...setting up the antivirus from a hard disk
By jeanneyvonne
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
Philippines
April 4, 2013 8:37pm CST
I just reformatted my computer and I am wondering why the new Action Center in Windows doesn't recognize my previous antivirus before I reformatted my computer. Basically, I copied the program before reformat and saved it after re Format. The system doesn't recognize the antivirus that I placed. Does that mean, I have to download another one and deleted what I already have?
Is there a way to set an antivirus from a already existing system?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@pals101 (2003)
• Philippines
5 Apr 13
You have install again the anti-virus program. Download the installers, input the license key(if it is license) or if its free no need to enter the license key. This way you can run again the anti-virus program.
Once you format, any programs found in our system drive directory will be erased..Even if you backup the program, it will not run because the configuration of your program is set only for the old system. So basically, if you have a new system, then you have also to install again the program for it to be configure in the new system running. 
1 person likes this
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
5 Apr 13
I guess the only consolation is that majority of the 'problem files' are now gone or at least,lessened. good thing I kept a list of programs or even programs shortcuts. Easier to know which needs to get in or not to be used again.
@pals101 (2003)
• Philippines
6 Apr 13
That is correct my friend, a copy file from an old system cannot run in a new system because it is not configure for the new system. Just remember the next time you format to have a list of all the programs currently running and check for the installers or download it first..
@owlwings (43897)
• Cambridge, England
5 Apr 13
You can't just copy a program (or a program folder) and then copy it back. You have to reinstall it so that it can write all that it needs into the Registry. The same applies to any program which isn't automatically installed with Windows.
1 person likes this
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
5 Apr 13
Thanks. I guess I was kinda of lazy when I was starting again with the programs with my computer. Antivirus is again installed. At east, I don't have the dregs of the last antiviruses programs that I have used.
@santuccie (3384)
• United States
6 Apr 13
As previously stated, some programs have to install registry entries and services/drivers; so that they can start automatically when Windows starts, add scan options to shortcut menus, and monitor system resources. Some programs are less portable than others, resident security apps especially. I'm glad you saved the important stuff.
You said that sometimes a computer needs reformatting, and I agree with you. Seldom is a system so unadulterated that it retains its facilities 100% for years at a time, and those that haven't been reformatted in years are often either out of commission, or owned by people who don't know what to do about it. That said, there are ways to recover from a thrashed operating system without having to reload everything piece by piece.
If a lot of the programs you use are among the more popular freebies, then you may be able to download a file from Ninite.com; which will automatically detect what OS you're running, and download and install the latest versions of each program you'd selected. Also, now that you've installed a fresh copy of Windows, and once you have it all setup the way you like it, you might consider imaging your hard drive: http://www.techsupportalert.com/partitioning-hard-drives-1.htm
Hope this helps!
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
7 Apr 13
Actually, I am one few those people who constantly worry about my computer - they are a necessity but not everybody can afford them especially if one is living on budget. I'm glad that I invested in an external hard disks - data nowadays are really fragile and easily lost.
Anyway, hanks for the tips. I might have a look at the site see and to an extent use some things that I might need.
@LaDeBoheme (2004)
• United States
5 Apr 13
This is why I never reformat. It wipes out everything and you have to start from the beginning.
@LaDeBoheme (2004)
• United States
5 Apr 13
I wholeheartedly agree about 'cleaning up' a computer and clearing out all the useless and junk files/trash. But I prefer to run regular maintenance tasks like disk cleanup and defragging.
Reformatting certainly cleans up everything too, but that's why I don't do it, it erases everything and I'm just too lazy to start from scratch.
@jeanneyvonne (5500)
• Philippines
5 Apr 13
well, it has its disadvantages and advantages. I guess my computer is really in need of one since I have done too much things in it for a good number of years.
@ReViewMeMedia (3786)
• United States
6 Apr 13
You have to redownload the antivirus program and reinstall it on your computer.
