How to check from python, if an arbitrary program is installed

Question

I guess what I'm looking for is closer to this question.

I'm running a python script (on a windows machine) that requires a program and a service to be installed. Since I have no control over which machines my script will be run on, I need to check from within my script, whether or not the program and service are installed on the machine.

How would I go about doing this?

EDIT: I'm not looking to check if a python module is installed. I know that I can do that very easily by just trying to import it. I'm trying to check if a program (say Mozilla Firefox) is installed on the machine

Shaun · Accepted Answer · 2011-05-30T14:52:16.083

1

Original answer edited since you clarified your question.

you can use the winreg module to do a check similar to your Java post.

More specifically, you can use the OpenKey method in a try block, catching a WindowsError if the key isn't found.

edited May 30 '11 at 14:52

answered May 30 '11 at 14:39

Shaun

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I know this. Please check the edit. I'm looking to check for a program like say, Mozilla Firefox – inspectorG4dget May 30 '11 at 14:42
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oh - there's a winreg module that provides access to the windows registry. Similar in nature to the Java link you posted. – Shaun May 30 '11 at 14:44
This is perfect. I was looking for `_winreg`. I was unable to figure out the python equivalent from that question – inspectorG4dget May 30 '11 at 14:54

How to check from python, if an arbitrary program is installed

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