Tweaking.com Windows Repair 1.7.5 – A One Click Simple Free Repair Utility

While freeware maintenance applications are readily available for download (and, many of them are very capable), finding a good, solid, freeware system repair application, suitable for less technically inclined computer users, is always a challenge.

One of my favorites in this application genre is Tweaking.com’s Windows Repair – a super all-in-one repair tool which has undergone 30 revisions since I last reviewed it. This small tool has plenty of functionality, including the ability to fix registry errors and file permissions – as well as issues with Internet Explorer, Windows Update, Windows Firewall, and more.

Windows Repair can even restore Windows original settings which have been changed by malware – a common occurrence.

Fast facts – Windows Repair can do the following:

Reset Registry Permissions
Reset File Permissions
Register System Files
Repair WMI
Repair Windows Firewall
Repair Internet Explorer
Repair MDAC & MS Jet
Repair Hosts File
Remove Policies Set By Infections
Repair Icons
Repair Winsock & DNS Cache
Remove Temp Files
Repair Proxy Settings
Unhide Non System Files
Repair Windows Updates
and more…

As the following screen captures show – Windows Repair is not only simply to operate but, it “holds the user’s hand” while working through the repair process.

Note: All screen shots can be expanded to the original size by clicking.

For those users dealing with a malware infected system, the application directs to a number of anti-malware freebies so that the repair process can begin on the right footing.

Previous users will note that both Avast and ComboFix (a specialty antimalware tool), have been added to Step One.

As the application points out in the following screen shot, there’s nothing to be gained by completing a repair sequence if there are errors in the file system.

While the system file check is optional, it makes good sense to run this tool.

Likewise, with the file version checking tool.

Prior to starting the repair process both a System Restore Point, and a Registry backup option, are available.

A quick piece of advice: Never allow an application to make system changes, without creating a System Restore Point first. It takes only a minute, or two.

The updated application dispenses with the old three level system of repairs. Instead, all repairs have been  combined into a single window – as illustrated in the following screen capture.

In the above screen capture, I’ve highlighted a single repair – Repair Winsock and DNS Cache. For the Geek crowd this is a simple repair.

The Geek way:

Go to “Run” in the Start menu (“Search” for “Run” if you can’t see it).

In the Run box, type CMD (doesn’t need to be capitalized).

At the command prompt, (not in the Run box), type – ipconfig/flushdns.

Hit “Enter”, and that’s it. The DNS cache has just been flushed.

Looks pretty simple – if you are a Geek. With Windows Repair, there’s no need to have all the esoteric system info that geek’s carry around in their heads – one click and the job is done.

Let’s take a quick look at repairing a problem I have on this machine – Windows Update is acting a little wonky.

I’ve selected the Repair Windows Update checkbox.

The following screen capture illustrates Windows Repair running the routine.

Time to complete the repair – 14 seconds – not including the required restart. How’s that for speed?

Here’s what regular readers have to say about this super application – based on a previous review.

Steve

September 1, 2011 at 10:49 pm

Excellent program. Just featured it twice in a week because it really saved us. I’m so use to re-registering files or doing fixes it is second nature. We just ran into a computer that the answer and suggestions on the web just didn’t work. The program re-registered over 1000 files and the pc was fixed. Ironically I had worked with it for two hours and remembered your review! SFC and every solution became fruitless.

TeXaCo

September 7, 2011 at 10:34 pm

I just wanted to let you know that my brother talked to me about problems on his computer where registry entries were apparently messed up. He could not open any word documents at all because they were all garbled with numbers and letters.

I didn’t know exactly what to tell him how to fix it and then I remembered you posting this so I told him to download this and try it out. Sure enough after using the registry repair at tweaking.com his computer is back to normal….without a reformat.

I just figured you would like to know. It saved me some headaches

Thanks for posting this.

Using Tweaking.com – Windows Repair by MajorGeeks.com (Click on graphic to play video).

System requirements: Windows XP, 2003, 2008, Vista, Win 7.

Download at: MajorGeeks

For those users who prefer to carry their utilities on a Flash drive – a portable version is available here.

Windows Repair makes it easy to repair common Windows problems and, its ease of operation should make it ideal for less experienced users.

