Installing/transferring Programmes

[fbg40]

Hi all
Have a bit of a query. Thinking about a new PC and was wondering if I could copy/download my existing programmes (the ones I use most) to my ext HD, in order to trsfr them to a new PC, or even run them from the ext HD - would this be possible ? Have also been looking at a prog called NINITE - anybody any experience of this ? Any advice /help would be greatly appreciated.
FBG40

[hc4361]

Don't bother transferring software if you downloaded it for free. Just download it afresh on the new pc and you will get a good, clean install.

If you bought the programs you should have the licences which means you can do a clean download on the new pc.

I know nothing of NINITE

[ukbod2015]

i`d say no - a fresh install from disks / download is always better and cleaner and the machine will set itself up better for those programs. Depending on which Windows you use expect to allow several hours to get all the Windows updates alone current. Get your antivirus on early. I never buy any installed software preferring to do my own and, fingers crossed, I rarely get any issues. Dont forget Adobe reader and flash player-divx and give some serious thought about which browser you use. Cue the disagreements and I prefer this that the other :-)

[VHG]

When you install a program on a Windows computer a large file called the Registry is updated with all sorts of information about the program, how it works, what files it uses and so on.

This Registry file is only updated when you do a "proper" install of a program.

If you just tried to run the programs without doing an install, or tried to run a program from the external hard rive, it would not work because the Registry would have no information about the program.

A full fresh install is the only way to do it.

[hc4361]

methyl https://ninite.com/

[TheChair]

http://www.easeus.com/pc-transfer-software/

[fbg40]

Many thanks for all the answers folks. I have been barking up the wrong tree - comes with the age !! This was only hypothetical but I was definitely heading in the wrong direction.
Thanks again
FBG40

[Old_Geezer]

Depending on how you'd get your new PC you may be able to perform a disk image copy, or even install your existing disk as the main drive in the new PC. Unsure what tricks MS would do to cause you hassle though. Easiest to go along with previous advice above.