Recording changes to registry, system and programs


  1. Posts : 19,518
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #1

    Recording changes to registry, system and programs


    I'm trying to find a way or program to record changes any program installation make to system, registry and folders/files created or changed at that time.
    Reason:
    Just some examples for wanting that. I installed games WoT and WoW but after that had to Reset windows to pristine state. Folders and bulk of files for those games was kept (I also backed them up) but when I start those games they download and install many GB from their server and that takes a big chunk from my internet allotment (100GB of fast internet, than it falls to only 2Mbps).
    I tried to compare files from windows.old but couldn't find anything usable to restore those games.
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 42,953
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #2

    Regshot - free- compares registry before and after and presents a report.

    Revo Uninstaller - Pro - can monitor an installation for full uninstall of any changes made - including those made by anoy other means during the period monitored.

    - But I don't know how useful its log would be.

    Spyme Tools - but old...
    Welcome to SpyMe Tools, your Registry & Disk scanner and comparison tool.

    SpyMe Tools is very useful in detecting Registry and Disk changes. If any application installs spyware, adware, dlls, programs, files, or any other type of file, picture, or program, etc. or changes the Registry's content, you will be able to see exactly where the modification occurred so you can take measures. It seems like more and more programs are attempting to install spyware, advertisements, or other garbage without your knowledge, but with this software you will know everything that is added or removed.
    To detect Registry/Disk changes the program will create Dumps of the actual states of Registry/Disk. This means that at any time you can open the Dump file and view the contents of the Registry/Disk just as they were when you've scanned the Registry/Disk. The program can compare two different dump files so you'll see exactly what changed in the Registry/Disk between the two scans. The program can also restore old states of Registry keys using the data in the Dump files.

    SpyMe Tools also includes a Real time Disk/Registry monitor so you may spot the changes in real time. (Real time Disk monitor works only on NT platform, including Win2k and Win XP).
    =================================
    Nirsoft's
    FolderChangesView is a simple tool that monitors the folder or disk drive that you choose and lists every filename that is being modified, created, or deleted while the folder is being monitored.
    You can use FolderChangesView with any local disk drive or with a remote network share, as long as you have read permission to the selected folder.
    System Requirements

    • This utility works on any version of Windows, starting from Windows 2000 and up to Windows 10. Both 32-bit and 64-bit systems are supported.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 19,518
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Tnx for reminding me about that Nirsoft's program, think I used it quite a long time ago, I'll try it again. I also just downloaded "whatchanged" and "registrychangesview-x64" from Major Geeks to see what they can do.
    Last edited by CountMike; 30 Oct 2017 at 05:18.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 15,480
    Windows10
       #4

    CountMike said:
    I'm trying to find a way or program to record changes any program installation make to system, registry and folders/files created or changed at that time.
    Reason:
    Just some examples for wanting that. I installed games WoT and WoW but after that had to Reset windows to pristine state. Folders and bulk of files for those games was kept (I also backed them up) but when I start those games they download and install many GB from their server and that takes a big chunk from my internet allotment (100GB of fast internet, than it falls to only 2Mbps).
    I tried to compare files from windows.old but couldn't find anything usable to restore those games.
    So you are wanting to reinstall programs after a clean install without going through program reinstall?

    Easeus PCTrans will do this. There is a free version that allows you to do that for two apps only (so you can try it) - you need to buy a licence for unlimited number of programs.

    I do not think it can handle uwp apps though.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 19,518
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Yes, those two games are only ones that insist on downloading almost all of it again, it was more than 20GB last time WoW downloaded and I suspect WoT and other MMO games may do same thing. Just those to may take half of my monthly allotment.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 8,102
    windows 10
       #6

    There is lots of software that you use to create portable apps or things like wise installer you run before install then after and give you everything that's changed reg, files etc
      My Computer


 

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