Tweaking.com Windows Repair Utility – What Super Users Say

Normally, I wouldn’t re-run an application review in less than twelve months – unless the features and benefits of the application had been upgraded, very substantially. Even so, I’m reposting my August 31 review of Tweaking.com Windows Repair, because of the following comments from regular readers and super users – Steve M. and Rocco T.

If you haven’t yet added this outstanding repair utility to you tech toolbox, you may reconsider after reading the following two comments.

Steve

September 1, 2011 at 10:49 pm

Excellent program. Just featured it twice in a week because it really saved us. I’m so use to re-registering files or doing fixes it is second nature. We just ran into a computer that the answer and suggestions on the web just didn’t work. The program re-registered over 1000 files and the pc was fixed. Ironically I had worked with it for two hours and remembered your review! SFC and every solution became fruitless.

TeXaCo

September 7, 2011 at 10:34 pm

I just wanted to let you know that my brother talked to me about problems on his computer where registry entries were apparently messed up. He could not open any word documents at all because they were all garbled with numbers and letters.

I didn’t know exactly what to tell him how to fix it and then I remembered you posting this so I told him to download this and try it out. Sure enough after using the registry repair at tweaking.com his computer is back to normal….without a reformat.

I just figured you would like to know. It saved me some headaches

Thanks for posting this

Original review – Tweaking.com Windows Repair – A One Click Simple Free Repair Utility

Since reviewing software (both free and commercial), is a good part of what I do as a blogger, I’ve tested and evaluated more than a thousand applications in the last few years.

Sprinkled amongst these applications has been a good selection of  “one click simple” computer maintenance solutions. But, “one click simple” computer repair solutions, have been conspicuous by their absence.

While freeware maintenance applications are readily available for download (and, many of them are very capable), finding a good, solid, freeware application, suitable for less technically inclined computer users, has been more of a challenge – until now.

Tweaking.com has just released (August 24, 2011), a super all-in-one repair tool called – what else – Windows Repair. Don’t be fooled by the plain name though. This small tool has plenty of functionality, including the ability to fix registry errors and file permissions – as well as issues with Internet Explorer, Windows Update, Windows Firewall, and more. Windows Repair can even restore Windows original settings which have been changed by malware – a common occurrence.

Fast facts – Windows Repair can do the following:

Reset Registry Permissions
Reset File Permissions
Register System Files
Repair WMI
Repair Windows Firewall
Repair Internet Explorer
Repair MDAC & MS Jet
Repair Hosts File
Remove Policies Set By Infections
Repair Icons
Repair Winsock & DNS Cache
Remove Temp Files
Repair Proxy Settings
Unhide Non System Files
Repair Windows Updates
and more…

As the following screen captures show – Windows Repair is not only simply to operate but, it “holds the user’s hand” while working through the repair process.

Note: All screen shots can be expanded to the original size by clicking.

For those users dealing with a malware infected system, the application directs to a number of anti-malware freebies so that the repair process can begin on the right footing.

As the application points out in the following screen shot, there’s nothing to be gained by completing a repair sequence if there are errors in the file system. While the system file check is optional, it makes good sense to run this tool.

Likewise, with the file version checking tool.

Prior to starting the repair process a System Restore option is available.

A quick piece of advice: never allow an application to make system changes, without creating a System Restore Point first.

The application provides a three level system of repairs – Basic Mode, Advanced Mode, and Custom Mode. I’ve shown the Basic Mode, and Custom Mode interfaces, in the following two screen captures.

Basic Mode:

Custom Mode:

Using Tweaking.com – Windows Repair by Majorgeeks.com (Click on graphic to play video).

System requirements: Windows XP, 2003, 2008, Vista, Win 7.

Download at: MajorGeeks

Windows Repair makes it easy to repair common Windows problems and, its ease of operation should make it ideal for less experienced users.

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

Tweaking.com Windows Repair – A One Click Simple Free Repair Utility

Since reviewing software (both free and commercial), is a good part of what I do as a blogger, I’ve tested and evaluated more than a thousand applications in the last few years.

Sprinkled amongst these applications has been a good selection of  “one click simple” computer maintenance solutions. But, “one click simple” computer repair solutions, have been conspicuous by their absence.

While freeware maintenance applications are readily available for download (and, many of them are very capable), finding a good, solid, freeware application, suitable for less technically inclined computer users, has been more of a challenge – until now.

