The Windows Maintenance Challenge: Part 2

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	TOP STORY The Windows Maintenance Challenge: Part 2
	By Fred Langa Can commercial, third-party maintenance software outperform Windows’ built-in, free tools? This is the conclusion of a two-part series that will help you determine which PC maintenance tools — free or paid — yield the best results on your specific system.

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The full text of this column is posted at windowssecrets.com/top-story/the-windows-maintenance-challenge-part-2 (paid content, opens in a new window/tab).

Columnists typically cannot reply to comments here, but do incorporate the best tips into future columns.[/td]

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Dear Fred,

I took a Reimage license as I could not make a system backup (Microsoft!) for one year; I had not been able to fix that.
Reimage made the same fuss about my system as you described, but did not fix my issue. Even after several runs.
After a mail to the organisation, Reimage suddenly fixed my issue and I am able to make regular backups with Microsoft backup.

However Reimage tells me every three days that my system is a mess and I have to run their program. I decided to uninstall Reimage and have not had any troubles with my system.
Now I have annull their automatic continuation to keep my money.

Regards,

Harm Buiter

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I learned years ago (Decade or 2) when I used Norton SystemWorks that most of these tools were useless if you kept care of your system. Run Antivirus/AntiMalware religiously. Though I must admit, I do uninstall programs that I demo, and never buy. And NEVER, NEVER run Registry cleaners.

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Fred:
Thanks for an informative article. My main comment is this – Why, after twenty-four years since Windows 3.0, are we still thinking and worrying about the security and stability of the Windows OS? My recent personal experience of OS management includes Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, and all Ferdora releases for the last 10 years. Compare:

1. Windows 8 and 8.1: Purchased a new Lenovo laptop. Lenovo loaded 65 updates but did not install them! One hour to install. After that, another hour to download a 3.5GB patch (yes, a patch of 3.5GB) to upgrade to 8.1. Two months later two hours to install the forced update called “Windows 8.1 Update”…otherwise Microsoft will withdraw my ability to obtain any further updates. Four hours of completely unproductive time…..zero user benefit.

2. Fedora 10 through Fedora 20: Every six months I back up my two Fedora machines and install the latest Fedora version. Backup/install/restore is usually around 90 minutes for one machine. Usually the machines need no maintenance between upgrades, and each upgrade gives me the latest version of a wide range of office, productivity and development software.

I know that there are people who have a religious attachment to their chosen OS…….not me. My Fedora experience is at once cheaper, less time consuming and, at worst, no less effective than Windows. Why would I pay Windows prices for the sort of aggravation which the software you have reviewed allegedly fixes?

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Fred:
Thanks for an informative article. My main comment is this – Why, after twenty-four years since Windows 3.0, are we still thinking and worrying about the security and stability of the Windows OS? My recent personal experience of OS management includes Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, and all Ferdora releases for the last 10 years. Compare:

1. Windows 8 and 8.1: Purchased a new Lenovo laptop. Lenovo loaded 65 updates but did not install them! One hour to install. After that, another hour to download a 3.5GB patch (yes, a patch of 3.5GB) to upgrade to 8.1. Two months later two hours to install the forced update called “Windows 8.1 Update”…otherwise Microsoft will withdraw my ability to obtain any further updates. Four hours of completely unproductive time…..zero user benefit.

2. Fedora 10 through Fedora 20: Every six months I back up my two Fedora machines and install the latest Fedora version. Backup/install/restore is usually around 90 minutes for one machine. Usually the machines need no maintenance between upgrades, and each upgrade gives me the latest version of a wide range of office, productivity and development software.

I know that there are people who have a religious attachment to their chosen OS…….not me. My Fedora experience is at once cheaper, less time consuming and, at worst, no less effective than Windows. Why would I pay Windows prices for the sort of aggravation which the software you have reviewed allegedly fixes?

