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Backup Applications for OS reload?

Z

ZoSo

Senior member
Is it possible to back up installed programs so that when I re-load Windows 7, I don't have to go through re-installing all my software from cd/dvd, but rather migrate, for a lack of a better term, them back in?
Main reason I'm asking is future hardware upgrades, re-installing Windows is no problem, but re-installing all the apps I use is so time consuming and I'd like to try and cut that down.
I usually create an image of my system when I'm finished loading everything and it works out great, but obviously it wouldn't work to well when I change hardware i.e. motherboard, or build a new rig.

TIA
 
Most applications install bits of themselves all over in the Registry and many even install files buried in the Windows system folders. In order to properly back those up you would have to know the exact name and location of every file and Registry entry associated with each individual program, back them up, and then put them all back in the correct locations. It's much easier to just install the applications that you need after you finish installing the clean copy of Windows.
 
ZoSo said:
Is it possible to back up installed programs so that when I re-load Windows 7, I don't have to go through re-installing all my software from cd/dvd, but rather migrate, for a lack of a better term, them back in?
Main reason I'm asking is future hardware upgrades, re-installing Windows is no problem, but re-installing all the apps I use is so time consuming and I'd like to try and cut that down.
I usually create an image of my system when I'm finished loading everything and it works out great, but obviously it wouldn't work to well when I change hardware i.e. motherboard, or build a new rig.

TIA
Click to expand...

Easy answer is No, You cannot do this very easy without third party software.
There are ways though. Acronis software has features that allow an image to be installed onto a system with different hardware.

Here: http://www.acronis.com/backup-recovery/advanced-workstation/universal-restore.html

Acronis® Backup & Recovery™ 10 Universal Restore™.
 
Conceivably, you could use a utility that logs every file written and all changes to the registry during installation of an app, then create a batch file or script from the log to automate it. Some OEMs (e.g. Packard Bell and HP are two) used to do this years ago during the Win9x days for their 'application and driver' reinstall CDs. It was a straight forward file copy (after decompressing from CABs) and merge of the necessary registry keys/values driven by batch files.
 
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