• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Need program that watches computer for any changes

C

ChAoTiCpInOy

Diamond Member
I am looking for a program that watches the computer and tells me what has been added or removed. I remember Norton had a program that did that, but I can't find it anymore. Free is preferred. Thanks.
 
I used to use WinPatrol on XP, not sure if it works with Vista or is exactly what you are looking for
 
We use Deep Freeze in our lab open to students. That prevents any additions or changes from being permanent. They are gone with a reboot.

DF

Sorry, it's not free, but it sure is good! 🙂
 
Originally posted by: ChAoTiCpInOy
I need to see what changes there were when a program was installed.
Click to expand...
Only changes that are made by an application's installer/uninstaller routine, or all changes made to the system even by users? I will assume by your last post that you specifically want an application install monitor or tracker.

Microsoft released a command-line utility specifically for this as part of the Windows 2000 Resource Kit, but appears to have discontinued it for XP and later. I don't know whether it is fully compatible with XP but there is a decent chance that it is. It may come with a help file or something explaining how to use it, but if not, you should be able to find some documentation for the Windows 2000 Resource Kit on Microsoft's website:

This command-line tool tracks changes that are made by Setup programs in any secondary processes that they start. It includes changes to registry entries, to files and to .ini file entries. Installation Monitor creates an IML file that documents all those changes, together with enough information to undo all the changes. -- Installation Monitor (682KB)
Click to expand...

Process Monitor by Sysinternals (now owned by Microsoft) can also be used for this purpose, but is not specifically designed for it. You'll need to manually select the appropriate filtering options that you want Process Monitor to track and log. And there are a ton of filtering options to choose from, so it might take a bit of work to set it up.

TrackWinstall is a decent 100% freeware installation monitor utility. It is fully compatible with XP, in spite of the author's home page only indicating Windows 2000: TrackWinstall 1.1.4

Total Uninstall provides a fully functional trial period for 30 days, but costs $30.00 to continue using it thereafter.

And of course, WinPatrol is completely free and has nearly all of the same features as WinPatrol Plus for $30.00.
 
Of course the only way to for these programs to be effective, you must run before you install anything. What you need is an uninstaller. Norton used to have Cleansweep. Mcafee has their version as well that was supposed to be a decent program. I believe both have been long discontinued.

The last free version of Total Uninstall can be found as well as the freebie ZSoft Uninstaller. If it is too late to monitor the install, you might try RevoUninstaller. Although I am a huge propenent for this type of utility, no established company is developing this type of software anymore. Seems like the only ones left seem to be written by weekend-programmers. Hence, I cannot say I trust any of them to do a good job at removal & not screwing up your system.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top