Keep Windows XP from getting corrupted by app installs

[Guest]

Does anyone know of a list of best practices or third party tool(s) for
safely installing and completely uninstalling applications in Windows XP? I
want to be able to install applications into Windows XP so that if the app
were to corrupt my Windows installation, I can remove it completely and
restore my Windows XP back to a “good†state.

I've installed hundreds, maybe thousands of apps on Windows XP platforms.
I've tried all sorts of methods for installing apps. These methods include:

• Running Windows in a “clean boot†configuration:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
• Creating a system restore before each installation
• Using tools that monitor installs and supposedly provide a way to
uninstall apps like Advanced Uninstaller Pro:
http://www.innovative-sol.com/uninstaller/index.htm
• Etc., etc.

I ask this because Windows XP’s design allows applications to do whatever
they want. Consequently it becomes corrupt – sometimes in a short time,
sometimes over a long time.

I hoped that installing apps while only critical apps and services were
running (clean boot) would allow for more reliable installs. If it does, I
sure haven’t experienced that. My Windows XP got corrupt in only a month and
a half!

Creating system restore points is almost a joke. First, there’s a lot of
stuff that doesn’t get saved. Then it’s sequential and each restore point
relies on the other. An app installed 3 apps ago requires you to uninstall
all three apps first, then restore the saved point made prior to the 3rd
app’s installation. Then sometimes you find out your system restores are
corrupt and they won’t work anyway!

Install monitors and uninstallers also don’t get everything. When I run
these tools to get the most thorough results, they keep taking longer and
longer to monitor the installation of apps, eventually resulting in hours to
get one app installed!

If you don’t install many apps, you probably don’t experience these
problems. But after 30+ years of computer use and 21 of those using Windows,
I have accumulated a set of apps I use regularly. By the way, the apps I do
use are up-to-date and intended to run on Windows XP.

There are hundreds of issues about this topic. I’ve tried many other
procedures and searched the Internet for more information, but have had
little luck.

You should also know that I do daily backups using Genie Backup Manager.
These backups are for applications settings and data. I also perform daily
image backups using Acronis TrueImage. I keep my data, including favorites
and my desktop on a drive separate from where Windows is installed.
If you have any solid knowledge about Windows installations, I hope you will
post it here. Who knows, we may come up with the first definitive Windows
applications installation list there is!

Thanks for your help,
RiteGuy

 

[Guest]

I test unknown apps on a spare computer and only install them on my main PC
if they pass muster as regards stability and freedom from spyware, etc. Takes
a little time, sure, but not nearly as much as if you end-up with your
real-work PC out of action.

A useful tool for this is InstallRite, which can track the changes made by
an install. http://epsilonsquared.com

I don't often get caught out by malware, the last time I had to format was
thanks to some copy-protection crud from Macrovision, which laced my
coding-folders through with numerous four-byte files. I guess I could've
hand-picked them out, but I had a fresh backup so it was easier (and surer)
to use it.

 

[Gordon]

Does anyone know of a list of best practices or third party tool(s) for
safely installing and completely uninstalling applications in Windows XP?
I
want to be able to install applications into Windows XP so that if the app
were to corrupt my Windows installation, I can remove it completely and
restore my Windows XP back to a "good" state.

Take a disk image of your clean install of Windows before installing any
applications. then just use System restore to create a Restore Point before
installing any application....

 

[Guest]

Hi Ian.

Thanks for the response.

First, malware, virus, trojans, etc. are not the issue. XP is the issue and
the poor way it handles app installs by allowing apps to do so many bad
things to your computer.

A second machine is also not acceptable. I don't want to spend ao much time
with my computer that I don't have time left to do what I really do! Also,
the second computer will not accurately reflect your existing setup unless
you painstakenly recreate the system.

I used InstallRite a while back and found it inadequate. I don't recall why
I didn't use it because I have tried others since. But if I remember right,
the product is no longer maintained and/or supported and hasn't been for a
few years now.

 

[Charles O'Flynn]

In my experience, System Restore just doesn't work at all. Not once in
nearly 20 attempts have I ever seen it work.
I've now given up and always just turn it off to save time space and
frustration. Has anyone else had my experience?

 

[Gordon]

In my experience, System Restore just doesn't work at all. Not once in
nearly 20 attempts have I ever seen it work.
I've now given up and always just turn it off to save time space and
frustration. Has anyone else had my experience?

Quite the opposite! It's always worked for me....

 

[Bert Kinney]

Hi,

For best results System Restore should be used as a short term recovery
tool. I have found System Restore to be very reliable when used this way.
And yes, System Restore only monitors system files and most of the registry.
The SAM hive is excluded. When installing mutable application a restore
point should be created before each installation. For the type of testing
you are doing a better solution would be to use imaging software to backup
the entire partition.

Here are some troubleshooting steps to take when System Restore fails to
restore:
http://bertk.mvps.org/html/srfail.html

Regards,
Bert Kinney MS-MVP Shell/User
http://bertk.mvps.org
Member: http://dts-l.org

 

[Guest]

Thanks Gordon, but I already do that. By the way how do you backup every
single program's settings once you install your apps after restoring Windows?
I do incremental image backups and use Genie Backup Manager,

 

[Gordon]

Thanks Gordon, but I already do that. By the way how do you backup every
single program's settings once you install your apps after restoring
Windows?

No - they don't tend to change very much - I generally use the default
settings. (I'm a very undemanding user!)