A1Click Cleaner
License: Shareware – $29.95 Last Reviewed: 2010-12-11
Version: 1.01.61 – Released: 2008-08-13 Windows: 98, Me, NT, 2000, XP, 2003
File Size: 1.17 MB
“The main scan of A1 Cleaner can be done in one of three ways:
1. Clean PC (45 processes with one click of a button).
2. Remove Tracks – (25 processes with one click of a button).
3. Do-it-yourself – (87 processes to choose from).
“Also included are 7 Bonus Tools: – A1Click Technology – No Remains Deletion – Automatic Scan – Undo – and much more.”
Anchor Link AccessChk
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-08-04
Version: 5.1 – Released: 2012-08-03 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7
File Size: 110 KB
“As a part of ensuring that they’ve created a secure environment Windows administrators often need to know what kind of accesses specific users or groups have to resources including files, directories, Registry keys, and Windows services. AccessChk quickly answers these questions with an intuitive interface and output.
“AccessChk is a console program. Copy AccessChk onto your executable path. Typing accesschk displays its usage syntax.”
Anchor Link Allway Sync
License: Free for moderate personal use Last Reviewed: 2013-04-17
Version: 12.14.11 – Released: 2013-04-14 Windows: 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7, 8
File Size: 7.02 MB Portable versions available on-site
Both 32- and 64-bit versions
“Allway Sync is free file and folder synchronization software for Windows. Allway Sync uses innovative synchronization algorithms to synchronize your data between desktop PCs, laptops, USB drives and more. Allway Sync combines bulletproof reliability with an extremely easy-to-use interface. Features include:
¤ Performs true bi-directional and n-way file and folder synchronization.
¤ File modifications and deletions are tracked in a local database.
¤ Our innovative, proprietary algorithms do not rely on the accuracy of the system clock or network connection quality.
¤ Generates a full report of differences between synchronization folders.
¤ Synchronizes folders as well. Allway Sync detects when folders are removed from one device and removes them from any other corresponding synchronization targets.
¤ Supports virtually any file system (FAT, NTFS, SAMBA, Netware, X-Drive, CDFS, UDF and more).
¤ Synchronize with a removable device (USB key, flash drive, CDRW, Zip) so that you always have your data with you.
¤ . . . and much more.”
Anchor Link Answers That Work
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2012-03-17
“You’ve come to the best place on the Internet — the ultimate online HelpDesk, the home of computer support : AnswersThatWork.com.
√ Software questions
√ Hardware problems
√ Configuration advice
√ Networking issues
√ General computer advice
√ Recommendations
√ Drivers
√ Boot disks
√ Software downloads
√ Our famous Task List
√ Libraries of Answers
“So register and post us your query, or simply browse our Libraries. Either way, we hope you’ll find your visit fruitful.”
Anchor Link Belarc Advisor
License: Free for personal use Last Reviewed: 2013-03-31
Version: 8.3.2.0 – Released: 2013-03-29 Windows: All
File Size: 3.2 MB Requires: IE 3 or Netscape 3 or later
Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“The Belarc Advisor builds a detailed profile of your installed software and hardware and displays the results in your Web browser. All of your PC profile information is kept private on your PC and is not sent to any web server. The report, which is delivered relatively quickly, shows your PC’s processor, cache, memory, memory modules, BIOS, bus clock, etc. — along with installed and connected hardware. It also lists software installed on the PC, with a click-through to each program’s file location. Also runs on Opera, Mozilla, and Firebird.”
Anchor Link BluetoothView
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Version: 1.66 – Released: 2013-02-17 Windows: XP SP2, Vista, 7
File Size: 53 KB Portable
“BluetoothView is a small utility that runs in the background, and monitor the activity of Bluetooth devices around you. For each detected Bluetooth device, it displays the following information: Device Name, Bluetooth Address, Major Device Type, Minor Device Type, First Detection Time, Last Detection Time, and more.
“BluetoothView can also notify you when a new Bluetooth device is detected, by displaying a balloon in your taskbar or by playing a small beep sound.”
