Where is Modified Files in Win 8 ( like in Win XP)?

I used to love Windows XP's search tool because it gave you the ability to see all modified files on your PC by date. You could see what files were modified each day. This helped find bits of programs installed by other programs you didn't know were installed.

For example, you install a tool from the net that cleans your drive but hidden to you, the program also installed a service called " Program Updater". You don't know this but once you look at the files that get modified each day, you can find these files.

I need That functionality back in Windows 8. I assume it's there but cant find it. Where is it?

Also...

I need an app that does sort of the same but it does this: - records all the bits and pieces of any install in a text file so you can look and see what hidden things that app might be installing. It should do this in real time each time you install a new program. This way when i find a suspicious file in my modified files, i can look to see what program installed that program or service so i can uninstall it.. helping keep unwanted stuff off my drive.

Anyone know a program that does that? Thanks..

Find files by date modified in Windows

RegShot can be used to take a registry snapshot before and after installs. Also you can scan folders. It displays the differences. It's open source freeware. A nice tool to have.

Dark Rider said:

I used to love Windows XP's search tool because it gave you the ability to see all modified files on your PC by date. You could see what files were modified each day. This helped find bits of programs installed by other programs you didn't know were installed.

For example, you install a tool from the net that cleans your drive but hidden to you, the program also installed a service called " Program Updater". You don't know this but once you look at the filed that get modified each day, you can find these files.

I need That functionality back in Windows 8. I assume it's there but cant find it. Where is it?

Click to expand...

Windows XP Search was good for that sort of thing.

The search in Windows 8 File Explorer has some powerful filters you can apply by typing in the right search string but it's not so intuitive as having a separate date filter option and field.

As soon as you start a search by typing something into the search box at the top right of File Explorer (or even clicking on the box) a Search Ribbon pops up which has several options (including dates).

You can also type more advanced filters into the search box.

This tutorial is pretty handy for Search filters:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/21310-search-find-more-filters-operators.html

As an example, if I want to search for MP3s modified between 21/10/2013 and 31/01/2014, I would use this string in the search box in File Explorer.

I'm in the UK so this is in UK date format; it may look slightly different where you are.

Thanks.. i guess I never noticed/overlooked the date modified. RegShot look like it will work but wow it it's got lots of steps. I'll try it out but wish it was a simpler program.

I guess what i was looking for was an active scanner that scanned for these changes in real time as you install each app. Do you know one that works this way?

Something simpler is WinPatrol

The free version is quite capable. It watches for changes in auto start programs, hosts file, program uninstalls.. lots of stuff. It sits in the tray and pops up a notice if it detects something. One example is Adobe wants to keep running its update agent program when I have no need to have it running. When I install an update it tries to auto start the agent. WinPatrol pops up and asks if I want to let it do it. I click No.

Edit: for detecting unwanted software, a quick scan with Malwarebytes gets most of them. It takes about 7 or 8 minutes to run. A few scans a week keeps the system clean of trojans and unwantedware.

DavidY, I didn't see your post till now. Thank you, I'll look into your info as well.

MilesAhead, I'll check out winpatrol, thanks.. malwarebytes is good, i use it regulary but most things i need to find out about are not considered malware so malwarebytes won't find them.