Well, probably because Windows is still the Dominate OS on Home users desktops, and Work computers & Servers.
I also run Ubuntu on a computer. Its not bad for the basics, but for Work, Recreation (Gaming), I use Windows 7.
Yes I’m a Windows 8/8.1 hater, but no biggie.
Linux is OK for the advanced user, I mean IT individual, but for the rest of the Users, Windows or Mac OS still prevails due to ease of use.
Your average home user is not going to build their own computer then download different Linux Distros to try out and see which one they like.
Whoops that would require a second computer to download to, and burn to CD or on USB.
And if Linux is so great why are there so many Distros?
Why does it need to be recompiled to use the latest update to it?
And how long does an upgrade take?
But, bottom line, Windows OS is still the best all round OS out there.
Yes its bloated like a Sumo Wrestler, Crashes every so often, But its still the easiest to install software, Buy Software for, get help from someone, etc.
Linux is getting there, slowly. I keep trying different versions but in the end I usually switch back to my windows machine.
I mean I came from the days when Novell & Unix ruled the network world, and where are they now?
Novell was far superior to Windows in networking but required CLI knowledge, till later on when it was to late.

Besides truth be told, if ever there was an OS that didn’t require updates, security patches, etc, it would never see the light of day.
Because how would a company make money off an OS that didn’t need to be replaced?
And how long would a programmer stay in business if they wrote an OS that didn’t need updates?
Just my 25cents.

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Well, probably because Windows is still the Dominate OS on Home users desktops, and Work computers & Servers.
I also run Ubuntu on a computer. Its not bad for the basics, but for Work, Recreation (Gaming), I use Windows 7.
Yes I’m a Windows 8/8.1 hater, but no biggie.
Linux is OK for the advanced user, I mean IT individual, but for the rest of the Users, Windows or Mac OS still prevails due to ease of use.
Your average home user is not going to build their own computer then download different Linux Distros to try out and see which one they like.
Whoops that would require a second computer to download to, and burn to CD or on USB.
And if Linux is so great why are there so many Distros?
Why does it need to be recompiled to use the latest update to it?
And how long does an upgrade take?
But, bottom line, Windows OS is still the best all round OS out there.
Yes its bloated like a Sumo Wrestler, Crashes every so often, But its still the easiest to install software, Buy Software for, get help from someone, etc.
Linux is getting there, slowly. I keep trying different versions but in the end I usually switch back to my windows machine.
I mean I came from the days when Novell & Unix ruled the network world, and where are they now?
Novell was far superior to Windows in networking but required CLI knowledge, till later on when it was to late.

Besides truth be told, if ever there was an OS that didn’t require updates, security patches, etc, it would never see the light of day.
Because how would a company make money off an OS that didn’t need to be replaced?
And how long would a programmer stay in business if they wrote an OS that didn’t need updates?
Just my 25cents.

So take a look at this report in ZDNet today:
http://www.zdnet.com/what-went-wrong-with-microsofts-august-updates-7000033089/?s_cid=e539&ttag=e539&ftag=TRE17cfd61

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Fred –

I’ve enjoyed reading your Windows Maintenance Challenge series. I’ve had experience since the early 1980’s managing and using personal computers, both professionally and privately. I’ve always been suspicious of the claims of third-party maintenance software tools, especially since I ran an early one some years ago that told me I had all kinds of “problems” (hundreds) on one of my XP systems that needed to be “fixed”, and I knew that most of the items on the list it presented were not the least problematic. When the first PC Matic commercials started appearing, I told my wife that I was extremely skeptical.

When in Part 2 you didn’t say anything at all about the 3 security issues reported by System Mechanic, I assume it was because those also had “no additional details offered”, just like the 10 “core data conflicts”.

I kind of wish you had run the PC Matic repair tool to see if it might possibly have garbaged up your system, unless you were concerned it might have gone beyond what you could restore from your clean System Image.

In any case, you’ve pretty well confirmed that my gut instincts about these tools were largely correct.

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Fred –

I’ve enjoyed reading your Windows Maintenance Challenge series. I’ve had experience since the early 1980’s managing and using personal computers, both professionally and privately. I’ve always been suspicious of the claims of third-party maintenance software tools, especially since I ran an early one some years ago that told me I had all kinds of “problems” (hundreds) on one of my XP systems that needed to be “fixed”, and I knew that most of the items on the list it presented were not the least problematic. When the first PC Matic commercials started appearing, I told my wife that I was extremely skeptical.

