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Tracking Changes to a Windows System?

Posted by Cliff on from the following-your-registry dept.

The Watcher asks: "I was at my parents house over the weekend trying to remove various adware/spyware/annoying software, things like Kazaa, Bonzi Buddy, etc.. During this I thought it would be helpful to know things like exactly what files/folders were created/modified and what registry entries were created/modified by an installer program so that I would not have to rely on the supplied uninstaller that only removes a selected subset of what was installed. So what are some preferred utilities out there that work well for this purpose?"

3 of 86 comments (clear)

  1. Use some security by Uteck · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I doubt that your parents were using kaza, so that means that someone installed it. Set them up with a separate user account that can not install that crap. If they are only web browser, than get a different OS.
    I don't want to talk my dad through this stuff, so I told him to buy a Mac. User friendly and virus proof so far. It's all he needs for web browser and reading e-mail.
    Winblows should not be used by 'average' users, it is too hard to maintain and too insecure.

    Seriously, you need to determine it they NEED winblows.

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  2. GFI by SuiteSisterMary · · Score: 2, Interesting

    You can get a sort of 'tripwire for Windows,' as well as other security tools, from www.gfi.com.

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    Vintage computer games and RPG books available. Email me if you're interested.
  3. Re:No admin! by ameoba · · Score: 2, Interesting

    The problem is that even locked down but still usable accounts can still install things through IE. Users that can't install or uninstall software normally get priveleges elevated while in IE.

    Try it.

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