1. A computer-implemented method comprising performing computer-implemented operations for: receiving a request to store the runtime state of an application executing on a computer; collecting the runtime state of the application independently of a state of an operating system and persisting the runtime state, wherein the runtime state comprises a user interface state of user interface resources when the runtime state is collected; receiving a request to restore the runtime state of the application; in response to receiving the request to restore the runtime state of the application, restoring the runtime state of the application and executing the restored application; and utilizing the runtime state to translate requests from the restored application for resources so that the requests from the restored application are compatible with the resources following the runtime state of the restored application being resumed, wherein translating the requests from the restored application for the resources comprises translating a request from the restored application for a first handle identifying a first user interface window to a second handle identifying a second user interface window.