When in Part 2 you didn’t say anything at all about the 3 security issues reported by System Mechanic, I assume it was because those also had “no additional details offered”, just like the 10 “core data conflicts”.

I kind of wish you had run the PC Matic repair tool to see if it might possibly have garbaged up your system, unless you were concerned it might have gone beyond what you could restore from your clean System Image.

In any case, you’ve pretty well confirmed that my gut instincts about these tools were largely correct.

The problem Fred cited was that PCMatic wanted to update some drivers. Fred is very reluctant to update drivers for working hardware. A System Image Restore would fix any driver updates, but it is remotely possible to seriously damage PC components by installing a the wrong drivers and then running the hardware.

Personally, I use DriverMax and update drivers every so often, and on my Toshiba Satellite Winodws 7 SP1 laptop, there are a few bad ones in every batch. But by and large, these updates either have no effect on my laptop’s performance, or else they don’t even install, or occasionally there seems to be better graphics or USB performance, or somesuch.

My main use for DriverMax is to back up my drivers to a single location, so that WinPE or the Windows Device Manager can grab the drivers and install or restore or use them, directly from Expanded DriverMax Backup Folders. These Folders can even be on an external drive, which is how I run WinPE rescue disks. I have never paid one dime for DriverMax.

But for Fred, any fixit tool which tries to mess with drivers is a non-starter, so he didn’t even bother to run the tool.

My Windows installation is so customized that generic tools are a complete nonstarter for any sort of maintenance. The built-in Windows Tools work for me just as well, but I have to be careful even with their recommendations.

-- rc primak

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Hi Fred,

I used Reimage for years without problems until lately. It corrected a lot of real problems, and probably, a lot of fake ones.

A few months ago, I had a problem with Windows update. Fivesecurity updates were available. Four were succesful, one failed. After rebooting, the same 5 updates were highly recommended again, and again and again.

I tried Reimage and used a license key (1 of the 3 bought) to correct the 3000 problems found. After rebooting, Windows password was not recognised. I tried some fancy tricks suggested by Microsoft but my user ID was not recognised either, even “admin” was not there.

I reinstalled the system with a W7 repair disk. I had the same update problems and I gave a second chance to Reimage. I had to use a second licence key because the first were lost in the process but the results were the same.
My phone calls to Reimage were put on hold. My emails remained unanswered.

Eventually, my Windows update problem solved by itself and a few weeks ago, a Reimage popup remembered me that I have about 3000 problems to repair. After doing a good disk image, I gave Reimage another try, but with the same Groundhog’s day result.

So, I gave up and thanks for your story. From now, I will use the Langa way.

Regards,

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Columnists typically cannot reply to comments here, but do incorporate the best tips into future columns.[/td]

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I also had two bad times with reimage. Both times it reverted windows 8.1 to windows 8.0 and I had to manually update all the updates. Support said after the first time, that it could not possibly do that. But, when it did it the second time, bingo, it was deleted.

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I have used Reimage several times the past 5 years. In each case, my PC was broken to such an extent that Windows did not function. Each time, Reimage rebuilt Windows for me, although I did have to update numerous Windows files after installation. It did this easily and quickly for those of us who lack the expertise you and others on this forum have. I think you are unfairly characterizing Reimage as software that does not work. It works fine for it’s intended purpose – reinstalling Windows when it is broken. In any event, it has worked fine for me every time and saved me countless hours of frustration trying to do this by myself.

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Sorry, mbiggs but its just a Ford vs Chevy argument. Each has their pros and cons. And you way overstate your case. I’ve maintained many Linux systems, both server and desktop and they certainly require more maintenance than that, if they’re actually being used and properly updated.

This is a Windows newsletter, so we discuss Windows features and problems. Other forums discuss the same with Linux distros.

And why still defending the cause? By device, Windows has lost over half its market share in the last decade. To Linux, in a form called Android.

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Sorry, mbiggs but its just a Ford vs Chevy argument. Each has their pros and cons. And you way overstate your case. I’ve maintained many Linux systems, both server and desktop and they certainly require more maintenance than that, if they’re actually being used and properly updated.

This is a Windows newsletter, so we discuss Windows features and problems. Other forums discuss the same with Linux distros.

