When you download a new program or install it from a CD, you usually have to install it by launching a file called " Setup.exe ".
When you run it to install the software on your computer, a lot of files are always extracted to a predefined location, normally in the " Program Files " folder, and some end up in the vital " Windows " folder.
At the same time, some keys are added to the registry if the software is developed to read the registry settings.
When you perform any operation on your computer, either manually or through software installation and uninstallation, there are changes to files, folders and registry keys.
If someone, without our knowledge, uses the computer, it surely leaves traces, even if he surfs the internet for a minute, he opens a photo or document.
In this article we see some tools for Windows that can monitor and keep track of modified files and changes on folders and registry keys .
There are programs that can do this control and monitor the change of files such as SysTracer, RegSnap, Tracker, WhatChanged and fileWATCH but they are paid software so let's see here the best free and free programs to check the files that change and the changes to the Regitro system when using the computer .
Usually these monitoring tools create an initial snapshot, or a static image which is then compared with the snapshot following the installation of new software.
1) Track Folder Changes is used to check the changes in real time on some specific folders .
By default, it monitors the entire C: \ drive where the operating system is normally installed.
You can easily change the folder you want to check by clicking on the Browse button.
The program then displays the list of files created / deleted / modified in the directory if in its subfolders.
2) SoftPerfect File Access Monitor is a free program also used on a professional level to check all the changes that have occurred on the files stored on a Windows PC.
For each operation, the modification time is displayed and also the user who made it and the program that modified it.
Of course, you can also check the changes to your computer files in chronological order.
3) FolderChangesView by Nirsoft is a free program that allows you to monitor folders for any changes.
You get the list of the latest files modified on your computer, created or even deleted during the time period in which the folder is monitored.
FolderChangesView does not require installation and only requires you to extract the zip file and launch the program executable.
Once the program has been opened, the folder to be checked can be selected to then start monitoring
The utility will provide you with complete details on any changes in the folder including:
- File name
- Counting of changes
- count of created files
- number of deleted files
- Complete path
- Extension
- Size of the folder
- modification date
- creation date
4) Registry Live Watch allows you to set a registry key to be monitored for any changes and, in case of changes, to show a message.
5) Regshot
Regshot compares the registry keys and files so that you have a snapshot of your computer configuration that is compared to a second one after changes have occurred.
This program is made up of two components, Regshot for regitro changes and Fileshot (default is disabled) for changes in files.
Powerful software, but honestly not recommended for beginners.
6) Process Monitor is a Microsoft program that merges the old FileMon and RegMon to check for changes to files and registry keys on Windows .
Tracked changes include additions, deletions and deletions, and changes to files and folders, within the .INI files, and to the registry.
7) SpyMe Tools is very useful for detecting registry and disk changes .
If any application installs spyware, adware, dlls, programs, images, or any other type of files, photos, or a program, etc., or if it modifies the registry, it will be able to see exactly where the change occurred so to be able to take the measures and, if necessary, to understand the reasons for any problems.
Last updated: January 2005.
8) Watch 4 Folder is used to check one or more folders and check what changes inside them.
This tool has the ability to send a notification in case something changes and allows you to customize monitoring rules asking to notify only if particular events occur.
9) SystemSherlock Lite is a utility that works on the command line, therefore, without a graphical interface.
It is used to analyze the changes made to the registry and to the system files on Windows.
SystemSherlock Lite saves the image of registry keys and all files and folders.
For example, after the installation of some software, it is possible to analyze in detail all the additions and deletions that are made, finding out exactly which registry entries and which files have been created, deleted or modified.
Being at the command line, it is not comfortable to use nor simple to read, therefore it can be more useful to use.
10) Directory Monitor is the simplest to use and most modern program, you can select some folders to keep under control and check which files change and when .
It becomes useful especially if you use a PC shared with other people to check their activities on the PC.
Requires the .NET Framework 3.5 package.
11) RegFromApp does the same thing only that it checks for changes to registry keys.
12) Folder Monitor checks for changes in Windows folders, sending a notification to the desktop when a new file is added to a monitored folder.
This article is certainly more explanatory than practical and these tools are perhaps intended for a more expert user or one who suspects external activities on their computer.
What I want to convey to everyone is the awareness of what's inside a PC and how you can easily avoid creating boring problems or damages .
