How can I recover an uninstalled application on Windows?

Question

I uninstalled Autocad on my Windows XP SP2, Without backing-up my micro code i had embedded. Is there any way to recover with the full setting? So that i will get my embedded micro code?

Solution

If you are using Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 I would first try using the built in System Restore tool.

Go to Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore

There's a nice guide on the tool at http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/using-windows-vista-system-restore/

You should be able to list the recovery points and they'll have names like "Install: Blah" "Uninstall: BlahBlah" and clicking on that one and carrying on through should (after a restart or so) get you back to the point before that event happened.

Comments

[tobylane]

I doubt it, general file recovery might get bits and pieces but you've likely overwritten it. It's not like images where a random 95% of the file is good enough.

[uxout]

@Achu - How do you get "I can recover the application" from "I doubt it"?

[uxout]

@Achu - I'm glad you got lucky. I'm still not sure how you read tobylane's comment to indicate that he thought you could do it.

[Mokubai]

@Achu I just edited my answer, XP has System Restore as well and it looks and works similarly to Vista and 7. It may still be worth a try.

[Mokubai]

@Achu No worries, I'm just glad you managed to recover it and presumably recover your Autocad licence, those things are not cheap...