And why still defending the cause? By device, Windows has lost over half its market share in the last decade. To Linux, in a form called Android.

It’s true that Android does not require maintenance. In fact, changes are discouraged on most devices. There isn’t even Root Access on many Android devices.

Actually, Android is different from the standard Linux kernel. It was forked many years ago, and the two are no longer comparable OSes.

Ubuntu Linux in my experience does not require the kind of maintenance which Windows requires. I do updates any time I want to, and these usually just run in the background and leave me alone. There is no Registry to clean, and no file fragmentation to defragment.

However, Ubuntu can accumulate junk files and conflicting system files. Just the other day, my Ubuntu Software Updater wouldn’t install anything at all. It then went into a mode called a Partial Upgrade. This is a cleanup mode which makes system changes, removing obsolete stuff and replacing it with updated stuff, and removing what the updater interprets as errors and installing corrected versions of files. Just like the Third-Party Windows Repair Tools do. But with a difference — this tool is made by the folks who built and maintain Ubuntu. So it rarely causes issues. My Software Updater then resumed working properly (after a restart) and all seems well now.

This issue was my fault in that I have been experimenting and installing some non-Ubuntu packages into my Ubuntu installation. So errors were inevitable. I am satisfied that the Partial Upgrade went well, and corrected many of my self-inflicted errors.

Bottom line is, although I have NEVER recompiled anything in Linux, Linux does need occasional maintenance to function optimally. And I do back up Ubuntu using the CloneZilla Live Raring bootable CD. This is pure Command-Line mode, and is a royal pain to learn and execute correctly. But it works.

I keep Windows 7 SP1 hanging around, and I will be updating it to Windows 9 when that becomes mainstream. I prefer using Linux because it boots faster, doesn’t do an antivirus update for ten minutes upon booting, doesn’t have a lot of background processes or disk swapping, and is fast and stable compared with my Windows installation. Windows is prettier and more user-friendly, but once I got used to it, Ubuntu suits me just fine.

Not for everyone, no doubt, but it works for me.

I now return this thread to Windows maintenance.

-- rc primak

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I prefer using Linux because it boots faster, doesn’t do an antivirus update for ten minutes upon booting,

You’ve mentioned slow MSE updates at startup quite a few times. Why do MSE updates take 10 minutes rather than 10 seconds, and does this stop you doing other stuff?

Is this something you’ve specifically configured at login in Task Scheduler? (e.g. “%programfiles%Microsoft Security ClientAntimalwareMpCmdRun.exe” SignatureUpdate)

Bruce

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Re ; Fred’s article on ReImage – what a great analysis of that dreadful utility !!
I bought a licence a couple of years ago and ran the program – result? A totally hosed laptop!!
I had to totally re-install windows 7 and luckily, I had backups of all my data….
After some considerable hassle, I eventually managed to get a refund.

I used this program as a result of reading an advertisement on the ‘Windows Secrets Newsletter’ !!

Quote : Reimage – Your PC Will Thank You!
98% of Windows PCs suffer from performance issues less than 10 months after purchase. Reimage is the only proven PC repair tool that safely cleans up your system and makes it run like new again. Guaranteed instant results or your money back, no questions asked.

I notice that the advertisement does not appear in the latest versions of the newsletter…. I wonder why ??? :rolleyes:

Incidentally, I loved the article ‘Underused tools hiding in Windows 7 and 8’ By Michael Lasky
Some little gems in there !!!

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You’ve mentioned slow MSE updates at startup quite a few times. Why do MSE updates take 10 minutes rather than 10 seconds, and does this stop you doing other stuff?

Is this something you’ve specifically configured at login in Task Scheduler? (e.g. “%programfiles%Microsoft Security ClientAntimalwareMpCmdRun.exe” SignatureUpdate) Bruce

Nope. No Task or Scheduled Updates in my Win 7 MSE 4 installation. I do know that Avast does try to update its program and definitions at startup, and this does take a few minutes to establish their server connection. Then this may further delay running any Windows or MSE updates, as Avast tends to try to get itself updated before allowing other programs out onto the Internet to get their updates.

