Hello fakakuk,
Thank you for your question.
You ask:
"Is there a way to move existing installed windows based programs to
the new PC???"
The answer is maybe, but probably not.
There are few programs now-a-days that do not use an installer of some
sort such as the Wise Installer, which is very common. When a program
of any complexity is installed, it will not only create a directory of
files for that application, usually under "c:\program files\your
application" unless you specifically choose another location, but also
may install system .dll files (dynamic link libraries) or other files
in locations such as "c:\windows" or "c:\windows\system".
Additionally, it will write data to the system registry which is a
repository of settings and data used by ALMOST every program on your
computer system. While the registry can be edited by the user, it
should never be attempted by someone inexperienced and one should
ALWAYS create a backup of the registry before editing in case
something should go wrong. A simple slip up could cause the computer
not to boot and could even require reinstalling the operating system
and all programs on the system.
Sometimes the data written to the registry is easy to find and export
and import as it will be listed under Hkey_Local Machine_software \
your application. But sometimes, it also writes data that you would
have no way of knowing was related to this program and is required for
the program to run and is installed by an installer.
Now, I want to emphasize that not ALL programs are like this. For
example, the browser I use is called MyIE2 and installs into a folder
on my drive and runs from there without ever making a registry entry
or placing a file anywhere but the MYIE2 directory. But this is rare.
Some utilities made by AnalogX are another example of programs that do
not use the registry.
As an experienced Windows User and consultant, I can sometimes move a
program from one machine to another IF I can identify all of the
program files that are not in the program's folder by date of creation
and/or checking the properties of the questionable file or by name of
the file. I can sometimes export and import the proper registry
entries IF they are limited to the above mentioned Local Machine
Software keys or if a search of the registry for the program name or
vendor uncovers all of the related and necessary registry keys. But I
would never count on being able to do this and would consider myself
fortunate if it worked. As the saying goes "kids, don't try this at
home". Unless you know exactly what you are doing, the potential for
damage and data loss is higher than the value of a successful program
move would be.
The other huge caveat I would have for you is that not all programs
that were written for Windows 98 will run on Windows XP! So any
attempts you may make may be for naught.
Obviously, the best solution is to install the program on the new
machine from the original installation program or disk.
If you care to mention via Request For Clarification exactly which
program is in question, I would be happy to comment on what I know
about the possibility of a successful move being made by someone
expert in these kinds of things.
Search Strategy:
None. Personal and hard earned experience
I trust my research has provided you with food for thought regarding
moving a program from a Windows 98 machine to a Windows XP machine. If
a link above should fail to work or anything require further
explanation or research, please do post a Request for Clarification
prior to rating and closing the question and I will be pleased to
assist further.
Regards,
-=clouseau=- |