Tweaking.com has just released (August 24, 2011), a super all-in-one repair tool called – what else – Windows Repair. Don’t be fooled by the plain name though. This small tool has plenty of functionality, including the ability to fix registry errors and file permissions – as well as issues with Internet Explorer, Windows Update, Windows Firewall, and more. Windows Repair can even restore Windows original settings which have been changed by malware – a common occurrence.

Fast facts – Windows Repair can do the following:

Reset Registry Permissions
Reset File Permissions
Register System Files
Repair WMI
Repair Windows Firewall
Repair Internet Explorer
Repair MDAC & MS Jet
Repair Hosts File
Remove Policies Set By Infections
Repair Icons
Repair Winsock & DNS Cache
Remove Temp Files
Repair Proxy Settings
Unhide Non System Files
Repair Windows Updates
and more…

As the following screen captures show – Windows Repair is not only simply to operate but, it “holds the user’s hand” while working through the repair process.

Note: All screen shots can be expanded to the original size by clicking.

For those users dealing with a malware infected system, the application directs to a number of anti-malware freebies so that the repair process can begin on the right footing.

As the application points out in the following screen shot, there’s nothing to be gained by completing a repair sequence if there are errors in the file system. While the system file check is optional, it makes good sense to run this tool.

Likewise, with the file version checking tool.

Prior to starting the repair process a System Restore option is available.

A quick piece of advice: never allow an application to make system changes, without creating a System Restore Point first.

The application provides a three level system of repairs – Basic Mode, Advanced Mode, and Custom Mode. I’ve shown the Basic Mode, and Custom Mode interfaces, in the following two screen captures.

Basic Mode:

Custom Mode:

Using Tweaking.com – Windows Repair by Majorgeeks.com (Click on graphic to play video).

System requirements: Windows XP, 2003, 2008, Vista, Win 7.

Download at: MajorGeeks

Windows Repair makes it easy to repair common Windows problems and, its ease of operation should make it ideal for less experienced users.

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

Tune Up Your PC With WinUtilities Free Edition 9.94

Using WinUtilities free edition (last updated November 30, 2010), you can tweak, repair, optimize and improve your system’s performance; and, its ease of operation makes it ideal for less experienced users. With more than 20 system utilities built into this all-in-one application, WinUtilities takes convenience to a new level.

The intuitive GUI makes it a simple process finding the tool you’re looking for. Or, you can make it easy on yourself; skip the single tool usage, and employ the one click maintenance solution. If you’re more of a laid back user, then use the built in task scheduler to perform routine maintenance automatically.

Fast facts:

Disk Defrag: Defragment your disks and improve computer performance and stability
File Undelete: Recovers deleted files on NTFS and FAT volumes.
Disk Cleaner: Cleans disks from information that clogs your system and reduces the performance of your computer.
Registry Cleaner: Scans the Windows registry and finds incorrect or obsolete information in the Windows Registry.
Startup Cleaner: Helps you to easily manage program execution at windows startup.
History Cleaner: Erases all traces of activity on your computer, save spaces and protect your privacy.
File Splitter: Splits any type of file into smaller pieces and rejoin them to the original file.
File Shredder: Erases files and make sure that no data thief can get his hands on your sensitive data.
EXE Protector: Protects any Windows executable file with a secure password.
Memory Optimizer: Optimizes the Memory Management of Windows. No special configuration is needed, Memory Optimizer will auto configure itself.
Duplicate Files Finder: Helps you to free disk space by finding and removing duplicate files from your system.
Shortcuts Fixer: Provides you with an easy way to address the invalid shortcuts and reports back to you so that you can remove it from your system.
Process Manager: Allows you to check your system’s performance and manage the running processes.
Uninstall Manager: Manages the programs installed on your system and uninstall unneeded software.
System Information: Shows you the detailed information for your computer hardware and software.
Registry Backup&Restore: Back up and restore the Windows Registry.
Registry Search: Searchs the Windows Registry by a specific wildcard. then you can delete or export them.
BHO Remover: Manages the BHOs that are currently installed.
Auto Shutdown: Schedules your computer for log off, stand by, hibernate, or shutdown at a specific time.
Windows Tools: Provides you an easy way to launch the utilities build in Windows.
System Control: Organizes and manage your Windows Settings
Task Scheduler: Configures the cleaning tasks that take place automatically.

