The directory is missing a launcher profile.

[Xfrateaefr]

I'm having trouble with installing forge. I like to use a different directory for each version of minecraft than just the default .minecraft directory, but when I change the directory I get this error message. "The directory is missing a launcher profile. Please run the minecraft launcher first." I have ran vanilla minecraft through each of my different directories, so I don't know how to fix this error.

The directory is missing a launcher profile.

[Ugdhar]

You install forge into .minecraft, as that is where the game is installed, so all versions are installed there.

You set the directory for each actual game instance, under the Installations heading within the launcher. That's where you'd specify the directory for the version you're playing, per Installation/Profile/call it what you will.