Even once Avast is updated, Avast slows downloads from all Microsoft sources. MSE and Windows Updates are particularly impacted with very slow downloads compared with browsers and other program updaters. I think there is a false-positive in Avast somewhere which labels some of Microsoft’s download files malicious or suspicious. I have gotten popup alerts about these downloads and reported them repeatedly to Alwil (makers of Avast) and yet the problem persists. This has the feel of an Avast bug.

When Avast stops processes, Windows itself can freeze for a few seconds. This also can happen when new files are accessed. (Scan on Access). Both of these behaviors could be limited or set not to happen, but I think security could be compromised by cranking Avast scans and alerts down too far.

So it is not, and I never said it was, solely MSE giving me such lengthy delays at startup.

But everything works together, and unless I want to dump MSE or Avast, this is how long the updates processes from both programs does take on my laptop.

There are other Startups, and other background processes. Weatherbug Desktop is a resource hog during startup, especially a bandwidth hog as it downloads ads upon awakening. That one can be muzzled if I so choose.

Drivers also have to load, which also takes up time at startup. In all fairness, Linux can have lengthy startup delays as it loads drivers and the desktop GUI elements. This is not just a Windows issue.

So my Windows system is not optimized for startup speed, but rather, for security during Windows operations once the system has booted.

-- rc primak

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Nope. No Task or Scheduled Updates in my Win 7 MSE 4 installation. I do know that Avast does try to update its program and definitions at startup, and this does take a few minutes to establish their server connection. Then this may further delay running any Windows or MSE updates, as Avast tends to try to get itself updated before allowing other programs out onto the Internet to get their updates.

Even once Avast is updated, Avast slows downloads from all Microsoft sources. MSE and Windows Updates are particularly impacted with very slow downloads compared with browsers and other program updaters. I think there is a false-positive in Avast somewhere which labels some of Microsoft’s download files malicious or suspicious. I have gotten popup alerts about these downloads and reported them repeatedly to Alwil (makers of Avast) and yet the problem persists. This has the feel of an Avast bug.

When Avast stops processes, Windows itself can freeze for a few seconds. This also can happen when new files are accessed. (Scan on Access). Both of these behaviors could be limited or set not to happen, but I think security could be compromised by cranking Avast scans and alerts down too far.

So it is not, and I never said it was, solely MSE giving me such lengthy delays at startup.

But everything works together, and unless I want to dump MSE or Avast, this is how long the updates processes from both programs does take on my laptop.

Is running MSE and Avast at the same time really such a great idea, when they both recommend against it?:

1. Can I have more than one real-time anti-malware product installed?
No. Having more than one real-time anti-malware product installed will compete with other anti-malware product(s), and can cause severe performance problems and system instability issues, and may limit the effectiveness of the products installed.
Microsoft Security Essentials Consolidated FAQ

Running multiple antivirus programs on the same computer can cause conflicts, that usually result in false positive detections, performance degradation and system instability. Therefore it is strongly recommended to uninstall all other previously installed antivirus applications before installing avast! on your computer.
Avast FAQ

Bruce

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Is running MSE and Avast at the same time really such a great idea, when they both recommend against it?:

1. Can I have more than one real-time anti-malware product installed?
No. Having more than one real-time anti-malware product installed will compete with other anti-malware product(s), and can cause severe performance problems and system instability issues, and may limit the effectiveness of the products installed.
Microsoft Security Essentials Consolidated FAQ

Running multiple antivirus programs on the same computer can cause conflicts, that usually result in false positive detections, performance degradation and system instability. Therefore it is strongly recommended to uninstall all other previously installed antivirus applications before installing avast! on your computer.
Avast FAQ

Bruce

You’re right, Bruce. I am a bit (and only a bit) reluctant to give up on MSE and turn things over to Avast. Avast would have to be my choice, in spite of its tendency to be over-aggressive.

Which still makes me wonder how Malwarebytes Pro (with active AV elements) can coexist (according to many in The Lounge) with MSE?

When I upgrade to Windows 9, I wil have no choice. If you install anything over Windows Defender in Windows 8 (and this will probably be true for Windows 9) Windows Defender goes to sleep or goes away. No conflicts are possible with this scenario. Avast plus Malwarebytes Free with Hitman Pro or some Cloud AV should be plenty of protections for Windows 9.

