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Backing updownloaded programs ...

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by chyann

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As a student I purchased and downloaded a Microsoft program but I could not afford to get the backup too. I need to copy this program to a CD because I have lost things due to computer crashes before.

How do I copy a program from the hard drive to a cd??? I keep getting a shortcut instead of a program.

I cannot get to Windows Explorer anymore???

I am using winxp sp2 and have both IE 7 and Firefox browsers. Plenty of room on 2 hard drives, 1 gig ram.

Ask whatever else you need to know.

12 replies

by maevinn

The application, as loaded on your machine, is NOT the same as the installation package. Very few installed applications will create the installation package. Backing up the .exe file for the app accomplishes nothing--it's just a file, and won't re-install anything. You need to get the installation disk.

What do you mean, you can't 'get' Windows Explorer anymore? It doesn't open? Any error messages?

by chyann

I couldn't find windows explorer but finally got into it. It had been so long since I used it I had forgotten. Senior moment.

by older mycroft

Vista has burning software included, XP doesn't.

If you cannot get to Windows Explorer I suspect some malware infection, being the direct or indirect cause.

What antivirus / firewall software have you installed for online protection?

by chyann

Using XP Home on desktop, Vista Home Premium on laptop.

AVG, Spyware Blaster, Comodo Boclean.

by boxfiddler

but I can offer some advice for future reference. When you download a program, what you get is an executable (.exe file).

Before you ever click on it to install the program, copy the .exe file to another location in your computer. I keep a file called Updates and Exes, for example, containing the .exe files I have downloaded and found useful.

Keep a similar file, NOT on your computer, of the necessary installation codes (if pertinent) in a file drawer with other paper things you file, along with identification as to what .exe the install code matches.

This practice will save you significant time and trouble over the long haul in relation to downloaded programs.

edit: clarify

by older mycroft

I keep ALL my activation codes in a special folder within my Gmail account. Whenever I install (or reinstall) a downloaded program, I simply access my online storage of activation serial numbers and passwords. ;)

Of course if you also Registered the program you can always re-visit the software company's site and they will have a record of the serial numbers issued to you. :)

by boxfiddler

I'm just paranoid. I don't keep anything remotely personal on my computers. Even my students homework is on a flash drive, backed up to a secondary flash drive.

Besides, I need all that drive space for toonz and pics! :D

by chyann

This is a helpful tip, thanks.

I have that info and will be sure not to delete it but how does it help now?

by boxfiddler

that I couldn't help with your current problem, and in the post itself that this is just for future reference.

I'm sorry if that was not clear.

by older mycroft

You didn't know what to do at the time.

Having said that, have you checked that the downloaded installer isn't still on your hard drive?

Go to the directory where your downloads exist and check if the installer is still there, it might be called 'Setup'. If you have more than one file called 'Setup' you can easily activate each one in turn then cancel it when it appears at the EULA screen. That way you can figure out what each one is for. You can even change the file name to that of the program if you want to keep the installer files for just this purpose.

If you have deleted the installer file, because you paid for the online download, you can go back to Microsoft and download it again for free. They SHOULD keep track of who they sell their product to, and having already paid for it you have unlimited access for the life of the program.

I personally have not paid Microsoft for an online download of any of their products but do have experience of other 3rd party software companies' online downloads. They allow purchasers to download again for free if the need arises. :)

by chyann

I tried to back the programs up to cd and all I got were shortcuts but I think I was successful in backing them up to a USB but I am not sure.

I want to try putting them on my laptop running Vista Home Premium but don't want to mess up. The student version of Office 2007 is already on the laptop.

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