I need an installation logger that I can rely on. specifically, i need a program which would record and let me see the full installation picture: registry keys, where each and every file has been written, etc. good suggestions are most welcome! i remember a few years ago there was something of this kind produced by Norton/ Symantec but I am not sure anymore..

I used 'Clean Sweep' back in the old days (before I got an imaging program). I don't know if it's still around.

One of the norton products did make a log of what you installed if you set it up correctly. It could then delete it or you could use that info to use. I guess there would be a way to use some info from system restore. Wasn't there a snapshot too. Anyway there are a few free downloads, dunno how well they work. One is at softdd dot com. There are plenty of others. Let us know if you find one that works well.

found this - Ashampoo Uninstaller Suite will give it a shot to see how it works let you know then. thanks for your comments

InCtrl5 from PC Mag requires you purchase a subscription from them. They have a couple of cheap options available that may be worth looking into. Quoting 1. Annual Subscription Get complete access for 12 months to the PCMag.com Utility Library -- 140+ incredibly useful applications for Windows, plus a great new file every month. Best deal: just $19.97 2. 3 Downloads for $9.97 Pick any three downloads from the Utility Library and save 44% off the single download price! 3. This File Only. Purchase this file for $5.97. End of quote "This file" refers to InCtrl5. Bryan

I just realized that the utility says nothing about WinXP as it is dated in 2000. But MSDN makes reference to using it "Embedded" See their article. Bryan

Found another one, called Advanced Uninstaller Pro 2005 Has a 30-day trial version. Apart from logging installations, has Registry cleaner and Start-up manager. Seems to be a nice program.