Evalaze

Installed applications create additional entries in the Windows Registry, which are left behind after the applications are uninstalled. Moreover, you can encounter many other limitations when installing a program the traditional way. Evalaze brings an excellent alternative to the table. It gives you the possibility of virtualizing your applications. As a result, their registry entries will be compacted in a single location and you will be able to run them from portable memory devices, run multiple instances of the same application or install multiple versions.

The software is free for personal use, but if you want more features, you have to pay for a commercial license. Also, Evalaze doesn't need to be installed. All you have to do is extract an executable from a ZIP archive and run it. The software is compatible with all popular Windows platforms, including Server editions and it provides support for both 32 and 64-bit operating systems.

The principle behind Evalaze is quite simple. The program takes two snapshots of the system, before and after you install an application, to determine which registry entries and other components belong to that application. Although it takes several minutes to complete, the virtualization process does not involve any complex configurations. Furthermore, Evalaze will guide you all the way with step-by-step instructions, just like a wizard.

First, the program will execute a pre-scan of the Program Files and Windows folders, the registry and other components. When the scan is complete, you may install a new application and start the second scan. Finally, you can choose how to run the newly installed application. It is possible to run it in Write-Copy mode, to prevent it from making any permanent changes in your system. Alternatively, you can run an application in Merge mode, which grants it reading and writing privileges on the host operating system.

Virtual applications work in a sandbox environment, so the changes they make are not permanent. For example, if an application works in Write-Copy mode, any information it writes will be redirected to the sandbox. The Merge mode is particularly useful for system utilities, like disk or registry cleaners. Virtual applications can be stored in a folder of your choice, where you will find the application's registry entries, temporary files and other components.