WinUtilities 9.4 Pro

#76

This is a decent package. Similar features to Ccleaner which I've used for a while now. I think this one has a more intuitive interface and is easy to learn/use.

Reply | Comment by Travis – 13 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-1)

#75

@Bill3, post #70:

Why come on here pretending to know something when it's obvious you're a dreamer?

If you'd had the wit to check out post #45 before giving poor Malka the dubious benefit of your advice, you'd have seen that no: CCleaner is not a "simple little XP cleanup."

If you actually had CCleaner and used it. . . ditto.

Posts like yours are a disservice not only to novices like Malka but to everyone else on GOTD (and the hard-working folks behind the multi-OS mini-suite CCleaner.)

Go ego-trip somewhere else, eh?

Reply | Comment by MikeR – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-2)

#74

There're a large group of pc-users, who don't know how to clean their computer. The "OneClick Maintainance" clean up, and it's possible to select which files,you want to get rid of. Nice offer, thanks a lot.

Reply | Comment by Rufus – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#73

After I ran 1-click maintaintance scan and restart the computer, Windows alert that "DocumentViewer" program, which is required for the printer and scanner, is missing. I have to reinstall it.

Reply | Comment by Gun – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#72

I have older edition of this program and it works very good. I noticed much less issus with slow performance and many others. It is easy to use , little bit comes out transparent on my computer but hey it still works.
I am happy with that version also.
Thank you guys.

Reply | Comment by Dena – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#71

Well, this util suit is not so bad. The more complex options are hidden in the settings... like in the defrag tool. On top, seems so simple but once you open options, you'll see all the features there. Quite good. I use this for this PC and it's doing ok. I don't bother with reg cleaner or disk cleaner too much - those are recipes for disaster except when you really need them (PC too sluggish and you can't find the problem on your own) and you know what you're doing.
I use Tune-up Utilities on my other PCs and I think that one has more features. Still, I stay away from reg cleaning and disk cleaning. I prefer going through the registry manually. I also clean the hard disk manually (clear browser cache, empty recycle bin, find large files, etc). I will only use the reg cleaner and disk cleaner once I have already done all my manual maintenance in case I miss things.
Word of warning: When you use a reg cleaner, don't remove things you're not sure of such as some activex entries. Those may seem unneeded at first but I have several experience when those are actually placeholders - when removed, some programs fail to install or run properly.

Reply | Comment by Universal Cynic – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)

#70

Yeah! I was hoping this software would be offered again! I simply loved the last version offered here, but I accidentally erased it about 2 weeks ago. Very timely, at least for me. Thank you so much, GOTD and YLComputing. <3

Reply | Comment by Dorothy – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#69

@61, I have no relationship to them , as a forum moderator or employee of the company. What I write is from the heart, and nothing more. It may sound like an advertisement, but I am really enthusiastic about this program.

If the GOTD Company would like to run a background check on me that is fine I have no objections.

Reply | Comment by Jason Carver – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#68

#4 It isn't anyone's job to convince YOU to use this program (what nerve)! It's free for anyone who wants it... period.

Reply | Comment by IamaDreamer – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#67

17 MALKA

CCleaner is a brilliant simple little XP clean up program, that I regularly use all the time, and confidently recommend.

WinUtilities 9.4 Pro is much more comprehensive, and powerful, usually for the advanced user, so read up on it, and use it very carefully, as these type of programs can wreck your system, or make it run really well. I have always used JV16, so I cannot comment on WinUtilities 9.4 Pro.

Here is an extract from XP MAGIC SECRETS that novices find very helpful :

SERVICING XP - free proven safe tools

XP requires servicing regularly, to clear out all the rubbish from the folders and registry, and restore the neat order of all the files, to keep it running nicely. Tools for Novices : CCleaner, IOBit Advanced System Care, IOBit Smart Defrag, Free Registry Defrag, Revo Uninstaller, & Eraser. In XP Disc Cleanup ( Remove all but the last restore point ), and System Restore. Tools for Experts : JV16 Power Tools ( Payware ), is excellent value. Spending a few hours researching these will be very rewarding.

Regards Bill3

Reply | Comment by Bill3 – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#66

I did NOT have the version "update" success of prior commenters.

I already had v9.1 from November, so I fired it up, it mentioned an available v9.44, I let it take me to the CNet site, downloaded the file and ran it.

It now is asking for a registration key, so apparently it lost my prior GiveAwayOfTheDay registration. No problem though (I hope) since I can still install today's file the normal GAOTD way.

Their warning that the free offer does not include updates is true for most GAOTD offers, and certainly this one.

Reply | Comment by harpo2448 – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#65

@#63, Jason,

I see... maybe I should mention also to... back up all your important games that save stuff in the registry!