My plans do include making things as automatic and simple as possible in Windows 9.

For Windows 7, I am reluctant to make wholesale changes (except maybe finally dumping MSE) as the upgrade is less than a year away for me, possibly much sooner.

I will try not to post about Linux maintenance being easier than Windows 9 until I have given Windows 9 all the speedups and simplifications I can get my hands on. Who knows — Win 9 may turn out to be easy enough to make Windows my favorite OS again. Especially given that there are always some weird glitches or minor but annoying program breakages every time Linux gets a major (kernel) upgrade.

I will watch for Windows Sectrets and The Lounge to offer tips on makng Windows 9 maintenance more efficient. And I think I’ll try using Microsoft’s built-in tools as much as possible, unless some third-party tools continue to be easier to use or more effective. Which is less and less the case with each new version of Windows lately.

BTW, as for ten seconds to update MSE — even before I put Avast into Win 7 — I have the slowest tier of DSL service. Nothing updates in ten seconds, not even in Linux. More like a minute or two for minor updates if there are no conflicts.

-- rc primak

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I learned long ago that many of the general repair tools were mostly useless. And some caused more problems than they fixed. Registry repair tools in particular. Many have all those lame warnings, designed to sucker in the ignorant. Fred has mentioned a few tools like CC Cleaner that can be useful once in awhile.

I don’t share his issue with updating drivers. Certainly not something I routinely do, and not through Windows Update. But I do review what the updates include prior. Occasionally an update has added useful new features or fixed an annoyance. And on systems with weird problems, a general update of drivers can be really helpful. The free SlimDrivers tool has helped me fix a couple of computers with very strange stability issues, without hours worth of analysis.

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I check drivers every 2 or 3 weeks. However, I use third-party software such as Driver Genius but I am thoughtful about which drivers I want to update because some of them need to be left alone.

In regards to third-party maintenance software I can only say caveat emptor or the buyer needs to be better educated on what they’re getting. The fact is that Windows has a lot of those “cleaning and maintenance” commands already built in and software vendors simply put an interface around it to make it easier to get to. You can delete files on your own but it’s a lot easier to simply click the button. Fred is right in that it depends on which brand name you buy. Some do a better job than others in various categories.

I use System Mechanic because I have used it for years and I also use System Suite and Ccleaner. They all have their cats and dogs. For example, system mechanic reports drive errors and is because I am using a SCSI drive but it cleans temp files better than CCleaner. On the other hand, when you do major installations or uninstals, you need to clean out your registry and CCleaner does that very well without being too aggressive. Even if you use Revo uninstaller or Yu uninstaller, there’s going to be some residual stuff and despite what they are telling you in these articles, the registry can get choked with toxic waste. Having said that, this does not mean that registry cleaners are all that they are cracked up to be. You have to be careful with them and you have to know what you’re doing. It is not rocket science, but you have to pay attention to what you’re doing.

Once I have used a certain product over the years, I tend to stick with it. Many of the recommendations that we get on YouTube or someplace else don’t really pan out and they can cause a lot of problems. Some people have luck with Gary’s utilities but I have not. I used some of the popular antivirus and malware protection tools and found that they were very lacking. Windows defender is a good start but it has a lot of weaknesses. I found that some of these protection applications have limitations; they all do. For example, the grand kids were playing certain “free” computer games that rerouted the proxy settings and therefore bypassed all of security settings that I had established. This includes Malwarebytes. I had the paid version but one of the “free” applications bypassed it. I cannot watch the grandkids 24/7 so I have to take the time every week to clean off their machines.The application that I use is considered a resource hog (which it is), but I get good results with it. I have friends who have used Kapersky and others and found that they do good on one thing but not one another.

Therefore, the reviews are something to look at but you have to understand that no one thing does everything.

Re-imaging software is one of those vital things that you have to have and I have both Acronis and Perfect Image from Avanquest.

My best advice is to use what works for you and your configuration but don’t treat any of these tools as a silver bullet.

