OK, I'm officially an idiot. I accidentally removed Sonic recording and burning software from my PC and now realize I needed this to burn CD's. I note that it's still in my registry...Is there anyway I can retrieve this software? I don't have the CD to reinstall as it was factory installed on the PC. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Have you tried Restore to an earlier date .

kip

If you have a major brand PC it is most likely packaged with your OS CD. If you have an extra CD that came with your PC drop it in and see what pops ups. You may have to explore the CD to find the install.

For System Restore:

Start
All Programs
System Accessories
System Tools
System RestoreIf you haven't made any substantive changes you should be able to roll back

I believe System Restore will only restore your registry back to a previous check point...it will not restore applications that you have uninstalled.

Software is not stored in the registry...just the settings and saved values for software. So, just because you see the reg entries for Sonic still in your registry doesn't mean you can get it back from there.

You may have a problem getting it back even if you have the original install CD. Some manufacturers only have a re-image CD which will wipe your entire drive and restore it to a factory state. In such situations, you cannot install individual applications that were originally provided. Sometimes you can download the applications from the PC manufacturers web site for your PC model.

Your best bet would be to call tech support for your PC (whatever brand).

I believe System Restore will only restore your registry back to a previous check point...it will not restore applications that you have uninstalled.

Recently I was updating my Nvidia graphics drivers. I uninstalled the NVidia stuff from control panel. After I rebooted, I had problems so I used the restore and it brought back the nvidia drivers and app.

I seem to recall about a year ago, I had a similar problem and used restore. I thought it brought back some apps (again my memory is fuzzy so I'm not 100%)

My suggestion would be to try, provided other substantive changes haven't been made since the last restore. It shouldn't cause a problem and it may work.

Hmm..I'm almost positive that its only registry settings. Because the NVidia stuff is driver related, possibly that's included. From MSDN:
System Restore monitors a core set of system and application files, copying states of these files before changes are made. Monitored files include those that are not in excluded directories and that have known data file extensions (such as .doc). System Restore automatically creates restore points; no user intervention is required. To create a restore point, System Restore takes a full snapshot of the registry and some dynamic system files.
Full link is http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnsetup/html/winmesr.asp

I am almost positive you cannot restore an application that you uninstalled, using System Restore. You can rollback the registry and you can also restore drivers/system DLLs but not entire applications. Please correct me if I am mistaken.

The problem with just trying a system restore is that you might rollback the registry prior to other software you have installed and that rollback might impact the other software.

Yes, but you may have a system restore point that is only a few days old.
I'd say it's worth trying.

The problem with just trying a system restore is that you might rollback the registry prior to other software you have installed and that rollback might impact the other software.

Agreed... hence my caveat "provided other substantive changes haven't been made since the last restore."

I accidentally removed Sonic recording and burning software from my PC...Sound like you have a Dell.
Have you tried Nero? I find it better than Sonic (in burning chores) by miles...

Diogen.

If you'd like something to replace it that's free, google CDBurnerXP Pro. I haven't tried it yet, but I have heard that it's full-featured and works well.

Thanks for all the replies. Yes, unfortunately I have tried System Restore and it will not go back...This tells me that it was quite huge to have done that it won't even roll back. Yes, it is a Dell...if I can find Nero would it work just the same on WMP 11?? I like to think I know computers, but not realizing that this program was in someway attached to Media Player I thought, Well I never use it ...Boy, was I wrong. As far as the CDBurner XP Pro, I might try that as well. So, since I'm not that smart, is that why Media Player isn't burning CD's now?? Obviously...Thanks again everybody.

System Restore will restore "System" settings and drivers, etc, not applications. Never has. Related to OS only.

If it's indeed lacking DVD's or CD's then look on the hard drive for a directory containing the software or look in the help on the start button. It may have a way to restore some or all through a hidden directory. I would not do the "all". because if it's available it will reset to the absolutely brand new state wiping everything else.

My HP computer did not come with an install CD. Instead, it uses a reserved HD partition. It has a program called "HP Application Recovery" (inside the HP Tools folder in the Start menu). This program is used to reinstall the applications shipped with the PC. Maybe you have something similar with your Dell.

Exactly.
I don't have a Dell, but have seen many that have Sonic preinstalled.
You can run the recovery CD only after you haved backed up all data you need (it will wipe the drive).

Dell has sometimes included a customized bootable system DVD with all the software that comes preinstalled (in $OEM$ folder). If HP does the same, you can use it to reinstall Sonic. Maybe it is on your reserved partition, too.

Diogen.

Why don't you just do a system recovery then? The recovery partition on the Dell will restore everything to exactly the way it was the day you purchased the machine. It might be a good opportunity to clean house, so to speak.

Software is sometimes available for download on the PC manufacturer's site. It's worth looking around their site for software downloads of Sonic that will work on your PC.