When installing, do you "close all open applications?"

[Muse]

Mostly I run XP, but I do have a Windows 7 laptop. It seems like 1/2 the things I install ask me to close all open applications before proceeding with the installation. I don't remember getting in trouble by ignoring this, although it may have happened a time or two. Of course, it's a PITA to close everything. Sometimes I do, but usually don't bother. Do you?

 

[Obsy]

Never closed all open applications and never had anything go wrong. Why would it? The installation process trying to modify something that's being used?

 

[Blain]

When installing, do you "close all open applications?"

never

 

[Kev]

never unless the installer tells me specifically to close a program.

 

[Muse]

never unless the installer tells me specifically to close a program.

You mean if the program responds by telling you that "X" application must be closed before proceeding?

 

[corkyg]

Usually, no. Occasionally I turn off the AV program running in background. It all depends on caveats that come with the software to be installed, as well as the type of program.

 

[Nothinman]

Almost never, but occasionally there's no choice when an app forces you to close something from Office or IE. Ideally it should be an option and when you choose no it just tells you to reboot to replace the files that were in use but since 3rd party Windows devs almost all do their own thing the effects are random depending on the app.

 

[thescreensavers]

I never closed anything unless it stops and says "Blah blah is open please close it to proceed"

 

[manko]

No, but I do close everything else before doing Windows updates or SP installs.

I wonder if that "close all other programs" message on installers is just a relic from the old days. I can't remember ever having a problem caused by installing something with other applications open. Not to mention, there are always so many background processes running, I don't know what difference closing a few foreground apps would make.

 

[Kev]

You mean if the program responds by telling you that "X" application must be closed before proceeding?

yup

 

[jzodda]

Mostly I run XP, but I do have a Windows 7 laptop. It seems like 1/2 the things I install ask me to close all open applications before proceeding with the installation. I don't remember getting in trouble by ignoring this, although it may have happened a time or two. Of course, it's a PITA to close everything. Sometimes I do, but usually don't bother. Do you?

Unless I am forced to do so by the installing app I never bother and have never had any problems.

 

[Fayd]

vista and later, i keep doing whatever i'm doing while installing whatever.

xp and earlier, i tend to close most stuff and just stick to a firefox process or something. IE, i wouldn't have 1 high demand app/game open while installing another app.

 

[Snapster]

Only when forced to.

Adobe Creative Suite is particular bad with this, it wants to be the only application running if it can help it.

 

[goobernoodles]

I installed Firefox with IE open and Bill Gates came in and stole my computer, then shot my dog. :[

 

[bruceb]

I usually do not except in certain cases.
Such as Flash player, the browers must be closed.
Spybot SD & Spyware Blaster the browser must be closed
DVDFAB or any other program like UtlraISO / PowerISO / IsoBuster
I would be sure any other programs that use or do cd/dvd burning are closed.
Most everything else does not.

 

[Cr0nJ0b]

never

 

[Muse]

Almost never, but occasionally there's no choice when an app forces you to close something from Office or IE. Ideally it should be an option and when you choose no it just tells you to reboot to replace the files that were in use but since 3rd party Windows devs almost all do their own thing the effects are random depending on the app.

I've had installs tell me I should close stuff or else a reboot will be necessary. In cases like that I sometimes do close apps before proceeding with the installation.

 

[Server Monitor]

Seems like I'm one of the rare few people who do actually heed the warning window when installing an application, as I do go and close all other open applications. Yeah it's a pain, but I just figure it's best to close them as advised, than risk any open applications crashing.

 

[Nothinman]

Seems like I'm one of the rare few people who do actually heed the warning window when installing an application, as I do go and close all other open applications. Yeah it's a pain, but I just figure it's best to close them as advised, than risk any open applications crashing.

Nothing running should ever crash during an install, if it does it's either pretty shitty or the installer is doing something it shouldn't be doing.

 

[Emulex]

I always close the applications the app will affect.

ie abode will affect browser, office suite, etc. ensures you get a good clean install.