Anchor Link Directory Monitor
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-12-26
Version: 1.1.3.7 – Released: 2012-12-26 Windows: XP, Vista, 7
File Size: 1.6 MB Both 32- and 64-bit versions
Portable version available on-site Requires: .NET Framework 3.5 SP1
“You can use Directory Monitor for the surveillance of certain directories and it will notify you of file changes, deletions, modifications, and new files in real-time. You can optionally execute an application when a change occurs. Features include:
• Monitor directories for file changes, modifications, deletions and new files in real-time.
• Monitor local directories or network shares (including hidden shares).
• Run as a Windows service.
• Optionally execute an application when an event occurs.
• Log the user on the network that made the changes.
• Include/exclude filtering on files being monitored.
• Quickly tell if a directory is available and being monitored.
• Balloon notifications whenever an event is fired.
• Auto updating, import/export and more.”
Anchor Link EF System Monitor
License: Shareware – $16.00 Last Reviewed: 2013-04-21
Version: 6.50 – Released: 2013-04-20 Windows: All
File Size: 470 KB Portable
Both 32- and 64-bit versions
“The Portable EF System Monitor application was designed to be a comprehensive tool which provides you with a permanent record of information like memory space, hard disk usage, date, time, user name, etc. about all the computers running on your network. The Portable EF System Monitor application was designed to be a comprehensive tool which provides you with a permanent record of information like memory space, hard disk usage, date, time, user name, etc. about all the computers running on your network.
“With the EF System Monitor Server (included in the package) you can collect and display the data from remote computers such as a TCP/IP network. To do so, just install the EF System Monitor Server on the remote computers.
“When you run the EF System Monitor under Windows NT, Windows 2000, XP or Vista, you can use the advanced services provided by these Windows platforms, like process and thread surveillance, advanced I/O port monitoring, CPU times, etc.
“All items are displayed in a nice friendly fashion, using graphical histograms and icons that suggest their functions. The EF System Monitor can not only show you the data from your local computer, but can do much more: With the EF System Monitor Server (included in the package) you can collect and display the data from remote computers such as a TCP/IP network.”
Anchor Link FolderChangesView
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-10-17
Version: 1.20 – Released: 2012-10-16 Windows: 2000 and up to Windows 8
File Size: 50 KB Portable
Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“FolderChangesView is a simple tool that monitors the folder or disk drive that you choose and lists every filename that is being modified, created, or deleted while the folder is being monitored. You can use FolderChangesView with any local disk drive or with a remote network share, as long as you have read permission to the selected folder.”
Anchor Link Free PC Audit
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-06-07
Version: 3.0 – Released: 2012-06-07 Windows: All
File Size: 1 MB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“Free PC Audit is a freeware system, hardware and software information tool. It extracts details of all components of the PC, shows installed software with version and product key. Free PC Audit does not require installation and can be used as a portable application. It can be run from a removable storage device such as a CD-ROM drive, USB flash drive, flash card, or floppy disk.
“This professional tool is designed to collect and present the maximum amount of information possible about computer’s hardware and software which makes them suitable for users searching for driver updates, computer manufacturers, system integrators and technical experts as well.”
Anchor Link InSync
License: Shareware Last Reviewed: 2013-05-09
Version: 11.2.57 – Released: 2013-05-07 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7, 8
File Size: 11.6 MB D/L Installs correct 32- or 64-bit version
“Use our InSync folder synchronizer to efficiently replicate entire groups of folders and the files within. Perform backups or propagate data from one machine to another with ease. Define and run multiple synchronization jobs specifying one or more source folders, synchronized to one or more target folders. Schedule jobs to run daily, weekly, or monthly with InSync’s built-in scheduler interface. Avoid redundant data movement and resource underutilization by copying only data that has changed and by taking full advantage of multi thread processing to support concurrent execution of multiple tasks.
“Setup executable (recommended) will install appropriate 32- or 64-bit version of InSync on Microsoft Windows.”
