What is an External Runtime Folder?  An external runtime folder is simply a folder that isn't located on the main hard drive or withing the same Poser folder.  The set up process is the same so the following instructions will work if you are installing Poser Content in a folder outside of the Poser folder on your main hard drive or if it is in a folder located on an external drive.  Installing Poser 3D content on an external drive has advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

1.  Your content is safe if your main hard drive crashes.

2.  You can move your external hard drive to another computer that uses Poser without having to reinstall all of the content.

Disadvantages

1. Your content isn't safe from external hard drive crashes.

2.  It will take longer for your content to load off the external drive, (Unless you have the new USB 3 connection).

The type of external Runtime Folder that I use is call an External Multiple Runtime Folder.  This means that I have multiple Runtime folders for each folder group.  Having multiple runtime folders allows me the most flexibility when it comes to the my library management.

How External Runtime Folders Work

To get an external runtime folder to work, you must have a Category folder and inside that folder a Runtime folder.  For example, BASES will be my category folder and inside of that folder will be a folder called Runtime.  This is how my external runtime folder looks like on my hard drive.

Poser Download Content (top level folder)

Bases (Category folder)

Runtime (the runtime folder).

The Runtime folder is required for the content to be installed.  I won't go into detail at this point since it will cause confusion, but if you wish to use an external runtime folder then you can use the folder set up that I use.  Download the External Runtime Folder Here

How to use the Poser By Design External Runtimes Folders

Step 1: Download the Zip file that contains all of the external runtime folders along with the organizations of them.

Step 2: Unzip the .zip file and copy the Poser Download Content folder (right click on this folder and choose copy)

Step 3: Paste the folder on your External hard drive or a location outside of the Poser Folder

Step 4: When asked where to install your content, pick the appropriate category folder to install in.  Note: Do not select the actual Runtime folder as the place to install the content. Choose the category folder.

Management of the External Runtime Folders

You can add or rename the category folders as you see fit.  When adding a new category folder make sure that you create an empty Runtime folder inside of the category folder.