What about some of the tools that are like super uninstallers? The ones that take a system snapshot, allow you to install a new app and then "completely" uninstall to the point of the previous snapshot.
I was thinking of Registry Watch, Total Uninstall, or the freeware InstallWatch.
What is with this response? I find it very rude. I didn't know sharing knowledge on a forum is bad form and I don't appreciate you insinuating that I don't do anything for myself.
All I'm pointing out is that the approach many could us on this forum is instead of coming here and asking for names of tools, and since in your case, you have some pretty clear requirements, do some searching on your own and maybe instead ask, hey, has anyone used any of these tools and if so, what do you think?
I understand your response, but at the same time, I really wish people who come here and post would take a moment and think not about their immediate need, but about the community at large. If all you have time for is to drop off a question and not do any research on your own, maybe it would be a better idea to not post. However, if you're willing to do a bit of research on your own, then maybe you'd not only be able to offer something back to the community, but also ask a better question at the same time.
No insult intended…
Very good. I understand your point. Be assured that I have done research on tools and what I am trying to do is for the community. I am working on an indepth analysis of instant messaging applications. Once completed I will share with everyone.
I am looking for tools to help research the effects of applications on the file system in general. I think the information given and found thus far is a good start for me. I am sure I will have to write some scripts during this process which I will be more than happy to share with all.
I have not been able to find a tool that does what I am looking for, comparing an entire file system at two points in time. I will develop one myself but wanted to ask to see if anyone knew of a tool.
The easiest thing I know is to use the unix-style utilities found in Cygwin. It won't help you detail any file contents changes (such as registry file changes), but it will help pinpoint that a change has been made.
For quick and dirty checks of installation behaviour, Sandboxie is fairly useful it keeps all updates in a separate 'sandbox', and also places registry updates there. It needs some kind of 'diff' utility to find exactly what was changed, but it's a start.
I have not been able to find a tool that does what I am looking for, comparing an entire file system at two points in time.
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I really wish people who come here and post would take a moment and think not about their immediate need, but about the community at large. If all you have time for is to drop off a question and not do any research on your own, maybe it would be a better idea to not post. However, if you're willing to do a bit of research on your own, then maybe you'd not only be able to offer something back to the community, but also ask a better question at the same time.
Harlan,
If you knew the number of people who have contacted me privately over the years to say that your comments are the primary reason they have decided not to post in these forums I suspect you wouldn't so quick to criticise others for their lack of community spirit.
You and I have talked about this in the past, although not for some time now, but I'm afraid I can't help but notice that many of your recent posts - in terms of tone at least - have been wholly inappropriate for a community forum which values good natured discussion and debate. For all the good you think you may be doing in educating those too lazy to Google for something (and I suspect that's a group with far fewer members than you might imagine) you're stifling a lot of useful debate here, especially amongst less experienced members.
To make it crystal clear, it has to stop. If that means you're no longer comfortable remaining a member here, so be it - just let me know.
I apologise to the OP and other members for this public spat but I want to make my thinking clear to everyone on this issue.
Jamie
Jamie
I hear ya…no problem.
Peace out, everyone.