[ Note: Lately, this site has been very frequently updated. Therefore all of the information here is only as accurate as the last date we reviewed the site. Ed. ]
Anchor Link Last Changed Files
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-08-01
Version: 1.0.0 – Released: 2007-07-27 Windows: NT, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista
File Size: 261 KB Portable
“The freeware Last Changed Files finds the 100 recent changed files on your hard disk or within multiple subdirectories. Once you start Last Changed Files, the software automatically scans your hard drive and shows you the top 100 new created or last changed files on your hard disk. You see the following columns in the top 100 largest files list: file name, full folder path, file size and date of last change.
“Furthermore you can select another drive or a specific directory (including subdirectories) if you want. The file finder software starts automatically to scan your selected hard disk or folder. Last Changed Files only takes less than 30 seconds to scan 200 GB. You can define an exclude list of folders, which will not be scanned.”
Anchor Link LicenseCrawler
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-11-21
Version: 1.25.0.298 – Released: 2012-11-21 Windows: All, incl 8
File Size: 1.3 MB Portable
Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“If you want to setup your computer system again you need to have the licenses and serial numbers at hand for all the software programs that you have purchased and registered. This does include the Windows product key but also other serial numbers for applications like Nero, Office, VMWare and pretty much every other application.
“Instead of searching for the keys in your e-mails, manuals and recipes you could use another approach. License Crawler is a sweet little application that scans the Windows Registry for Windows product keys and other serial numbers and licenses. It is a portable application that can be run from any location and would be a perfect fit for a USB stick.”
Anchor Link MACAddressView
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-04-21
Version: 1.25 – Released: 2013-04-18 Windows: 98 and up to 7
File Size: 756 KB
“MACAddressView is a MAC address lookup tool that allows you to easily find the company details (company name, address, and country) according to the MAC address of a product. MACAddressView also allows you to find MAC address records according to the company name, company address, or country name. After finding the desired MAC address records, you can save them into text/xml/HTML/csv file or copy them to the clipboard and paste them into Excel or other applications.
“MACAddressView doesn’t send any request to a remote server, it simply uses the internal MAC addresses database stored inside the .exe file.”
Anchor Link MBRtool
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-05-23
Version 2.3.200 Windows: 9x, Me, NT, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista
File Size: 1.91 MB
“MBRtool is a DOS program designed to back up, restore, and manipulate just about anything in the hard disk MBR and track0. You can edit partition tables and change attributes for partitions. You can also re-create a MBR from scratch. All actions can also be performed on MBR backups, making this tool useful for recovery purposes. Features include:
» Backup, verify and restore the MBR
» Backup, restore, wipe and clean track 0
» Edit or blank the MBR partition table
» Refresh, remove MBR boot code
» Write MBR signature bytes
» Display MBR to screen or dump to file
» Do all this for either the original MBR or backups
» Create ‘blank’ backup files
» Change partition attributes (active, hidden)
» Manipulate NT/200x/XP/Vista disk admin signature
» MBRtool can be operated through a menu as well as through command line arguments
» If operated through command line options, return codes can be used in your batch files
» Supports the first 4 hard disks in the system
“The MBRtool installer includes an easy to use boot diskette builder that will assist you in creating a diskette or bootable CD/DVD.”
Anchor Link MBRWork
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-05-23
Version: 1.08 – Released: 2010-01-24
File Size: 16 KB
“MBRWork is a utility to perform some common and uncommon tasks to the MBR/EMBR/Sectors of a hard drive. It should only be used by power users who understand how computers work. The readme.txt file in the zip contains a list of the tasks available.”
Anchor Link NirSoft Utilities Panel
Free Online Last Reviewed: 2012-05-10
“NirSoft Utilities Panel is an experimental Web page that contains icons with links to all major NirSoft Utilities as exe files. When you move the mouse over the desired icon, you’ll see the current version and the last update date of the utility.”