As you can see from the Fast Facts, WinUtilities is an extremely inclusive and powerful utility. In a short review like this it’s not possible to discuss all of the features of this application so, to give you some idea of what can be accomplished running this application, here’s a few screen shot examples. Clicking on any screen capture will expand it to its original size.

Running the disk cleaner under Clean Up and Repair …

found 23 additional junk files not cleaned by CCleaner, which I ran just before testing WinUtilities clean up capabilities.

Running the Registry Cleaner produced the following – 364 errors not found by CCleaner.

Because I’m a “just in case” kind of guy, I created a restore point automatically before executing the “clean” command.

One of the built-in tools, found under the application’s Privacy and Security tab, provides a security rating on both running processes and services. This tool is a real bonus for security conscious users.

A sub categories found under the application’s System Tools tab, System Control, will allow you to fine tune a number of system areas that are difficult to locate – especially for average users.

System requirements: Windows 7, 2000, XP, Vista, 2003 Server.  32/64bit versions.

Download at: Download.com

Note: It seems as if ALL free applications now include the option to install the Ask Toolbar, as well as other Ask services, so pay particular attention to the End User License screen when installing this application.

We’ve often talked about older machines here, and this application is perfect to rehabilitate an older computer when one considers the minimum running requirements:

Graphics mode 1024×768 with 32-bit color
30 MB or more free hard disk space
Intel Pentium 3/4 or AMD Athlon processor with 500 or above MHz
128 MB RAM or more

If you’re looking for a free Windows maintenance solution that’s very easy to use, I think you’d be hard pressed to find an application that would outperform WinUtilities free edition.

If, on the other hand, you’re looking for an even more inclusive fee based solution then TuneUp Utilities 2011 is the application you need. Currently, we’re running a free license giveaway contest here. Checkout – TuneUp Utilities 2011 – Five License Giveaway! and get your entry in.

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

Download Free PC Fixer – Fixes Common PC Problems

Often, new and casual computer users get left behind when it comes to PC utility software. Developers of this type of application are prone to designing tools that require more than just a passing knowledge of how computer operating systems really work.

New users are very often unfamiliar with both the technology itself, and the technical terms involved in using this type of application. For many users, a simple set of tools that does not require the user to be geek inclined, is more appropriate than a suite of tools that does everything but clean the kitchen sink.

While it’s generally true that more advanced users want/need much more control than a one click system utility provides, a one click system utility can often be the ideal solution for a new user.

PC Fixer is a relatively simple, but nonetheless, powerful set of tools for new and casual computer users that includes the following comparatively basic modules:

Install – assists in the setup/installation of applications, internet, email, printers, wireless network and more.

Fix – diagnostic applet with comprehensive solutions to common problems.

Optimize – a configuration utility with surprising functionality.

Secure – as well as the ability to remove malware, this module allows the user to configure Windows security settings.

Data Recovery – provides the user with the tools required to recover data in specific applications including MS Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook and so on.

Tune up – this feature is essentially a Registry cleaner.

A sample of repair issues addressed by PC Fixer:

CD or DVD driver is missing.

CD burner does not work.

Printing service is disabled.

Cannot open Task Manager.

Additional functionality included in this neat little application:

Windows XP & Vista – Diagnose and fix common desktop issues, repair corrupt files, and resolve configuration conflicts in Vista and Windows XP.

Microsoft Office – Provide automatic fixes for problems related to Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, and Outlook for your email.

Security – Improve security and privacy by recognizing and fixing configuration flaws in system/device/software settings and removing virus and malware.

CD/DVD, Printer, or USB – Fix issues related to CD/DVD, Printers, USB, etc. where conflicting device software and configuration make them inaccessible.

Performance Tuning – Improve overall performance by fine tuning various system and network settings, improve startup time by turning off unnecessary programs in your startup and services.

This application is not a panacea for computer problems of course, but for less experienced Windows users, it should prove to a valuable addition to their computer toolbox.

Interestingly, CNET’s (Download.com), editors rated this application as a 4.5 Star, out of 5. This is a significant rating, since the number of applications that have earned a 4 Star rating on CNET, is quite limited.

