"Re-installing" software without deleting it

[OllieWille]

Hey! I recently did a clean install of windows on my PC. I kept all my files and therefor the majority of my programs since they are on the same drive. The only thing is that they aren't installed per se, although they still work. What I would like to do is reinstall them, without having to download it all again. I don't know if it's possible, but if you know anything please tell

[tlink]

its pretty hard since you need more than just the files. you need to know what they did to the windows registry and stuff like that. i would strongly advice against messing around in the windows registry.

[LogicalDrm]

Is there some special reason why you want Windows to know they are installed? For start menu you can pin custom shortcuts. And if you go for install, you can save and replace configuration files.