[ Double-click on any one of the icons shown and you will have the option of either Running or Saving the utility selected; Ed. ]
Anchor Link Once-A-Day II
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-08-01
Version: 1.2 – Released: 2009-11-16 Windows: 9x, Me, NT, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista
File Size: 971 KB
“Have a job that should be run exactly once each day? Karen’s Once-A-Day II is just what you need! The program lets you specify progams, web pages and files. Each will be run or opened automatically, the first time Windows starts each day, or the first time a particular user logs on each day. Start Windows, or log on, more than once in any given day and the programs, pages, and files will not be re-opened!”
Anchor Link OpenedFilesView
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-03-17
Version: 1.52 – Released: 2011-07-10 Windows: All
File Size: 53 KB Both 32- and 64-bit versions
“OpenedFilesView displays the list of all opened files on your system. For each opened file, additional information is displayed: handle value, read/write/delete access, file position, the process that opened the file, and more… Optionally, you can also close one or more opened files, or close the process that opened these files.
“This utility is especially useful if you try to delete/move/open a file and you get one of the following error messages:
• Cannot delete [filename]: There has been a sharing violation. The source or destination file may be in use.
• Cannot delete [filename]: It is being used by another person or program. Close any programs that might be using the file and try again.
“When you get one of these error messages, OpenedFilesView will show you which process lock your file. Closing the right process will solve this problem. Optionally, you can also release the file by closing the handle from OpenedFilesView utility. However, be aware that after closing a file in this way, the program that opened the file may become unstable, and even crash.
“There is a separate download for x64 (64-bit) version of OpenedFilesView. However, on Windows 7/Vista/2008, this utility can only work if you turn on the driver signing test mode.”
Anchor Link PureRa
License: Freeware – Source available Last Reviewed: 2012-08-01
Version: 1.6 – Released: 2010-07-24 Windows: XP, Vista
File Size: 34 KB
“PureRa is a simple tool that does a simple job: it removes files from your computer that other mainstream cleaning programs tend to overlook. Some of our targets can simply be removed to create some valuable space while others are removed in an attempt to repair certain problems because they will simply recreate themselves. Targets that are currently removed by PureRa are:
• Thumbs.db [When you view the contents of a folder in ‘Thumbnail’ or ‘Filmstrip’ view a system file called Thumbs.db is generated automatically by Windows XP. Thumbs.db contains a copy of each of the tiny preview images generated for image files in that folder so that they load up quickly the next time you browse that folder. Thumbs.db also stores your settings with regard to thumbnail and filmstrip view. Though they are small they may annoy you because there may be hundreds of them.]
• Iconcache.db [The icons used in Windows are saved in an icon cache. These can become corrupted and lead to garbled/fuzzy icons. Deleting the Iconcache.db file will force Windows to re-create itself flawlessly.]
• .sqm-files [Sqm-files are created by MSM Messenger and MSN Live Messenger. It is rumored that they are created to become the reports that these programs will send if you turn on the option to allow Microsoft to gather information about your use of MSN Live Messenger (read ‘surfing behavior’). These reports are still being generated (as sqm-files) but not sent.]”
Anchor Link Q-Dir
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-05-09
Version: 5.57 – Released: 2013-05-08 Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8
File Size: 458 KB Portable versions available on-site
Both 32- and 64-bit versions
“Anyone frustrated with the single-pane interface of Windows Explorer will welcome Q-Dir with open arms. This fantastic and free file management program uses four panes to make it easy to copy and move files among directories and folders, and even across your network. Run the program, then use each individual pane for navigation, including navigating your networks. You can copy and move files and directories among them. No more opening multiple instances of Windows Explorer.
“You can drag and drop files to move them, not only among the panes, but also to or from another program such as Windows Explorer. You can customize the views in each pane, such as by changing the size of the icons. There are also a lot of extras, such as file filters, and the use of color to highlight different kinds of files. In short, if you want a file management program, this is a great one—and it’s free as well.
“Q-Dir does not have to be installed and can be executed easily from the desktop. Simply rename Q-Dir_Installer.exe to Q-Dir.exe and GO. It’s a small utility for Windows PCs and also an USB-stick friend.”