System requirements: Windows XP/Vista, Windows 7

A note on Windows 7: While the developers site does not make mention of Win 7  compatibility, PC Fixer ran perfectly on my Win 7 test system.

Download at: Download.com

Video Tutorial of how to use PC Fixer

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

WinUtilities Free Edition Maintains And Optimizes Your PC

Using WinUtilities free edition (last updated September 26, 2010), you can tweak, repair, optimize and improve your system’s performance; and, its ease of operation makes it ideal for less experienced users. With more than 20 system utilities built into this all-in-one application, WinUtilities takes convenience to a new level.

The intuitive GUI makes it a simple process finding the tool you’re looking for. Or, you can make it easy on yourself; skip the single tool usage, and employ the one click maintenance solution. If you’re more of a laid back user, then use the built in task scheduler to perform routine maintenance automatically.

Built-in Modules:

Disk Defrag: Defragment your disks and improve computer performance and stability
File Undelete: Recovers deleted files on NTFS and FAT volumes.
Disk Cleaner: Cleans disks from information that clogs your system and reduces the performance of your computer.
Registry Cleaner: Scans the Windows registry and finds incorrect or obsolete information in the Windows Registry.
Startup Cleaner: Helps you to easily manage program execution at windows startup.
History Cleaner: Erases all traces of activity on your computer, save spaces and protect your privacy.
File Splitter: Splits any type of file into smaller pieces and rejoin them to the original file.
File Shredder: Erases files and make sure that no data thief can get his hands on your sensitive data.
EXE Protector: Protects any Windows executable file with a secure password.
Memory Optimizer: Optimizes the Memory Management of Windows. No special configuration is needed, Memory Optimizer will auto configure itself.
Duplicate Files Finder: Helps you to free disk space by finding and removing duplicate files from your system.
Shortcuts Fixer: Provides you with an easy way to address the invalid shortcuts and reports back to you so that you can remove it from your system.
Process Manager: Allows you to check your system’s performance and manage the running processes.
Uninstall Manager: Manages the programs installed on your system and uninstall unneeded software.
System Information: Shows you the detailed information for your computer hardware and software.
Registry Backup&Restore: Back up and restore the Windows Registry.
Registry Search: Searchs the Windows Registry by a specific wildcard. then you can delete or export them.
BHO Remover: Manages the BHOs that are currently installed.
Auto Shutdown: Schedules your computer for log off, stand by, hibernate, or shutdown at a specific time.
Windows Tools: Provides you an easy way to launch the utilities build in Windows.
System Control: Organizes and manage your Windows Settings
Task Scheduler: Configures the cleaning tasks that take place automatically.

System requirements: Windows 7, 2000, XP, Vista, 2003 Server.  32/64bit versions.

Download at: Download.com

Note: It seems as if ALL free applications now include the option to install the Ask Toolbar, as well as other Ask services, so pay particular attention to the End User License screen when installing this application.

We’ve often talked about older machines here, and this application is perfect to rehabilitate an older computer when one considers the minimum running requirements:

Graphics mode 1024×768 with 32-bit color
30 MB or more free hard disk space
Intel Pentium 3/4 or AMD Athlon processor with 500 or above MHz
128 MB RAM or more

Similar free applications include:

Glary Utilities

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

Free CheckDrive – Detect And Fix Hard Drive Errors

Popular guest writer Rick Robinette, who is always on the hunt for the best in Freeware, has just come across CheckDrive, a great little Hard Drive error checking utility.

Here’s Rick’s review:

Looking for and writing content for a blog is a job, especially when you are on the run; however, in my email this morning a company called  Abelssoft, dropped me a line about a new FREE hard disk utility called CheckDrive 2011, that saved the day and possibly my hard disks.

From my early testing of this utility, it is like using chkdsk (checkdisk), with a very nice GUI (graphical user interface). As with chkdsk, if errors are found on any of your drives, repairing those errors can take some time.

Failure to identify and repair errors on your hard disks  (in the file system), can result in data corruption; thus, the importance of an utility such as CheckDrive.

As always, maintain backups of your data prior to running any maintenance utility. This is the type of utility I usually run on a monthly basis to check the integrity of my disks.

If you are not familiar with chkdsk (checkdisk):

Chkdsk (Checkdisk) is a command on computers running DOS, OS/2 and Microsoft Windows operating systems, that displays the file system integrity status of hard disks and floppy disk, and can fix logical file system errors. It is similar to the fsck command in Unix.