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Fred,

I’ve used Reimage, System Mechanic and PC Matic over the years with similar results as you reported. In fact, in category of PC scan-and-repair tools I’ve found Tuneup Utilities and Auslogics Boostspeed 7 to be more reliable than the three you examined. But your column really missed the point of the mysterious false positives of Reimage and System Mechanic is to get you to buy the product and let it do its dance. After you bought either product you are no likely to ever see as many “problems” reported as before you bought the product.

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I used iolo once try try to “speed up” my older computer, and it completely messed up my computer and rendered it unable to connect to the internet. After trying to search for solutions with my phone and trying various other things, I ended up reinstalling everything from scratch. I was a carbonite user at the time, so I had my data backed up, but no image backup. It was a huge pain. To make matters worse, attempts to contact iolo put me onto some sort of email list they have. They refused to remove me from their marketing list. After numerous requests to unsubscribe via email and by phone, I finally had my isp block their email so I wouldn’t have to delete them.

I will never again use a third party cleaner like that. Lesson learned for me.

I’m since on a newer machine, and have ditched carbonite and follow Woody’s Windows 7 backup advise with several external hard drives that I rotate. So I’ll have an image for next time!

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I used iolo once try try to “speed up” my older computer, and it completely messed up my computer and rendered it unable to connect to the internet. After trying to search for solutions with my phone and trying various other things, I ended up reinstalling everything from scratch. I was a carbonite user at the time, so I had my data backed up, but no image backup. It was a huge pain. To make matters worse, attempts to contact iolo put me onto some sort of email list they have. They refused to remove me from their marketing list. After numerous requests to unsubscribe via email and by phone, I finally had my isp block their email so I wouldn’t have to delete them.

I will never again use a third party cleaner like that. Lesson learned for me.

I’m since on a newer machine, and have ditched carbonite and follow Woody’s Windows 7 backup advise with several external hard drives that I rotate. So I’ll have an image for next time!

I have used IOLO for years. It has some very useful features but I would agree that you have to use them with caution. For example, the global fixing thing I would be very cautious of. This is true for all of the system mechanic tools. If you use the global repair features on these tools it will inevitably hit your registry and then you are going to have real problems. I also have Carbonite and for file backup is pretty good but I also agree that having your own external hard drives is highly recommended. I also agree that many of these vendors are persistent in their marketing and although their products do not change much year-to-year, they have to have a way of continuing the revenue stream or improving it. In the end, it all depends on what it is you want from your rig. You also have to remember that there is no such thing as “free” in any of these applications; to have to get paid some type of way.

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One of the things that you have to watch out for is that web applications are still pretty much a wild West show. You can either block them or you can’t but it is very hard to modify them. I had installed MSE on one of my grandchildren’s computers because I read that “it does a good job”. There were so many pop-ups and last week they got one of those hijacking messages that even Malwarebytes failed to stop. In fact, I had the paid version of Malwarebytes on that machine and the event still occurred. We are in a race with the shareholders (which includes many of us) and those of us who want some form of reliability and privacy. We are losing that battle. I have also used system utilities and a few others but they all pretty much do the same thing. I would agree with everyone that once you settle on one or 2 applications, that is probably going to be what you’re going to stick with for some time. I have tried some of the applications recommended in this forum and found that they did not work for me but that is okay because it worked for other people.[/FONT][/SIZE]

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BTW, as for ten seconds to update MSE — even before I put Avast into Win 7 — I have the slowest tier of DSL service. Nothing updates in ten seconds, not even in Linux. More like a minute or two for minor updates if there are no conflicts.

Aha. Don’t blame windows for maintenance performance when you have a slow internet connection.

Jerry

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When I upgrade to Windows 9

Bob you keep scaring me when I see “Windows 9”.
I am presently struggling to come up to speed with W7. Its one thing to have it on GFs computer and only use it once every few months, but my goal is to use it as my main OS within a couple of months. I should have been paying better attention when W7 was new. Maybe I should bite the bullet and fork over 2 bills for W8 Pro full.

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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It’s a great service, performing these trials, Fred.

We’re assaulted by these ads: “Your PC has 48,175 problems!!!” and even if you don’t take the bait, you’re sorta left wondering, am I missing something by not running these maintenance tools? I think Fred’s experiment proves: you’re not.
No doubt, your mileage may vary, but more of the same with other products, please.

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