Almost all PC users have loaded software at some point in the past, that they stopped using long ago. To make it easy to find those programs that are NOT being used, it would be terrific if CCleaner could calculate the last date on which a program was used. Then it could sort all applications by that date, and give the user the option to remove the program. Reading through other chat groups, it appears that Windows only records the execution date of a program IF it was started via the Start Menu. If a program is stated via a shortcut, this is not recorded. According to a Windows XP MVP, one COULD force an update to the Last Used date if shortcuts on the START MENU are clicked, by:
Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (
)
Correct! as per Mr. Raymond Chen. However, you can force an update by
deleting this
key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App
Management\ARPCache
General registry editing warning applies. Be sure to have valid backups
before deleting the key.
--
Ramesh, Windows XP MVP
But this will not cover programs started by shortcuts located elsewhere.
Now, Simon Ledergerber reports that:
For an MSI installation Windows Installer maintains a usage count in its own registry based on Product and Feature, which can be found for example under
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\S-1-5-18\Products\<Packed Product Guid>\Usage
This is maintained by the Windows Installer API.
MsiUseFeature() increments the usage counter (
).aspx)
MsiGetFeatureUsage() gets the Last Used Date and the Use Count
The usage counter is also incremented when launching an application via an advertised shortcut or when using one of the MsiProvide*() functions.
I guess ARP somehow refers to this information provided by Windows Installer.
More information:
Configuring Add/Remove Programs with Windows Installer
I am not smart enough to know if this is the key. But perhaps someone in this forum or at Piriform, could take this request and report back if
anything like this is possible. Thank you!!
Rick