Programs say they're not installed even though files are there?

kingluke2222 · Jan 5, 2016

I just reinstalled windows and restored my files from a back-up I had on an external Hard drive. However, even though all the files are where they were originally, whenever I try to start a program, whether it be a game or Unity, it either does nothing or says it needs to be installed. They also don't show up on the uninstall a program list in control panel. Even though I have any save files or important stuff I would rather not go through and reinstall everything. How can I make the programs recognize the files are already installed?

ex_bubblehead · Jan 5, 2016

Reinstalling Windows requires that you also reinstall your software. Just restoring the files isn't enough, the registry must also have the correct entries. When you reinstalled Windows you wiped the registry.

Shaun o · Jan 5, 2016

If you are launching the programs via the windows desktop.
And when clicking on the file nothing happens.

It can because the path from the shortcut created on the desktop, no longer points to the right drive letter assignment to the exact drive the program was installed to.

For example it may of been C:\program files\power iso\Power iso.exe.

But upon a reinstall where the program resides may now be on a drive assignment of D:

If you get the message of invalid path name, it`s because the wrong drive letter assignment is set.
Also right click on each file and run as an admin.
Insufficient, privileges will also lead to a file not executing so you should try to run it as and elevated command as an administrator of the computer.

kingluke2222 · Jan 5, 2016

ex_bubblehead :

That must be it. Oh well, I guess what I'll do is slowly reinstall stuff as I need to use them again. Thanks!

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Programs say they're not installed even though files are there?

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