Anchor Link Really Small App
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2010-12-11
Version: 2.0 – Released: 2006-08-11 Windows: 9x, Me, 2000, XP, 2003
File Size: 1.2 MB
“A fun and free Really Small Little Program which enables you to copy your running Tasks and current Startups to the clipboard, and which displays CPU and Memory utilization graphs updated in real-time.
“A Really Small App also tells you if remote computers are connected to your PC. If you are part of a network and you share printers and files on your PC, then that figure may justifiably be higher than zero. Same story if other computers have been configured to connect to your PC via PCAnywhere, WinVNC, Remote Desktop, or similar. In most other cases, however, a figure higher than zero is something you need to be worried about as it is highly likely to indicate the presence of Trojan viruses, spyware, or adware.”
Anchor Link RecentFilesView
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-04-27
Version: 1.20 – Released: 2013-04-26 Windows: 2000 to Windows 8
File Size: 43 KB Portable
“Each time that you open a file from Windows Explorer or from a standard open/save dialog-box, the name of the file that you opened is recorded by the operating system. Some of the names are saved into the ‘Recent’ folder. Other are saved into the Registry.
“The main window of RecentFilesView display the list of all files that you recently opened. You can select one or more items, and then save them into a text/html/xml file. You can also delete unwanted entries by using the ‘Delete Selected Items’ option. RecentFilesView doesn’t require any installation process or additional dll files. In order to start using it, simply run the executable file (RecentFilesView.exe).”
Anchor Link Remote Desktop Control
License: $3 – $25 per PC Last Reviewed: 2012-08-01
Version: 3.0.0.21 – Released: 2012-06-08 Windows: 98, Me, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista
File Size: 3.3 MB
“Remote Desktop Control displays the screen of another computer (via Internet or network) on your own screen. The program allows you to use your mouse and keyboard to control the other computer remotely. It means that you can work on a remote computer, as if you were sitting in front of it.
“Remote Desktop Control is licensed on a per computer basis. The minimum number of licenses is 2. You may use every module (host, admin or both) on each licensed computer. There is a large discount for multiple licenses, for example, a license for 10 computers costs less then separate licenses for 8 computers, etc.”
Anchor Link Remove Hotfix Backup Files Stanley’s Pick
License: Freeware – License $5.00 Last Reviewed: 2012-05-23
Version: 2.1.6 – Released: 2004-05-29 Windows: 2000, XP
File Size: 29 KB Portable
“When you install updates from Windows Update, backup folders are created for the files that were replaced during the update. These are created so that you can easily uninstall a particular Hotfix, if it causes problems with your system. If your system is running stable and you don’t need to uninstall the hotfixes, then you can safely remove the backup files to free up disk space. This utility will locate the Hotfixes that have created backup files on your system, and will remove those backups. It will also removes the associated Registry entries for these items in Add/Remove Programs. This is a one-way operation. If you remove the Hotfix backup files and the Registry entries, it cannot be undone, unless you back up these items manually.
“NOTE: This utility does NOT remove application-specific hotfix backups (Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, Media Player, etc.). Also, no support is offered for this utility under Windows 2000. Your use of this program on a Windows 2000 system is at your own risk and expense.”
Anchor Link ShellBagsView
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-10-16
Version: 1.15 – Released: 2012-10-16 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7
File Size: 43 KB Portable
“Each time that you open a folder in Explorer, Windows automatically save the settings of this folder into the Registry. This utility displays the list of all folder settings saved by Windows. For each folder, the following information is displayed: the date/time that you opened it, the entry number, display mode (Details, Icons, Tiles, and so on…), the last position of the window, and the last size of the window.”
Anchor Link SoftKey Revealer
License: Free for Personal Usage Last Reviewed: 2013-04-23
Version: 2.6.4 – Released: 2013-04-23 Windows: 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7, 8
File Size: 180 KB Portable
“SoftKey Revealer reveals the CD-Key and Serials for installed software on your computer. It also saves you money and time, it’s free and easy to use. If you lost your CD-Key or Serials of purchased softwares, you can do these:
1. You can buy a license again.
2. You can buy a product key finder program.
3. Or you can use free SoftKey Revealer.
“Notes:
¤ SoftKey Revealer currently retrieves Serials and Keys for over 2000 software products.
