with a different language, specifically one in English, one in German, and one in French? I know I can open two (or more) XN copies, one after the other, change the language of one of them, and shut and reopen the changed copy, which will reopen in the new language, so I'll have two XNVIEW copies opened at the same time, each in a different language However, when I close the PC, the default language will reassume. Well, my need would be to keep the three installations in Program Files (let's say, XN E, XN G and XN F), so each will open with its pre-chosen language. Thank you for any guidance.

[cday]

Should be possible using ZIP versions, if you want them to work independently with separate ini files, you would I think need to use the Settings > Integration option for each version to place the ini files in the separate XnView Program folders.

You would then launch each version by means of a shortcut to the xnview.exe executable file in relevant folder.

If you use databases and wish them to be independent that would also need consideration of their locations, proceed carefully with backups before experimenting.

Not sure whether it would also be possible using installer versions, the ini file could again be located in the individual program folders to maintain the set languages., or they could probably be located in individual folders in the default .../roaming location, for example, with the appropriate paths set in Settings.

You might also consider how you could conveniently update the individual instances while maintaining their configurations.

Please report back for future reference...

[cday]

@josedumoretzsohn

May I ask whether you made any progress with this?

[user0]

you can make shortcuts to run app with different ini files, eg:
D:\prog\XnViewMP\xnviewmp.exe -ini xn_fr.ini
D:\prog\XnViewMP\xnviewmp.exe -ini C:\Users\u_admin\Pictures\Screenshots\xn_ge.ini

[cday]

you can make shortcuts to run app with different ini files, eg:
D:\prog\XnViewMP\xnviewmp.exe -ini xn_fr.ini
D:\prog\XnViewMP\xnviewmp.exe -ini C:\Users\u_admin\Pictures\Screenshots\xn_ge.ini

Excellent contribution, the little-known command line launch options, why didn't you make it before?

XnView MP Help > About > Command line tab options:

Screenshot from 2024-07-25 09-37-46.png

Edit: The ini file can't normally be renamed otherwise the program won't find it, but two copies could probably be placed in different folders and the appropriate path set in each instance's Integration > Paths settings. However, when the program is started in this way possibly an ini file with the name entered is created...


But the OP's exact need isn't entirely clear:

Is it possible to install XNVIEWMP 1.72 three times, each with a different language? ... I know I can open two or more XN copies ... so I'll have two XNVIEW copies opened at the same time, each in a different language. However, when I close the PC, the default language will reassume. Well, my need would be to keep the three installations in Program Files (let's say, XN E, XN G and XN F), so each will open with its pre-chosen language.

That implies a possible need to have two XnView MP copies set to different languages open at the same time, if needed would that work?

[user0]

another option - use context menu

• win11 old context menu
  (available via "Show more options")
  
  • via editing registry
    win11_old_context_menu.png

    Code: Select all

    Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
    
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\Open in XnViewMP FR]
    "Icon"="\"D:\\PROG\\portable\\graphic\\XnViewMP\\xnviewmp.exe\""
    
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\Open in XnViewMP FR\command]
    @="\"D:\\PROG\\portable\\graphic\\XnViewMP\\xnviewmp.exe\" -ini \"D:\\test folder\\xn_fr.ini\" \"%1\""
    
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\Open in XnViewMP GE]
    "Icon"="\"D:\\PROG\\portable\\graphic\\XnViewMP\\xnviewmp.exe\""
    
    [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\Open in XnViewMP GE\command]
    @="\"D:\\PROG\\portable\\graphic\\XnViewMP\\xnviewmp.exe\" -ini \"D:\\test folder\\xn_ge.ini\" \"%1\""
    

• win11 context menu
  • via editing registry

    Microsoft changed Windows 11 on purpose to prevent people from easily adding entries to the context menu.
    
    The only way to display your item in the new context menu is to implement a IExplorerCommand COM object and on top of that, your application needs to be packaged (app identity with a sparse manifest) and signed with a valid certificate.
    
    This was announced on the Windows blog in 2021.

  • via 3rd party software
    ContextMenuForWindows11