Windows software that doesn't show up under Programs and Features

And, I've never though of this before, however I'm working with a vendor and their software doesn't show up under Programs and Features (this is Windows 7 Enterprise, 32bit desktop). I'm upgrading to their newer version of software and basically just overlaying .exe and .dlls they have sent me. Program lives under C:\.

I'm just wondering why the program doesn't show up under Programs and Features. Is it not setup in the Registry?

I've Googled around and could not find an answer.

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chronos42

We have some software from our (Japanese) parent company that lives in C:\ and doesn't show itself in Programs and Features. It's second-rate software that uses its own installer and likely doesn't bother to set itself up properly in Program Files or in the registry.

This probably doesn't answer your question as to "why", but just noting that you're not alone, and it's likely just due to being written poorly.

JockVSJock

The software is a type of XML parser that converts to SQL. The external company doesn't provide a Windows Installer, so I'm thinking that is why it doesn't show up under Prorams and Features. Also, the one .dll file that it uses isn't being used by any other program, so maybe that is another reason why it doesn't show up there?

MTciscoguy

I have kinds of software that I run on my windows machines that don't show up in the registry or the program files, the don't have a windows unistaller either, often times, they will come with there own uninstall program. It is really not that unusual for 3 party programs to not be wrote within windows registry specifications.

lsud00d

Is the software actually installed? Or is it a live/portable version?