¤ Decrypt Adobe keys
¤ Remove Content Advisor password
¤ Portable”
Anchor Link SpaceSniffer
License: Freeware – Donations appreciated Last Reviewed: 2012-03-17
Version: 1.1.4.0 – Released: 2012-02-07 Windows: 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7
File Size: 1.5 MB Portable
“SpaceSniffer is a tool application that gives you an idea of how folders and files are structured on your disks. By using a Treemap visualization layout, you have immediate perception of where big folders and files are situated on your devices. Start a scan process and see the overall situation. Bigger are the elements on the view, bigger are folders and files on your disk. You need more detail on a big folder? Just single click on it. The selected element will be detailed with its content.
“Need more and more detail? Keep selecting elements and they’ll discover their secrets to you. Need a larger view of a small folder? Then double click on it, and it’ll zoom to the full extent of the view. Want to know if you have old files? Type the condition in the filter field (example: >2 years) and the view will react accordingly. You can also filter on file size, file date and combine all filters
(example: *.jpg; >1 mb; <3 months)."
Anchor Link Speccy
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-04-11
Version: 1.21.491 - Released: 2013-04-11 Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8
File Size: 4.8 MB Portable version available on-site
Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
"What's in your computer? If you're like most of us, you can probably name the processor (Intel or AMD, Celeron or Pentium), maybe how much RAM it has, and maybe how big the hard drive is. When you go to a computer store and see all the bright shiny PCs laid out next to each other, most will have tags or stickers indicating the:
• Processor brand and model
• Hard drive size and speed
• Amount of memory (RAM)
• Graphics card
• Operating system
"Two or three years later, when it comes time to upgrade your computer, that tag or sticker may be long gone. Speccy was designed as a free electronic 'what's inside' sticker for your PC."
Anchor Link Swiss File Knife
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-04-30
Version: 1.6.7 - Released: 2013-04-29 Windows: XP, Vista, 7 and Linux, Mac
File Size: 1.2 MB Portable
"Swiss File Knife is a command line tool for daily tasks. Find and extract text in files, dir tree size, filter and replace text, instant ftp server, find duplicate files, find file references, split and join files, md5 lists, run a command on all files, detab, hexdump, tcpdump, color text, convert CR/LF, hex to binary, binary to source code, split and join large files, list the contents of all .zip .jar .tar.gz and .tar.bz2 files. Do not install many small tools — use one small tool with many functions. No installation, registry entries, DLL dependencies — nothing, just copy and run sfk where you need it. SFK Base is Freeware; SFK Extended Edition can also read the contents of all .zip .jar .tar.gz and .tar.bz2 files in a directory tree."
Anchor Link System Monitor II
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-05-02
Version: 17.1 - Released: 2013-05-02 Windows: Vista, 2008, 7, 8
File Size: 293 KB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
"Do you want to monitor your computer's health in real-time? Of course you can already do this from Task Manager by pressing CTRL+ALT+DELETE keys but if you want it on your computer desktop always then install the System Monitor II Windows Gadget. It will shows you all core CPU usage (1 Core, 2 Core, 3 Core, 4 Core, 6 Core, 8 Core, 12 Core, 16 Core or 24 Core) and RAM (physical, page file and full, includes virtual) usage. It also displays all cores and RAM usage history and cores temperatures (CoreTemp must be running on the background).
"You can get Internal IP (LAN IP), External IP (Internet IP or WAN IP), Net usage, Signal strength, Connection type (wired/wireless), upload progress bar, download progress bar, current network peak speed, upload graph, download graph, uploading speed, downloading speed, peak speed, uploaded quantity, downloaded quantity at one place."