On computers running NT-based versions of Windows, CHKDSK can also check the disk surface for physical errors or bad sectors, a task previously done by SCANDISK. This version of CHKDSK can also handle some physical errors and recover data that is still readable. – Wikipedia

CheckDrive offers you an easy way to check your hard drives for errors. CheckDrive may detect and fix hard drive errors that might appear on system crashes or when switching off your PC without a proper Windows shutdown.

If you’ve ever had a system crash, then CheckDrive is for you. CheckDrive is completely free! Download it today to check your system for hard drive errors.

CheckDrive – Features:

Check Hard Disks for Errors – CheckDrive offers you an easy way of checking your PCs hard drives for errors. Those errors can be fixed immediately if you like.

Shows Drive Information – CheckDrive shows info about your drives and determines if your hard drive needs to be cleaned or defragmented.

Detects current fragmentation of your hard drives.

Shows the amount of garbage on your disks.

System requirements: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Win 7 (all – 32 and 64 bit).

Download at: Developer’s site (Abelssoft)

This is a guest post by Rick Robinette, who brings a background as a security/police officer professional, and as an information technology specialist to the Blogging world.

Why not pay a visit to Rick’s site at What’s On My PC. Like me, you’re sure to become a frequent visitor.

If you found this article useful, why not subscribe to this Blog via RSS, or email? It’s easy; just click on this link and you’ll never miss another Tech Thoughts article.

57 Free PC Repair Apps for Your Flash Drive

Are you a computer tech wannabe? Are you the goto guy for your neighbors, club, or social circle when computers are on the fritz?

If you answered “yes”, then the Australian website Technibble has a great free offer you should consider.

Technibble describes itself as “a resource for computer technicians who are looking to start their own computer business, or improve their existing one. Technibble also provides an amazing place for technicians to help other technicians via our forums”.

The site has compiled an impressive array of free geeky tools for diagnosing and repairing Windows computers in a second release of its Computer Repair Utility Kit. The kit contains 57 top-quality applications to help you analyze a problem computer and (hopefully), restore the machine to operating condition.

While it’s true that you can download each of these free tools individually, this all-in-one kit is a definite time saver.

From the Technibble site:

The first version of Technibbles Computer Repair Utility Kit was so popular, we’ve created a second version. For those of you who don’t know, the Computer Repair Utility Kit is a combination of computer repair tools in one easy to use pack.

The Computer Repair Utility Kit allows you to run all of the repair tools from your portable drive (USB Flash Drive, External Hard Drive, IPod etc.) and comes with an easy to use, right-click menu. A must in any computer technicians kit.

The Computer Repair Utility Kit runs off a menu system called PStart and contains the following applications:

File Management

• CCleaner – Cleans up Windows systems. Clears temporary internet files, cookies, history etc..
• JkDefragGUI – An advanced defragging tool far superior to the built in Windows one
• DriveimageXML – Hard drive imaging tool. Allows you to get a single file out of a whole image too
• Explore2fs – Allows you to explore hard drives with Linux file systems
• Double Killer – Finds duplicate files and deletes them
• Deep Burner – CD/DVD Burning software
• 7-Zip Portable – Archive creating and extraction tool. Can handle most compression formats
• PC-Decrapifier – Cleans out the crap that comes installed on new brand name computers (Norton trials, toolbars etc.)

Information

• Process Explorer – Allows you to view system processes
• System Information – View lots of information about a system (specs, passwords, temperatures etc.)
• ProduKey – View software cdkeys and serials
• Autoruns – Autostart program viewer
• HWMonitor – View hardware information
• GPU-Z – Show video card information (chipset, bios version, shaders, memory size etc.)
• Wireless Key View – Shows saved wireless network keys
• TreeSize Free – Show how much space each folder on a system uses
• Game Key Revealer – View CDKeys and Serials for popular games
• USBDView – Allows you to list and manage USB devices (including devices that arent currently plugged in)
• TrID – Identifies file types for extension-less files
• Codec Installer – Finds and analyzes video codecs
• Unknown Devices – Tells you what a “Unknown Device” in system properties actually is
• GSpot – Video analyizer

