backup a program

[Karl]

Hi,

If you lose a software disc, but have the program installed on your
computer, is it possible to extract the files and make a copy of the program
in case you have to reinstall your operating system? Any software that will
do that? I seem to remember that maybe Norton Clean Sweep would do a backup
of a program, but will the restore work if you have reinstalled since things
probably go into the registry when you install the program from the disc.

Thanks!

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

You need to retain the installation media. In addition to the program
folder, installing creates necessary registry entries and often places files
in the system and other folders. This cannot be recreated manually.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[NobodyMan]

Hi,

You need to retain the installation media. In addition to the program
folder, installing creates necessary registry entries and often places files
in the system and other folders. This cannot be recreated manually.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

Well, if you figured out where each and every file went, and then
figured out each and every registry entry, then you COULD do it
manually. But why would anybody in their right mind even consider it?

 

[Plato]

If you lose a software disc, but have the program installed on your
computer, is it possible to extract the files and make a copy of the program
in case you have to reinstall your operating system? Any software that will

In theory yes, in practice no. You really need the install cd or app
from the download site.

Of course it depends on the complexity of the app you want to keep.

 

[LAD]

I suggest that you regedit and look at some application e.g. a printer. You
will discover very fast that installing by hand is just not possible.
It is spread all over the place, with special code.

Salutations

 

[Karl]

The reason I wanted to do it is a silly one, but here's the story:

I am working for someone parttime doing AP for the company. The software is
a way old version that they will neither upgrade or pay for support for. I
have no access to the install disc, if there even is one. The Help Topics
basically suck and I have to find things out by trial and error. I was
hoping I could extract the program and install it on my home computer then I
can play around with different functions without completely messing up the
financial records there Guess I will have to learn the hard way, convince
them to buy new software, or get a "real" job