Anchor Link System Restore Manager
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-03-17
Version: 2.0 - Released: 2011-02-18 Windows: XP, Vista, 7
File Size: 372 KB
"System Restore Manager is a handy, easy to use application specially designed to enable you to completely manage your Windows system restore points and customize its options. With the help of this utility, you will be able to:
√ Create a Restore Point on the fly, by clicking the Create Button
√ Restore your Windows PC to a prior restore point
√ See all the available restore points
√ Selectively remove Restore Points you don't want and save the one's you want
√ Just select a Restore Point from the list and click the Delete Button
√ Select a Drive and change the maximum amount of disk space System Restore can use. On Windows 7, the default is 5% of available disk space
√ Change the System Restore Point Creation Interval. On Windows 7, the default is 24 Hours
√ Change the Restore Point Time to Live. The default is 90 days, on Windows 7."
Anchor Link System Spec
License: Freeware - Donations appreciated Last Reviewed: 2012-06-30
Version: 3.07 - Released: 2012-06-29 Windows: All
File Size: 2.2 MB Portable
Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
"System Spec is a self contained EXE which can be run without installing. It lists a no nonsense specification of your Windows PC without listing lots of useless memory address and unnecessary information. Items currently shown include the following:
Computer Name | Username | IP Address | MAC Address | Windows version and service pack |
Windows Serial Number | Internet Explorer Version | Memory | CPU Type and speed |
Calculated CPU Speed | Sound card type | Video card make | Screen Resolution | Network Card |
Power Status (for laptops) | Time Zone | CD Burner Installed | COM Ports | LPT Ports |
Hard Disks | HD Serial Number | BIOS Date | PC Serial number | Manufacturer | PC Product |
PCMCIA (Laptops) | USB | Firewire |
"Windows function such as shutting down and run can be performed from the System menu. The Control Panel menu allows you to quickly open items from the Control Panel. Silent mode allows it to be called from a batch file or login script to produce a spec to a text file without having to use the user interface.
"This utility has been created to not require an installation to run. It can be carried around on a thumb drive, CD or DVD and then run on different machines without the need to be installed first. There are no runtime libraries required to be installed first."
Anchor Link TaskTracker
License: Shareware Last Reviewed: 2012-08-01
Version: 1.2.111 - Released: 2007-10-14 Windows: 2000, XP, 2003, Vista
File Size: 553 KB
"TaskTracker automatically tracks all registered types of documents, including images, MP3 files, zip files and more. It works similarly to the Windows Recent Documents feature, but organizes files by type regardless of location in the Windows file system, which makes it easier to find and access a particular item. In addition, it automatically keeps a long-term history, allowing you to go back several days, weeks or even months, and provides quick access to files that you have recently deleted or renamed."
Anchor Link VolumeID
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-08-01
Version: 2.0 - Released: 2006-11-01 Windows: 9x, NT, 2000
File Size: 42 KB
"While WinNT/2K and Windows 9x's built-in Label utility lets you change the labels of disk volumes, it does not provide any means for changing volume ids. This utiltity, VolumeID, allows you to change the ids of FAT and NTFS disks (floppies or hard drives) on both Windows NT/2K and Windows 9x."
Anchor Link WakeupOnStandBy
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Version: 1.7.20.0 - Released: 2013-02-16 Windows: 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8
File Size: 1.08 MB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
"Have you ever wondered if it's possible to wake up your system from a Stand-by mode or Hibernation programmatically? The answer is yes, it's possible. This simple utility will do it for you. Once activated it resides in the system and wakes it up at predefined time, runs a file and if necessary sends it into Stand-by mode, hibernates it or shuts it down. It can also be used to run scheduled operations every day, or on specific day(s). Special features:
• Can restore almost every Windows-based operating system from a Stand-by mode (and some from hibernation) that support ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface). (For support check computer's BIOS as well as Control Panel → Power Options);
• Can run a file or open a web page at a predetermined time after a wake-up event, during normal operation, or before performing power operation;
• Can send system back to Stand-by mode (hibernate it, shut it down, or log off user) after a certain time interval;
• Can detect if Stand-by mode (or hibernation) is supported by your system;
• Can turn the monitor on and hold off screen-saver during the waiting time;
• Can repair local area network and high-speed Internet connection upon waking up from a suspended state;
• Can send system into Stand-by mode or hibernate it with more options than available through Operating System;
• Can be incorporated into an in-car (entertainment) PC system to speed up booting time & save battery;
• Can be run from the Windows Command Line without user interaction;
• Can be saved as a batch file for later use."
