Could I run applications using just the Program Files from another computer, without actually installing the program with a formal installer? Thing is, I recently had to reinstall Windows and all my applications, and am wondering what disadvantages there are to not installing the program and just using the Program Files transfered from another computer. Would all applications be able to run this way? What type of errors could I get? Basically, I just really want to be able to copy one big folder to a hard drive and have all the applications there, without having to go through so many installers. =)
jo2995
1
Junior Poster in Training
Recommended Answers
Jump to PostIt would be simpler to install the other hdd as a slave drive and transfer the files for the slave to the master. This is very quick and simple.
Jump to PostMost of the old applications won't run after your new installation of windows .. because most of the programs keep their information in windows registry which is gone with the previous installation. You'll have to install most of the programs again !! Good luck.
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dcc
88
Posting Virtuoso
It would be simpler to install the other hdd as a slave drive and transfer the files for the slave to the master. This is very quick and simple.
nanosani
20
Technize.net addict
Team Colleague
Most of the old applications won't run after your new installation of windows .. because most of the programs keep their information in windows registry which is gone with the previous installation. You'll have to install most of the programs again !! Good luck.
hbk619
228
Master Poster
yeah i tired copy and pasting for adaware and the update part of it didn't work so i ran the installer instead. best to install
caperjack
875
I hate 20 Questions
Team Colleague
Could I run applications using just the Program Files from another computer, without actually installing the program with a formal installer? Thing is, I recently had to reinstall Windows and all my applications, and am wondering what disadvantages there are to not installing the program and just using the Program Files transfered from another computer. Would all applications be able to run this way? What type of errors could I get? Basically, I just really want to be able to copy one big folder to a hard drive and have all the applications there, without having to go through so many installers. =)
simple answer is NO!
dr4g
25
Junior Poster
As stated above. When an application installs. it wirtes itself to the Program Files folder. However it takes information from your machine + existing Registry information.
And generates it's own registry information.
If you wipe your machine or restore it. You're wiping/changing the windows registry.
Thus the files that are copied previously, try to work with the windows registry and won't be able to as its not in the same state as it was when it was installed.
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