Getting programs listed in Add/Remove after XP install

[Spools]

I've just spent a very long weekend reinstalling XP after suffering from a dozen or so BSOD errors (the explanation would take a few pages but the result was a bad Hard Drive), I'm trying to get some programs to show up in my add/remove programs.

Due to my problems, I had to installed XP pro on an existing HDD that I was using to store some programs (mostly games) and their installers. I've attempted to use some of them and other than needing to create my own shortcuts, I haven't had any trouble. XP is running fresh and clean and no issues with any games so far.

What I'm wondering is, how do I get these programs to show up in my Add/Remove programs so that I can remove them later if I want? Do I need to reinstall them and if so, will I lose any saved data in their folders?

[ffreeloader]

What I'm wondering is, how do I get these programs to show up in my Add/Remove programs so that I can remove them later if I want? Do I need to reinstall them and if so, will I lose any saved data in their folders?

The programs most likely run just because the entire program is there, however, since those folders existed before you installed XP on this hard drive there are no registry settings to tell the OS they are there. That's why you had to create your own shortcuts to the executables, and why they don't show up in the control panel. I'd back up the existing data before I re-installed them, but it depends on the installer they use as to whether or not the program will look for existing folders or just create new ones. Personally, I'd have no way of knowing.

As to removing those programs that existed on the hard drive before you installed XP all you have to do is delete those folders, unless you re-install them. Since registry settings don't exist for them just deleting the folders won't hurt anything.