Restoring programs after clean install of Windows 10

[clubman]

Is there a problem with restoring a program by copying its contents from Program Files, Program Files (x64), Program Data and AppData Folders (in other words all folders that has association with the path, which the program created when was first installed), which were copied to a HDD before the installation, to the new ones, having in mind that the old and the new version of windows 10 were the same, same .iso file? I have done this on Win 7 and experienced no crashes, just that the program wasn't listed in "Remove/ Uninstall programs" in Control Panel.

 

[SkyNetRising]

Of course there is a problem. That's not, how it's supposed to be done. After clean install, you have to reinstall everything.

Install process makes necessary entries in registry, installs necessary shared components. After clean install none of that exists anymore.

 

[USAFRet]

Is there a problem with restoring a program by copying its contents from Program Files, Program Files (x64), Program Data and AppData Folders

Problem?
Yes, that will not work.

When an application is installed, it makes dozens, sometimes thousands of entries in the Registry and elsewhere. Your new OS knows nothing about these.

And no..you cannot simply copy the Registry from your old install tot he new one.

 

[clubman]

Ok, guys. I already knew about the entries in the REG and wherever else. I just shared my experience with Win 7 bless its soul. So, the only way of not experiencing the whole installation process of my favorite programs again and again after each install, is to backup the system as in image .iso file, right? I will buy a docking station for hdd cloning and want this process as fast as it can be - my programs, files and folders to be copied exactly the same in my new system without manually reinstalling everything and losing settings.

 

[SkyNetRising]

If you replace motherboard of your pc, most likely you'll have to reinstall anyway.

 

[USAFRet]

Ok, guys. I already knew about the entries in the REG and wherever else. I just shared my experience with Win 7 bless its soul. So, the only way of not experiencing the whole installation process of my favorite programs again and again after each install, is to backup the system as in image .iso file, right? I will buy a docking station for hdd cloning and want this process as fast as it can be - my programs, files and folders to be copied exactly the same in my new system without manually reinstalling everything and losing settings.

No, that doesn't work either.
Cloning is no different than trying to use the original drive with the original OS.

If this is going into a new system (new motherboard), likely you'll need to do a full reinstall anyway.

The "why" of why you're doing these installs has great impact on the "how".

 

[jeremy0906]

Is there a problem with restoring a program by copying its contents from Program Files, Program Files (x64), Program Data and AppData Folders (in other words all folders that has association with the path, which the program created when was first installed), which were copied to a HDD before the installation, to the new ones, having in mind that the old and the new version of windows 10 were the same, same .iso file? I have done this on Win 7 and experienced no crashes, just that the program wasn't listed in "Remove/ Uninstall programs" in Control Panel.

Just doing a copy and paste from the file explorer will not properly work. there are programs like "Windows Easy Transfer" or EaseUS to clone these programs for you.

 

[clubman]

I just want to add that copy-paste works out for me for pretty much everything (games work, programs work..). You just have to make sure you restore all the files in each directory the program has created. I know that you can't copy-paste the system files in regedit, but it still works as it is supposed to and I am happy about it.