When I originally downloaded GC2, using SDC, I did not realize that instead of simply downloading a file SDC was also installing that file in the target directory. Since I use a "download" directory, the result was the GC2 files being expanded in the middle of a folder that has evolved from 5.25 and 3.5 disks through 4 computers over 12 years.
While not comfortable with it, I let it be. Today I was given a boxed set and I thought it might be nice to have a "clean" version of the game running in comparison with the 1.1B3 version my download had become. Obviously, the boxed set wouldn't install because it identified the game was already installed. Fine, I go to uninstall the downloaded version, but there's no uninstall application and windows can't uninstall it because there's a problem with the install.log file.
Hmmm.... I check the forum and find out SDC can uninstall. Great! Once again SDC surprises me by not only uninstalling the original files it installed, but by simply deleting the entire folder. Considering the sub folders contain everything worth saving over the last 12 years had now been deleted, my directory screen was now receiving the "death glare."
Norton Go Back to the rescue. I create a new folder, move all the GC2 stuff into it and head back to SDC to uninstall. Whether the files being in a new directory, or me missing a file, SDC now has to be reinstalled and no longer recognizes I have GC2 installed. Windows add/remove programs now lists GC2 as "already uninstalled." I run registry maintenance regulary anyway, so at this point I'm simply going to delete the old GC2 files.
1) While I've installed GC2 and 3 betas from SDC, at this point I don't remember if having SDC auto install vs simply downloading files was an option...this could all be my fault.
2) Even if it is all my fault, having SDC remove the entire directory instead of just the files it installed is still a problem. If SDC can auto archive, etc., it should also be able to identify what it has installed rather than resorting to deleting an entire directory.
The potential of losing 12 years of files over a simple "mistake" creates a sensation similar to having your life flash before your eyes as your memory runs through its inventory of everything now lost. If anything, all I hope this post accomplishes is SDC's install and uninstall process being looked into to add a bit more information to the user about what SDC is actually downloading/installing/uninstalling.
Thank you.