I moved to a new Windows computer recently and had some applications and games that were only available as a one-time offer. To install them, I downloaded a zip file that contained all the necessary files.
However, I’m unsure how to transfer the installed software to my new computer without the installer. Simply copying the files doesn’t seem to work; the software needs to be installed properly. To prevent this issue in the future, I plan to keep a copy of the installer. Can you suggest some simple ways to do this?
3 Answers
Introduction
When it comes to installing applications, we often download a setup file or a zip file that contains all the necessary files to install the application on our computer. However, there may be times when we need to reinstall or transfer the application to another computer, but we no longer have the setup file. To prevent this issue, it is essential to save a copy of the installer. In this blog post, we will explore where to save installation applications that we usually delete and suggest some simple ways to do so.
Create a Backup Folder
The best way to save installation applications that you usually delete is to create a backup folder on your computer. This folder should be dedicated to storing all the setup files for the applications you download. You can create a backup folder anywhere on your computer, but it is recommended to create it in a location that is easy to access, such as on your desktop or in your documents folder.
Once you have created the backup folder, you can start saving the setup files for the applications you download. Whenever you download an application, save the setup file to the backup folder instead of running it immediately. This way, you will always have a copy of the setup file, even if you delete it from your downloads folder.
Cloud Storage
Another simple way to save installation applications that you usually delete is to use cloud storage. Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive offer free storage space that you can use to store your setup files. This method is beneficial because it allows you to access your setup files from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.
To use cloud storage to save your setup files, create a folder dedicated to storing your setup files. Then, upload the setup files to the folder. You can also create subfolders to organize your setup files by category, such as productivity software, games, or multimedia applications.
External Hard Drive
Another option for saving installation applications that you usually delete is to use an external hard drive. External hard drives are portable and offer a large amount of storage space, making them an excellent option for backing up your setup files. To use an external hard drive to store your setup files, connect the hard drive to your computer and create a folder dedicated to storing your setup files. Then, copy the setup files to the folder on the external hard drive.
One advantage of using an external hard drive to store your setup files is that it provides an additional layer of backup. If your computer’s hard drive fails, you will still have a copy of your setup files on the external hard drive.
CD or DVD
If you have a CD or DVD burner on your computer, you can also save installation applications that you usually delete to a disc. To do this, insert a blank CD or DVD into your computer’s disc drive and use the disc burning software to create a data disc. Then, copy the setup files to the disc.
One advantage of using a CD or DVD to store your setup files is that it is a physical backup. If your computer’s hard drive fails, you can still access your setup files by inserting the disc into another computer with a disc drive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, saving installation applications that you usually delete is essential to prevent issues with reinstalling or transferring applications to another computer. You can save setup files to a backup folder on your computer, use cloud storage, an external hard drive, or a CD/DVD to store your setup files. By using any of these methods, you can ensure that you always have a copy of the setup files for the applications you download.
It’s a good idea to save installation files for applications and games that you’ve purchased or downloaded, especially if they are not available for download from the internet anymore or if you don’t have the option to re-download them. Here are a few suggestions for how you can save installation files for future use:
- Save the installation file to a cloud storage service: By saving the installation file to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox, you can access it from any device with an internet connection. This is a good option if you want to be able to access the installation file from multiple computers or devices.
- Save the installation file to an external hard drive or USB drive: This is a good option if you want to keep a physical copy of the installation file. You can then use the external hard drive or USB drive to transfer the installation file to another computer.
- Save the installation file to a network drive: If you have a network drive set up on your home network, you can save the installation file there and access it from any computer connected to the network.
It’s also a good idea to create a separate folder on your computer or external hard drive to store installation files so that they are easy to locate and organize.
Many free products come with a license that is only valid for a limited period, meaning that they cannot be reinstalled in the future, even if you have kept the installer. The giveaway offer usually specifies whether it includes a lifetime license or is time-limited.
To transfer such offers to other computers, my advice would be to use a program like Sandboxie and install them in a virtual sandbox, which is essentially a folder on the hard disk that can be copied. If you have the paid version of Sandboxie, you can create multiple sandboxes, which is useful for testing applications in a separate sandbox that can be wiped clean if the giveaway is not satisfactory. This prevents the uninstaller from leaving any residual files behind.