How separate are MM3 and MM4 components kept?

[tbessie]

Hello all...

So, if I install the MM4 beta, with MM3 already installed (lifetime license), how much "combining" happens?
That is, all the support directories and files (program installation dir, Documents and Settings dirs, playlists, plugins, etc. etc.)?

I would like to install MM4, but don't want it to do ANYTHING to my current MM3 setup, nor mix MM4 files in the same directories as MM3 files.

Does anyone know which is the case?

- Tim

[MDominik13]

MM4 uses a different directory to store settings. Just make sure you install to a different folder in Program Files (I changed mine to MediaMonkey4).

[tbessie]

Thanks much!

- Tim

[Mizery_Made]

There's only a few known issues I can think of with having both versions on the same system. MM3 uses ProgramData to store the information regarding addons (the list for the Extensions window and the uninstall information I believe). MM4 still uses this location for "Global" installs of addons, while using a folder in Roaming for "Local/Per User" installs. Thus, you will see a list of scripts you have installed in MM3, in MM4's extension window, even though you haven't installed them for that version.

There also seems to be some conflict with the Hotkeys, as both versions appear to use the same settings for those. I believe that information is stored in the Registry, they have moved some keys in MM4 to prevent conflict with MM3 (such as the columns visibility, position and size) so it seems they just missed the Hotkeys. So that may be fixed, unless they have a reason for keeping it like it is.

Thirdly, I theorize that there is an issue with video in MM4, if you run MM3 first (and leave both running at the same time, or open both and then close MM3 but leave the same MM4 session running). That issue has been reported at: 1342: AVs on attempted Video play (f_video.dll), but I haven't been able to get anyone to confirm my latest theory for the cause (to make sure it is the trigger, and not just my system).

Other than those three things, I can't think of any conflicts.

[tbessie]

As for the "Roaming" directory - isn't that only in Windows 7 (and maybe Vista)? I'm running XP Pro x32.

- Tim

[Mizery_Made]

You may be right. MM may not bother storing things Globally/Locally on XP, as I think that change was made in part because of the need for Admin Rights or something. However, maybe MM stores "local" information in the My Documents folder like MM2.5 used to? I guess you could always try searching for "Extensions.ini" on your computer and see what entries come up.

[tbessie]

I may - for now things seem to be working allright. As it is, I've only installed it on a computer that's not got my master database in it, so it's okay.

- Tim