System restore doesn't restore uninstalled software.

GARoss · 16 Dec 2015

Maybe I have a misunderstanding of how System Restore works. Yesterday I uninstalled a program that I'd like to now get back. The company that made the program no longer offers archive downloads for that program in particular. Today it occurred to me that I could do a System Restore to when the program was still on this laptop & all would be returned as it was.

The first 2 times I tried was a total fail for returning the program but when I went back to a week ago it was there; kinda. Something is missing & it errors asking for the old install software that doesn't exist anymore (the program was purchased it 2008). Is this normal or is there more that I need to do?

jds63 · 16 Dec 2015

System Restore cannot be relied upon to reinstall programs, it is not a backup and restore program. Needed to backup this software before hand, as files will be most likely missing reasons for what you were told. How did you uninstall it through Windows Program and Features or a third party uninstaller ?

GARoss · 16 Dec 2015

jds63 said:

System Restore cannot be relied upon to reinstall programs, it is not a backup and restore program. Needed to backup this software before hand, as files will be most likely missing reasons for what you were told. How did you uninstall it through Windows Program and Features or a third party uninstaller ?

Bummer, uninstalled with Windows Program and Features. I seldom use this laptop so there has been little need to backup, although in this case, I wise I had.

Thanks, it was worth a try. The software, being dated, had issues with Win10 anyway. Time to update.

jds63 · 16 Dec 2015

GARoss said:

Bummer, uninstalled with Windows Program and Features. I seldom use this laptop so there has been little need to backup, although in this case, I wise I had.

Thanks, it was worth a try. The software, being dated, had issues with Win10 anyway. Time to update.

Maybe, not sure which software, but if you check the software manufacturer's site you will find out more. You live and learn. Backup,Backup always. YW

HanginJang · 18 Dec 2015

I don't think you have a misunderstanding, because on paper System Restore is the greatest thing known to man. It'll make you breakfast, get you your first cup of joe. I kid, but you get the point.

In reality it is easily compromised, isn't well developed. When I straight up asked a Microsoft rep what was the best thing 'like System Restore' he mentioned this program called Rollback Rx. I don't know how many people on here use it but I've totally done away with WSR and instead rely on Rollback. No issues yet!

Sadly I think for your super cool program this isn't going to end well. Lesson learned: System Restore isn't your friend.