When you run it to install the software on your computer, a lot of files are always extracted to a predefined location, normally in the " Program Files " folder, and some end up in the vital " Windows " folder.
At the same time, some keys are added to the registry if the software is developed to read the registry settings.
When you perform any operation on your computer, either manually or through software installation and uninstallation, there are changes to files, folders and registry keys.
If someone, without our knowledge, uses the computer, it surely leaves traces, even if he surfs the internet for a minute, he opens a photo or document.
In this article we see some tools for Windows that can monitor and keep track of modified files and changes on folders and registry keys .
There are programs that can do this control and monitor the change of files such as SysTracer, RegSnap, Tracker, WhatChanged and fileWATCH but they are paid software so let's see here the best free and free programs to check the files that change and the changes to the Regitro system when using the computer .
Usually these monitoring tools create an initial snapshot, or a static image which is then compared with the snapshot following the installation of new software.
1) Track Folder Changes is used to check the changes in real time on some specific folders .
By default, it monitors the entire C: \ drive where the operating system is normally installed.
You can easily change the folder you want to check by clicking on the Browse button.
The program then displays the list of files created / deleted / modified in the directory if in its subfolders.
2) SoftPerfect File Access Monitor is a free program also used on a professional level to check all the changes that have occurred on the files stored on a Windows PC.
For each operation, the modification time is displayed and also the user who made it and the program that modified it.
Of course, you can also check the changes to your computer files in chronological order.
3) FolderChangesView by Nirsoft is a free program that allows you to monitor folders for any changes.
You get the list of the latest files modified on your computer, created or even deleted during the time period in which the folder is monitored.
FolderChangesView does not require installation and only requires you to extract the zip file and launch the program executable.
Once the program has been opened, the folder to be checked can be selected to then start monitoring
The utility will provide you with complete details on any changes in the folder including:
- File name
- Counting of changes
- count of created files
- number of deleted files
- Complete path
- Extension
- Size of the folder
- modification date
- creation date
4) Registry Live Watch allows you to set a registry key to be monitored for any changes and, in case of changes, to show a message.
5) Regshot
Regshot compares the registry keys and files so that you have a snapshot of your computer configuration that is compared to a second one after changes have occurred.
This program is made up of two components, Regshot for regitro changes and Fileshot (default is disabled) for changes in files.
Powerful software, but honestly not recommended for beginners.
6) Process Monitor is a Microsoft program that merges the old FileMon and RegMon to check for changes to files and registry keys on Windows .
Tracked changes include additions, deletions and deletions, and changes to files and folders, within the .INI files, and to the registry.
7) SpyMe Tools is very useful for detecting registry and disk changes .
If any application installs spyware, adware, dlls, programs, images, or any other type of files, photos, or a program, etc., or if it modifies the registry, it will be able to see exactly where the change occurred so to be able to take the measures and, if necessary, to understand the reasons for any problems.
Last updated: January 2005.
8) Watch 4 Folder is used to check one or more folders and check what changes inside them.
This tool has the ability to send a notification in case something changes and allows you to customize monitoring rules asking to notify only if particular events occur.
9) SystemSherlock Lite is a utility that works on the command line, therefore, without a graphical interface.
It is used to analyze the changes made to the registry and to the system files on Windows.
SystemSherlock Lite saves the image of registry keys and all files and folders.
For example, after the installation of some software, it is possible to analyze in detail all the additions and deletions that are made, finding out exactly which registry entries and which files have been created, deleted or modified.
Being at the command line, it is not comfortable to use nor simple to read, therefore it can be more useful to use.
10) Directory Monitor is the simplest to use and most modern program, you can select some folders to keep under control and check which files change and when .
It becomes useful especially if you use a PC shared with other people to check their activities on the PC.
Requires the .NET Framework 3.5 package.
11) RegFromApp does the same thing only that it checks for changes to registry keys.
12) Folder Monitor checks for changes in Windows folders, sending a notification to the desktop when a new file is added to a monitored folder.
This article is certainly more explanatory than practical and these tools are perhaps intended for a more expert user or one who suspects external activities on their computer.
What I want to convey to everyone is the awareness of what's inside a PC and how you can easily avoid creating boring problems or damages .
