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01-16-2010
Is there a way to back up and restore a program? XP needs to be reinstalled on this computer and there's a few programs that need to be saved that I don't have the install disks for anymore. Is there a way to back these up and get them onto the fresh install?
01-16-2010
Oh, also it thinks the CD drive is a hard drive so I can't even use the disk drive to restore it right now, any ideas?
01-16-2010
Copy them to a thumb drive or external hard drive.
01-16-2010
So you're saying just C/P the folder from program files right? But how would I get it re-installed?Originally Posted by ls1camino
01-16-2010
Sometimes that works, but chances are you will have to reinstall them.
01-16-2010
Exactly, I'm looking for ideas on how I can back them up to a jump drive and reinstall them on the fresh copy.
01-17-2010
im not sure if thats even possible. there are a select few programs that are computer specific and there are programs that aren't most programs u can just copy and paste from computer to computer. while others won't work like that because they need certain files that only that computer posses to operate and if there not found they will usually say error (im not sure if im explaining it right but). so u just gotta take your luck and hope that for the most part they all work. other then that they sell cd drives that can be plugged in via usb and u can do a disk reimaging with that cd drive, and im pretty sure u can buy one then return it like u never used it LMAO . . .
01-17-2010
Just copy and paste the complete folders for the applications from the program files folder to a usb thumb drive or external hard drive. Just make sure that the install.exe and any .exe files that are needed for them to run are included in the folder. For example if you wanted to backup your antivirus program you would have to have the update.exe file(s) and the main program file such as avgfree.exe or whatever it is and any extra options it has that have .exe files such as an email scanner or something.
When you go to install them again, just copy and paste the files from the usb drive to the computer and install them using the install.exe or the programname.exe files they have and you should be good. You may need to register some programs again though when putting them on a new install or a new computer. Free antivirus programs in general should be okay except for ones like avira or avast that have to be registered which is really easy to do. Just go to their website and find the link to register the program and fill in the needed information. They will send you an email then with the key you need to finish the registration.
I'm a computer information systems student and I've done this many times when installing the same programs repeatedly in a lab environment and at home.
01-17-2010
thats not always true. some programs like some antiviruses don't work that way. or say like video games such as unreal tournament. but like i said some programs will work upon pasting and some won't u just gotta hope for the best.
01-17-2010
^That is true. I meant a majority of programs. I have copy/pasted antivirus programs such as AVG free and they have worked fine. I am aware there are programs that will not work that way, but what you can't do that way can be found in a free program online if you are using it for home use. Don't get me started on computers, seriously. haha.jk. you could learn a thing or two tho if you want.
01-17-2010
take this as a lesson learned. save your .exe files when you install new software.
i keep a folder on my external that has a bunch of software install files so i won't have to scower the internet to find them again.
01-17-2010
yeah, thats what i do lol. after i made my custom gaming computer i couldn't afford to lose the stuff that i had on it. so i bought an external hard drive. Other then that i love my comp. 4 Gigs of Mem. its not that much but its faster then the usual.
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