Add and remove programs

Computer Help and Discussions Software
1

In the control panel add and remove programs list, when you highlight one it nearly always says rarely used with a date from way back. What is the reason for this?

2

You're right, it isn't very reliable: see screenshot (I ran AAW as recently as yesterday).

It looks more like the date I actually first installed it...

3

There's a lot of guessing algorithms in place, for those programs who didn't follow all of the (optional) ARP guidelines.

See here for more information:

http://blogs.msdn.com/oldnewthing/archive/.../09/178342.aspx

and

http://blogs.msdn.com/oldnewthing/archive/.../09/623793.aspx

Tony: Start using the Start Menu entry to run Ad-Aware, and it will update the Last Used item.

4

Thanks DJ, that clarifies a few things! :)

5
There's a lot of guessing algorithms in place, for those programs who didn't follow all of the (optional) ARP guidelines.

See here for more information:

http://blogs.msdn.com/oldnewthing/archive/.../09/178342.aspx

and

http://blogs.msdn.com/oldnewthing/archive/.../09/623793.aspx

Ah, that would explain some of the weird values I've seen. I installed one program on my computer that took about 4 MBs and Add/Remove listed it as 3,500 MBs!! Guessing indeed... :P