How to Download and Install the Dev C++ Compiler on a USB Memory Device
The Dev C++ Portable compiler system is distributed as compressed archives saved in a data format known as 7-Zip. A free utility program is
needed to unpackage these files before they can be used. Instructions for downloading and installing both the 7-Zip File Extractor and the DevC++ Portable Compiler appear on the following pages. These instructions are focused on the 32-bit version of the software intend for
installation on a USB memory device to be run on any Windows PC. This version will run on both 32 and 64 bit computers, but can prepare
only 32-bit executable programs (which can run on either 32 or 64 bit computers). The larger (slower download) 64-bit versions of this
program also will run on either 32 or 64 bit computers, but it can prepare either 32-bit or 64-bit executable programs. There also are versions of
this compiler intended for direct installation on a computer's hard disk. (See the separate instructions for PC versions).
These instructions cover only the acquisition and installation of the software. Other pages will demonstrate how to use the compiler once it is
installed. Readers might find it helpful to print out these pages for reference before following the steps below.
The steps to download and install the 7-Zip Extractor on any Windows-based PC are:
1. Start by downloading the 7-Zip Extractor installation program [7z920.exe]. This file is a self-extracting archive that can install 7-Zip on
your computer when run. If you see any security warnings during the download attempt, bypass them and allow the download. Depending
on your brand of web browser, you should see a message offering to save the file on your computer. Most browsers allow you to select the
location (storage folder) in which the file will be saved, although some choose the destination for you, often either the Desktop, a folder
named Downloads, or the last folder in which a downloaded file was saved. Pay attention to where the file is saved.
2. After saving the file (and before running it), you should scan it for viruses if your system does not do that automatically. On many
computers, this process is as simple as: right-clicking on the filename (7z920.exe) and selecting "Scan for viruses". See the documentation
for your anti-virus software.
3. Then navigate to the folder in which the file 7z920.exe was saved and run it by double-clicking on it. If you encounter warning messages
related to security or user account access. Allow these actions and proceed ( Run ).
4. A dialog box will appear asking you to select the install location (folder). Accept the default location and press the Install button.
5. A setup dialog box will appear. Press the Finish button.
6. To associate the newly installed 7-Zip utility with ".7z" data files:
a. If using Windows 8: Press Window key + Q, the type a "7" and select the program named 7-Zip from the menu of icons on the left.
If using prior Windows version: Click on the Windows Start Button and select All Programs. Then scroll to and select the menu named 7-Zip.
b. Right-click on the program named 7-Zip File Manager and select Run as administrator from the menu. Accept any User Account Access challenges.
c. When the program opens, select the menu choices: Tools and Options and then check the checkbox entitled "7z"
d. Next, click on the OK button and close the program by selecting menu choices: File and Exit.
The 7-Zip File Manager program is now set to open whenever a file with the extension of .7z is double-clicked on that computer.
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How to Download and Install the Dev C++ Compiler on a USB Memory Device
The steps to download and extract the Dev C++ Portable compiler system onto a USB storage device are:
1. Start by viewing the [index of portable releases at SourceForge.Net]. To download the smaller (faster download) 32-bit archive, click on the
link entitled Dev-Cpp 5.7.1 MinGW 4.8.1 Portable Setup.7z (or later/higher version). If you want the larger 64-bit version, select Dev-Cpp 5.11
TDM-GCC x64 4.92 Portable.7z (or later version) instead. You should see a web page similar to the one in the cropped illustration below.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
If you see any security warnings, bypass them and save the file on your computer. Pay attention to where the file is saved.
After saving the file (and before running it), you should scan it for viruses if your system does not do that automatically.
Note: Do not install this program on top of earlier versions. Uninstall any earlier versions first using the Windows Control Panel.
When the Dev-C++ download is complete, you should navigate to the folder in which that file was saved and run it by double-clicking on
it. If you encounter warning messages related to security or user account access. Allow these actions.
When the 7-Zip File Manager opens, click on the button labeled Extract.
A Copy dialog box will appear. Use the "…" (browse files) button to select the target location (typically the PortableApps folder on your
USB memory stick) for the extraction. If necessary, you can make a new folder using the button labeled Make New Folder. When you have
selected the desired location, click the OK button. The extraction process could take a few minutes to complete.
Navigate to the parent folder (typically PortableApps) on your USB device and you should see a new folder named Dev-Cpp. Open it.
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How to Download and Install the Dev C++ Compiler on a USB Memory Device
The steps to install the Dev C++ Portable compiler system on a USB storage device are:
1. Run the program named devcppPortable.exe (NOT devcpp.exe) by double clicking on it.
2. The installer program will unpack some files and a series of configuration dialog boxes (shown on the following pages) will appear.
Simply accept the default settings in each by clicking on the buttons shown highlight in yellow below. There could be substantial delays
between some of the steps.
(Continued on next page)
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How to Download and Install the Dev C++ Compiler on a USB Memory Device
3. The Dev-C++ Compiler will launch a new program window and immediately display a Tip of the day dialog box on top of it as shown
below. These are useful tidbits of knowledge about the software that will appear each time you load the compiler unless you select the
Don't display tips a startup checkbox. They can be accessed at any time from the Help menu. You can advance through as many of these tips
as you like by clicking on the Next Tip (or Previous Tip) button. But for now, Close that dialog box.
The Help files for this
program were created
originally in "Windows Help
format", which depends on a
feature that is not included in
recent versions of Windows.
For this reason, the most
recent version of the program
relies on Help Files written as
web pages and included with
the program. So using the
Help menu will open your web
browser.
Test if your Help feature
works with the menu
commands: Help, Help on Dev
C++.
4. Now the installation is truly complete. Feel free to explore the program as much as you like. Remember step 1 above.
When you are ready to close it, click on the menu choices: File, Exit.
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