Anchor Link What's My Computer Doing
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-03-17
Version: 1.0.0.2 - Released: 2011-04-10 Windows: NT, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7
File Size: 481 KB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
"Can you trust your PC? Admirable, if you answer with 'Yes'. But perhaps even you are curious why your hard disk LED is sometimes flashing. Or why the CPU fan gets louder even if you're not doing anything. The free software What's my computer doing? tells you why. It shows all programs (with details!), that are accessing your hard disk or using the CPU. Furthermore you have the option to close these programs or even uninstall them.
"While running, the program shows only those processes making significant use of your CPU and hard drive. This makes for an uncomplicated display. Clicking on a process name gives more information plus the option to upload the process file to VirusTotal.com or Kaspersky.com for scanning."
Anchor Link WinAudit Stanley's Pick
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-08-01
Version: 2.29 - Released: 2011-07-11 Windows: All
File Size: 1 MB Portable
"WinAudit is a software program that performs an exhaustive audit of the hardware and software configuration of your computer. The audit report contains details on installed software, license information, peripherals, memory usage, processor model, network settings etc. You can view the audit report on screen as well as save it in text, web page, XML and spreadsheet formats. WinAudit supports ODBC databases and command line functionality.
"WinAudit is free, it will work on any computer using Windows 95 or higher. The program requires no installation making it ideal for those who need to perform an audit in a few seconds with the simple click of a button. The program's small size of 112KB means that it will easily fit onto a floppy disk or can be sent as an e-mail attachment enabling you to audit a computer rapidly and with the minimum of effort."
Anchor Link WinPrefetchView
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-01-09
Version: 1.15 - Released: 2013-01-09 Windows: XP, and up to Windows 8
File Size: 49 KB Portable
Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
"Each time that you run an application in your system, a Prefetch file which contains information about the files loaded by the application is created by Windows operating system. The information in the Prefetch file is used for optimizing the loading time of the application in the next time that you run it. WinPrefetchView is a small utility that reads the Prefetch files stored in your system and display the information stored in them. By looking in these files, you can learn which files every application is using, and which files are loaded on Windows boot.
"WinPrefetchView also allows you to delete the selected Prefetch files. However, be aware that even when your delete a Prefetch file, it'll be created again by the operating system when you run the same program again."
Anchor Link XP Update Remover
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2011-04-08
Version: 1.0.0.10 - Released: 2007-10-26 Windows: XP
File Size: 587 KB
"Windows XP Update Remover provides a quick and easy way to delete the backup files left behind after every Windows update and reclaim valuable disk space. Manually removing these folders and their related Registry links is possible, but not easy. This is where Windows XP Update Remover comes in. It makes clean removal of these folders easy. Just select an update from the list, read the information about it to see what it is, and then click Remove backup folder. If you want to know what an update does before deleting its backup folders then you can click on a link to Microsoft web pages that describe the update.
"Windows XP Update Remover can uninstall Windows updates as well. This is not something you will often need to do, unless you suspect that an update has caused problems with your computer, so the program displays a warning before allowing you to proceed with removal of an update."
Anchor Link ZenKEYupdate
License: Free - Open Source Last Reviewed: 2013-05-13
Version: 2.4.13 - Released: 2013-05-12 Windows: All
File Size: 2.6 MB
"Zen Key is an application manager that can launch, manage and manipulate applications. Most of its features can be executed with a few keystrokes. Alt-Space opens the Zen Key menu by default which puts everything at your fingertips. Zen Key, among other things offers the following features:
• Work and play on an Infinite desktop (almost)
• Launch a program or a file
• Control program windows
• Automatically make windows transparent
• Iconify windows
• Open folders
• Control Media Applications
• Open Websites, perform an Internet search
• Issue a Windows System command
• Simulate a series of keystrokes"