Reinstalling program without installation file?

[pintin]

I've lost the original file and information for a program that was
pre-installed on a used pc I bought. I'm going to have to reformat and
reinstall xp, and I'm wondering if it's possible to reinstall the program by
using information and other system info already in the registry? If so how
would I go about exporting all the relevent keys, etc. Thanks

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I've lost the original file and information for a program that was
pre-installed on a used pc I bought. I'm going to have to reformat and
reinstall xp, and I'm wondering if it's possible to reinstall the program by
using information and other system info already in the registry? If so how
would I go about exporting all the relevent keys, etc. Thanks

You can't. The only way to reinstall this program is to
obtain the original installation file. It's always a good idea
to keep all installation media and all installation files in a
safe place - sooner or later you need them again.

 

[Newbie Coder]

Actually, that is not quite true

There is a tool I used to use, but I don't remember it name. It produces an
INJECTABLE which takes the difference of an operating system with the
program & also without the program installed & creates a package with the
difference. Then this can be used as an installation package.

If anyone has any ideas what the application is called then please let me
know. Not sure if it was a Symantec tool that came with Ghost Enterprise.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

Actually, that is not quite true

There is a tool I used to use, but I don't remember it name. It produces an
INJECTABLE which takes the difference of an operating system with the
program & also without the program installed & creates a package with the
difference. Then this can be used as an installation package.

If anyone has any ideas what the application is called then please let me
know. Not sure if it was a Symantec tool that came with Ghost Enterprise.

Installation programs will do up to three things:
1. They create & populate a folder, usually in c:\Program Files.
2. They create a number of registry entries.
3. They may put some files into %SystemRoot%\System32 or
into other subfolders of %SystemRoot%.

Step1 would be an easy task for the program you mention.
Step 2 would be much, much harder.
Step 3 would be almost impossible.

In other words, I am not convinced that your program can do
the job reliably.

 

[Jim]

Installation programs will do up to three things:
1. They create & populate a folder, usually in c:\Program Files.
2. They create a number of registry entries.
3. They may put some files into %SystemRoot%\System32 or
into other subfolders of %SystemRoot%.

Step1 would be an easy task for the program you mention.
Step 2 would be much, much harder.
Step 3 would be almost impossible.

In other words, I am not convinced that your program can do
the job reliably.

Especially true since the only source for the files in step 3 would be the
install disk.
Unless, the OP knows where the files are located and copies them to a CD or
DVD.
It would be so much easier and more reliable through use of the install
media.
Jim

 

[pintin]

Especially true since the only source for the files in step 3 would be the
install disk.
Unless, the OP knows where the files are located and copies them to a CD
or DVD.
It would be so much easier and more reliable through use of the install
media.
Jim

I now have an installation file for the program but no product key other
than what's already installed and registered on the PC. How can I reinstall
the program on another system?

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I now have an installation file for the program but no product key other
than what's already installed and registered on the PC. How can I reinstall
the program on another system?

If the application requires an installation key then you need that key
too. If you do not have it then you may be able to ask the supplier
for a replacement. The product key for some applications such as
MS Office can be extracted with specialised programs but only if
they are still installed and if Windows is up and running.

 

[pintin]

If the application requires an installation key then you need that key
too. If you do not have it then you may be able to ask the supplier
for a replacement. The product key for some applications such as
MS Office can be extracted with specialised programs but only if
they are still installed and if Windows is up and running.

I guess that's what I'd like to know. Is it possible to extract the product
key or all other installation info from the registry, and wherever else, to
use the info for reinstallation. I think it might be a two step
installation which requires a challenge code or something. Thanks.

 

[Bob I]

I guess that's what I'd like to know. Is it possible to extract the product
key or all other installation info from the registry, and wherever else, to
use the info for reinstallation. I think it might be a two step
installation which requires a challenge code or something. Thanks.

If you wish to spend the rest of you life cross checking, testing and
copying, files, registry entries etc. You may eventually get the program
to run again. On a per hour basis, you are working for nickels, and the
program will likely have been superseded 2 or 3 times, but what the
heck, go for it, if you enjoy the challenge.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

I guess that's what I'd like to know. Is it possible to extract the product
key or all other installation info from the registry, and wherever else, to
use the info for reinstallation. I think it might be a two step
installation which requires a challenge code or something. Thanks.

It may be possible but it depends entirely on the application
itself. Check the FAQs for this application.