How do I know what I'm installing?

[NormaJ]

When I look at the reference of an app, for instance, D2MP, I read it needs avisynth, besweet, etc. so I know it wont install these.
When I look at other apps, such as alltoavi, there is nothing said, so I ask myself if it will install a lot of codecs (that probably already are in my computer) to support all the features, and at the end I will get a messy thing.
Is there a way to know what exactly is installing into your system any app before actually installing it?

Thanks

[Sabro]

First off, I'd highly recommend setting a restore point (if using xp) and having a fresh backup of your system. Not that I've used or installed these problems, but I have lit up a few systems installing CodeC packs.


The following is for Win2000, but it may give you a better idea as to what to look for -

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/reskit/tools/existing/instaler-o.asp

Sabro

[Baldrick]

no, but hopefully does it come with a good uninstall that can remove all the crap...

[Sabro]

Also you may want to look at http://www.devhood.com/Tools/tool_details.aspx?tool_id=432

Haven't used this or Microsoft's so use due caution, but hopefully it helps.

->Baldrick - If 99% of the apps uninstall's actually did what they are supposted to do, I'd prolly have about...well 99% more free space heh

[NormaJ]

Thanks Sabro and Baldrick. I usually set a restoration point before installing. But, as much for this, as the software you linked (Sabro), I'm not very confident to any of them.
I mean, in my deep, I believe that things wont be the same than before. And about uninstaller utilities, lol, one must be very hopefully :P
I think that this is the reason why two computers that appear to have the same things installed, don't work the same. Once I had a computer in wich Tmpgenc dealt with VBR audio with no problem, and I never knew how I did it to work this way.

ugh!!