Software Install Comparison Utility?

[MitzEclipse]

Software Install Comparison Utility?

Hi All,

Is there some utility, tool, or software package that basically compares what files are on the hard drive BEFORE an installation of a software package and AFTER an install?

Example: If I install AOL Instant Messenger, is there a utility out there that will tell me what directories AIM wrote to, what DLL's where loaded, what new folders were created, etc..?

I remember seeing something like "WinDiff" but it looks like it's only for application level programming.

Also, it would be nice if this program showed memory status of the computer before, during, and after the installation.

Thanks in advance!

 

[andrewjm]

i remember clean sweep or something had an uninstall utility that monitored what was installed....

but most progs have uninstall.log files that show EXACTLY what the prog changed and added, so when you wanna uninstall, it knows what to do

so if you just wanna know what it installed, check the uninstall logs...

they are usually found in the progs main folder...

 

[MitzEclipse]

Thanks for the reply.

A 3rd party app would be most beneficial. Looking at an uninstall.log will only tell me what the software says it installed... but what if it installed some other files that it didn't write to the uninstall.log?

 

[theAnimal]

Try Install Watch

 

[MitzEclipse]

Great link, theAnimal, thanks!