New Windows install, but drives still populated with apps I want to keep.

aaronb1874

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So I have 2 HDD's and 2 SSD's, and I reinstalled windows to one of the SSD's, but the hard drives are still filled with apps I had prior to the windows reinstall. Is there any way to re enable all the applications so they show up in the windows search feature, or will I have to reinstall all my applications?
 
Solution


Some programs work as portables mostly when they are made up of few files... those that are made up of many hundreds of files, folder, subfolders.. don't normally work with manually created shortcuts and as you mentioned hundreds of programs, many of them will not work with simple shortcuts, but those that do you may be able to add to "PortableApps.com" that works like a Start Menu for portable programs it scans your computer for portable programs so it may detect your programs that don't...
Use this "Application Mover"... If you want to leave your apps on the same HDD, you still have to move them to a new folder... You could name the folder Programs Folder II for example... you may have to previously create the new folder manually.

To start moving apps:

1. find each app location from "Current Path", and select the app folder, and press OK..

2. next mark the empty boxes, and

3. from "New Path" select the New Path to move the folder.. The new location can be on the SSD or any drive or folder you choose but the app has to be moved, it can't remain in the exact same location.

4. Next click OK. That should start moving the folder and contents, create new registry keys and values, and add the app to the Windows 10 Start Menu.

5. Next see if the application runs normally before proceeding to the next one.

6. Confirm the first app runs normally before proceeding to move the next one.


https://www.funduc.com/app_mover.htm
 

aaronb1874

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Worked on the movement part, but no registry keys. Still not showing up on search.
 
Found some warnings on the Application Mover notes page, that read as follows:
Important: Application Mover does not automatically assign itself 'administrator level' program rights.
Most Important: See below recommendations against moving highly complex programs.

1. You might want to try running App Mover As Administrator
2. It may not work with complex programs.
3. But there are other App moving alternatives that might work. Check a list from the lower link.

Application Mover notes
https://www.funduc.com/app_mover_notes1.htm

Alternatives to Application Mover for all platforms with any license
http://alternativeto.net/software/application-mover/
 

aaronb1874

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Actually, looking at the App mover notes, I noticed a phrase they used, referring to it as not being an "installation discovery tool". I have a feeling that something like that would be what I want. Is there such thing as an installation discovery tool, and if so, where cna I find it?
 

aaronb1874

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I have about 200 different applications on my computer, of which some of them have extremely important data that I cannot lose, nor backup, along with programs you cannot find anywhere anymore. So please, if I didnt select the first guy who said the same thing as the best solution, dont set yours as it.
 

USAFRet

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I did not select that as the best answer. Nor could I.
You did.

But it is now unselected.
 

aaronb1874

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Definitely hadnt or else I wouldnt have brought it up...
 

USAFRet

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Possibly by accident. It happens.
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The forum software does not allow a person to select his own reply as the Best Answer, for good reason.

But moving on to the original problem...
I've never seen one of these application mover things that works reliably, and on all installed software.
 

aaronb1874

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Nevermind that, oh well. But Id rather have one application mover that can do most of the reg key restores than having to reinstall every application.
 

USAFRet

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I feel your pain. I also have a LOT of applications installed.
But I do not think what you seek exists.

IMHO, 'most' is worse than 'none'. Which ones worked, which ones failed. Which ones worked part way, but you don't find out until later.

If you do find something that actually works, I'd be interested in knowing.
 


Application Mover is not an 'installation discovery tool'. It does not attempt to discover file references your program may have to files outside of the Current Path field in the Application Mover main dialog.
I don't know if such a program type exists... but if any does exist, it would be another application mover type of program.
What I understand by that note; Is that Application Mover does not attempt to find file types anywhere else than the application path (or folder). In other words; Files that are opened with the moved application, located anywhere else than the app's folder.



EDIT:
I had used Application Mover before and it always worked though I only moved simple programs and not many of them.. but now with Windows 10 App Mover doesn't work the same... I tried moving three apps and all of them failed.. the app did not create registry keys.. Must be due to Windows 10's tougher security. If you have Windows 10, that would be the answer.. on Windows 8.1 it would probably be the same result... and if you have Windows 7, that would be unusual. You may want to try from Safe Mode running the program As Administrator... maybe temporarily relaxing some security permissions. Now that I recall I did see a message about not having permissions to make registry changes but this was on Windows 10 so that's normal.
 

aaronb1874

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Well, just an update for the whole missing reg keys, I just decided to tough it out. Ive always used a folder with my app shortcuts to open any applications, so I guess Ill just roll with that until there is an answer. Thanks for the help guys
 


Some programs work as portables mostly when they are made up of few files... those that are made up of many hundreds of files, folder, subfolders.. don't normally work with manually created shortcuts and as you mentioned hundreds of programs, many of them will not work with simple shortcuts, but those that do you may be able to add to "PortableApps.com" that works like a Start Menu for portable programs it scans your computer for portable programs so it may detect your programs that don't have registry keys as portables and add them automatically.

http://portableapps.com/

 
Solution