Repair Tools

• Norton Removal Tool – Removes Symantec products
• McAfee Removal Tool – Removes McAfee products
• LSPFix – Fixes broken Winsock entries
• Dial-a-Fix – Repair Windows files and registries

Recovery

• Recuva – Recovers deleted files
• Restoration – Recovers deleted files
• Photorec – Recover deleted/damaged files from Flash memory (like digital cameras)
• DBXTract – Recover emails from damaged DBX files (like Outlook Express)

Network Tools

• Wireshark – View network packets
• Network Scanner – Scans the network for devices
• Putty – SSH/Telnet/RLogin client
• Network Stumbler – Wireless Network Scanner

Virus and Malware Removal Tools

• Clamwin Antivirus – Virus scanner/remover
• Rootkit Revealer – Detects rootkits on a system
• Combofix – Malware finder and remover
• SmitFraudFix – Malware finder and remover
• RogueFix – Malware finder and remover
• Hijack This! – Malware remover
• SUPERAntiSpyware – Malware scanner and remover
• Malwarebytes – Malware scanner and remover

Miscellaneous

• Mozilla Firefox – Web browser
• JavaRa – Find and remove old Java versions
• Monitor Tester – Test monitors from problems
• Dead Pixel Tester – Finds and fixes dead pixels on LCDs
• ChkFlsh – Check flash drives for errors or test their real size (as fake ones appear on eBay)
• Double Driver – Driver backup tool
• SumatraPDF – Lightweight PDF viewer
• Revo Uninstaller – Advanced application uninstaller

Tweaks

• TweakUI – Windows XP tweaking tool
• VistaTweaker – Vista tweaking tool

Scripts

• Quickly Make a System Restore Point – Makes restore point
• Reset Network – Releases/Renews IP and flushes DNS
• Clear Printer Spooler – Clears stuck print jobs from spooler
• Stop Automatic Updates – Stops “Windows has installed updates, restart now” dialog temporarily
• Start Automatic Updates – Switches it back on

To start the toolkit: Extract the zip file to your portable media and run .Launcher.exe.. You can also add your own utilities to the menu by going to File > and make it so it autoruns when you insert your portable media into the system.

The download size is 88.4mb as a ZIP file and it extracts to 188mb.

Download from one of the following Mirrors:

Note: Like many mirrors, these mirrors can be annoying.

Deposit Files:

Badongo:

zShare:

Megaupload:

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Download a Grab Bag of Free System Tools

10 + 2 free system tools to maintain your computer, and keep it in top shape.

We talked about keeping your computer physically clean, just a few days ago. Today, we’ll focus on keeping your computer’s operating system and subsystems clean, so that you can ramp up your system’s performance.

With that in mind, I retested some of the free system tools I’ve rated and recommended, over the last year or more, that will do a great job of revitalizing your system. These free applications are at the “Top of the Class”, in my view.

There may be slight overlaps in functionality between applications, so I’m not suggesting that you download them all – choose those that best meet your specific needs.

If I’ve missed one of your favorites that you feel should be on this list, then let me know with your comments.

CCleaner

CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system – allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space.

It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally, it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it’s fast; normally taking less than a few seconds to run.

Glary Utilities

Glary Utilities, a free all-in-one utility, is a terrific collection of system tools and utilities to fix, speed up, maintain and protect your PC. Personal experience with this application for the last 2+ years, has convinced me that a typical user can really benefit by having this application on their system.

With this free program you can tweak, repair, optimize and improve your system’s performance; and its ease of operation makes it ideal for less experienced users.

Advanced SystemCare Free

Advanced SystemCare Free is a comprehensive PC care utility that takes a one-click approach to help protect, repair, and optimize your computer. It provides an all-in-one, and super convenient solution, for PC maintenance and protection.

WinPatrol

Do you want to get a better understanding of what programs are being added to your computer? Then WinPatrol is the program for you. With WinPatrol, in your system tray, you can monitor system areas that are often changed by malicious programs.

You can monitor your startup programs and services, cookies and current tasks. Should you need to, WinPatrol allows you to terminate processes and enable, or disable, startup programs. There are additional features that make WinPatrol a very powerful addition to your security applications.

Revo Uninstaller

Revo Uninstaller is a superior program designed to uninstall programs from your computer. This free program with its advanced and fast algorithm scans before, and after, you uninstall an application.

