I was wondering what the best way is to copy a bunch of software programs (some free & some registered) to a disk or FLASHDRIVE so that they will load just like they do from my HD. Windows XP SP2 with Nero 8 burning software. Would like to be able to load them into another computer ... most are saved as .exe files. Should I zip them or just copy as they are?
Thanks in advance.Most probably will not run in this manner...programs need to be installed to run properly...this is by design.
What exactly is it you are trying to do ? ?Check out http://portableapps.com/ they make apps that run specifically from your keydisk with no installation. I don't know if they have a version of nero, or any CD burner on there yet, but look around.

Edit: Just searched the site and FOUND this http://portableapps.com/node/8035 which is some CD burning software. It's in beta, but try it out.Thanks patio,
I just want to know how to copy programs such as lets say CCleaner.exe or IconChanger.exe to a disc or flash drive...then be able to install them on another computer (that dosen't have internet) or even to re-install them back on my own after a fresh Windows install. Hope I am being more descriptive. I would like to have a group of programs on one disk...load the disk & be able to download them back to a HD.
Thanks.That's easy. Just GET the installation files and copy them to the keydisk the same way you would any other file, then install from the keydisk on your new machine.Thanks...was not sure if it would work that way...it's something I haven't attemped before. I'm still kind of new at this STUFF. Appreciate you help.
We're talking about two different things here.
You can copy, move, and install CCleaner somewhere else from ccsetup204.exe file.
You CAN'T simply copy, and move CCleaner.exe file, which is a part of installed already program. This is possible only with programs, which don't require installation (very rare, small applications).
To clarify further...

If you download a freeware app, utility, or any program that's not paid for the program is either a self-contained installer or a zip file that will install on any machine.
This download can be copied to any medium: portable drive, external drive, thumb drive etc. and can then be installed on any machine you want any amount of times you want simply by double clicking the original file to install it. It will still remain as an installer etc. on the thumb drive for example.

A Retail or paid for application 95% of the time will not re-act in the same way because simply they don't want it to be free to everyone.Therefore the rules and circumstances are different.
If you install Photoshop for example on your machine you cannot simply copy/move the .exe and files to any drive and expect it to work...it won't.
And this will be true for as i said about 95% of Retail applications out there.

Disclaimer: Because this is meant to be informative here everyone who wants to chime in at this point saying " i made so and so work" just resist the urge...

There are some Retail applications that will run this way but they usually will advertise this fact. As they are getting fewer and farther between i don't have an example off the top of my head.

The protection measures being taken by copyrighted manuf. of software programs continue to get more and more sophisticated...some allow only one install (simple approach) others have phone home dialers that verify serial#'s to installed hardware (more sophisticated ) and others can even remotely cripple software functions ( MS approach )

The only reason for the long winded explanation to a simple question is to understand what will and won't work and why.

Now that i've thoroughly confused things carry on.I've NEVER seen you typing so many lines....Are you OK?Thanks for clearing that up for me.