After the program’s regular uninstaller runs, you can remove additional unnecessary files, folders and registry keys that are usually left over on your computer. This feature is a definite plus.

RunAlyzer

If you’re looking to track down spyware, or speed up system startup–and you’re technically astute–then RunAlyzer may be just what you need. Run it, and it performs a thorough analysis of all programs and services that run when you start up your computer.

Note: Recommended for advanced users only.

Autoruns

This free utility has the most comprehensive knowledge of auto-starting locations of any startup monitor, in my view, and shows you what programs are configured to run during system boot up or login, and the order Windows processes them. These programs will include ones in your startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys.

You can configure Autoruns to show additional locations, including Explorer shell extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications, auto-start services, and more.

Autoruns goes considerably beyond the MSConfig utility bundled with Windows.

Regseeker

The longer you use Windows, the more cluttered your registry can become, especially if you regularly install and uninstall software. Many applications, on being uninstalled, leave behind “orphan” registry entries. They don’t remove all traces of themselves which can cause problems such as sluggish performance, system lockups, or a bloated registry that takes longer to load on startup. With the click of a button, Regseeker will scan your registry for these fragmented files, and safely remove them.

Note: Recommended for advanced users only.

Wise Registry Cleaner

Wise Registry Cleaner is a free, non aggressive application that, as one of my friends says, hits a home run in the safety department. As it searches the Registry for obsolete/redundant registry keys, it differentiates between those that are “safe to fix”, and those that are “not fully safe to fix”.

To provide the greatest safety factor for those who are uncomfortable, or unfamiliar, with cleaning the Registry, the application’s default removal setting is – “safe to fix”.

Fresh UI

One of the oldest and most well established free Windows tweaking applications, Freshdevices’ Fresh UI is a powerful tool that allows you to configure and optimize your version of Windows.

This small (1.24 MB) program has a clean, easy to understand interface that gives you access to hundreds of system settings, some of which are hidden, and others that are just hard to find. The interface is organized by section for easy navigation, and it is complete with detailed descriptions for easy reference.

Auslogics Disk Defrag

The program is extremely easy to use, does not require any analysis phase and is faster than most disk defragmentation software I’ve tested in the past, and it’s free. In my view, it’s one more maintenance process in helping me get the maximum performance out of my hardware.

FixWin

If you’ve been looking for an easy way to fix issues such as, Win Explorer not starting at boot up, CD drive or DVD drive is missing or not being recognized by Windows, or other programs, or the Device Manager is not functioning correctly (not as uncommon as you might think), then the recently released FixWin freeware application, could be the perfect solution.

It’s important to note however, FixWin does NOT scan for problems. You, have to recognize that you have the problem – the application will then correct the problem, provided of course it is one of the 50 very common problems the application is designed to deal with.

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Fix Disk Errors And More With Free Disk Heal

So you’ve finally managed to get rid of that nasty piece of malware that’s been causing you all sorts of grief – your anti-malware application has come to the rescue.

But now you’re left with another problem; a problem which can be equally as aggravating.

We’ve all heard the horror stories where the user was left to deal with the following problems after successfully removing an infection.

Drive inaccessibility

Task Manager inaccessibility

Folder Options inaccessibility

Registry Editor inaccessibility

Scary stuff to be sure, but you don’t have to be a Techno Geek to deal with these types of problems. Even though, for the casual or new user, a manual solution may be outside their technical abilities, there is a great newbie tool which offers a free solution.

Disk Heal is a free Windows NT, 2000, XP and Vista utility that may be able to restore the condition of your Hard Drive, or a USB Flash Drive, after it has been being infected by a virus.

Disk Heal is a great free tool that has a host of additional capabilities, including recovering hidden files and performing system tweaks, The simple interface makes it easy to access these additional functions, with with just one click.

Quick facts:

Fixes disk problems

Fixes task manager inaccessibility

Fixes folder options inaccessibility

Fixes registry editor inaccessibility

Recovers hidden files and folders

Changes the default icon of any drive, external, internal, or a partition

Security and system tweaks

As you’re building your toolbox of system utilities, this is a good application to add. None of us are immune to a virus infection, and at some point you’ll be glad you had this little tool ready to go.

System requirements: Windows NT, 2000, XP and Vista

Download at: Download.com

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