~Joji~

Reply | Comment by Joji – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-1)

#64

Always nice to see a re-run of this offering.

Slight warning:

I had a re-run of the same problem reported the last time it was given away -- had to un-install previous version before installing this one.

Reply | Comment by FeAudrey – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#63

@19, Johnny,

Here is a what I do every month; INTENSE Maintenance!

1. Ccleaner - registry and regular cleaner
2. WinUtilities - Disk Cleaner and Registry Cleaner
3. Glary Utilities - Disk Cleaner and Registry Cleaner
4. Ashampoo WinOptimizer 6 - Full Optimization
5. Puran Defrag - Full Defrag; all drivers!
6. Uninstall any useless/crapware

I never actually experienced any problems when I did all that maintenance... and dude, those products doesn't erase the "important" registry stuff, just the junk and the useless. :)

Oh, and yes, get those; they are real good programs!

~Joji~

Reply | Comment by Joji – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#62

@Hamtey
Is correct! Saw comment on 'update'. I had installed WU 9.3 (previous GAOTD) and read Hamtey's comment. Started WU 9.3, informed me of an available update. Downloaded and installed on WinXP Pro SP3 full updates w/o problems. Found previous install and updated appropriately. Registered to Giveawayoftheday, expires: Never !!!
Too cool. Not sure what's different (from the previous giveaway) but it's a nice useful program!
Thanks GAOTD! And Hamtey for the upgrade tip!
Torymon

Reply | Comment by Torymon – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#61

#12 rizla01 and others - FYI - Yeah, I tried the "update" from my previous version, but made the mistake of downloading into different folders (added Pro to the title). Unfortunately, this caused it to become a "trial" version instead of updating under the GOTD registration.

Reply | Comment by John C – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#60

I have a problem with WinUtilities 9.4 (not with v.9.1 and older) and Macrium Reflect free, on XP sp3: After a registry cleaning with this program, if I try to create a backup image of partiton C, Macrium fails to create Volume Snapshot. After that, Macrium continues making the backup image correctly, but the error remains, and I'm a bit worried for the future backups...

Reply | Comment by Robert P – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#59

WARNING!!
If you have downloaded custom courses for Tiger Woods 2008 game then the registry cleaner will stop them from working by removing the data. You will need to untick them all before running the reg clean. Personally i cant be bothered to do this every time as there are too many and it makes me wonder how many other valid entries its removing without my knowlegde. Sorry but i dont trust this program as the previous versions have had the same problem.
I will uninstall now.

Reply | Comment by Jason – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#58

Starts up fine in WindowsME but some modules are not accessible (return an error window/message)!

Reply | Comment by Mike – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-3)

#57

@ #7 Jason Carver
Shouldn't you identify yourself as a moderator on the ylcomputing forum and your commentary on WinUtilities 9.4 Pro as promotional adcopy?

Reply | Comment by GMeredith – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+5)

#56

@27 The "All Programs" list is nothing more than a sub-directory holding short-cuts to your programs. In Win XP On your "C:\" hard drive there is a sub directory or folder if you prefer, called "Program Files". This folder holds all your programs. Vista is a bit different in that it keeps the 32bit and 64 bit programs separate. However, the question was "How to fix the "Start Menu - All Programs" part of Windows. The folder containing the "Start Menu" in windows XP is in several places making up the whole "Start Menu". The main part is in the "c:\Documents and Settings\\Start Menu\Programs" folder where is whatever name you use to sign in with. another part is in each user listed in the "c:\Documents and Settings\" folder. There is a hidden folder for default parts of the "Start Menu" found in "c:\Documents and Settings\Default User".

All you need to do is find out what file starts your program listed in your programs folder, create a shortcut for it and place it in the "Start Menu" as mentioned above.

One thing that will help in doing this, is to un-hide the extensions in your folders so you can find the extension ".exe". These are usually the program you will be making the "Short Cut" for. To do this at the top of most any open folder there is a list like this one "File Edit View Favorites" etc., the one to click is "Tools" this will open a drop-down menu. On this menu select "Folder Options..." This will open the "Folder Options" menu. Click the "View" tab, than under "Files and Folders" un-check the "Hide extensions for known file types" check box and click "OK". To re-hide the extensions just re-check the box and click "OK" again.

You will be going into each folder listed in the “Programs” folder looking for these “.exe” files. To make sure the “.exe” file is the one starting your “Lost Program”, double click it. But remember not all “.exe” files are the mane program some are sub parts of it. Windows will usually tell you if you have started the wrong piece. It’s a lot of trial and error and takes quite some time, speaking from experience, this will work.

You are on a long journey to "Start Menu" repair and my hope is that these few tips will help you along your journey.

About this Program (or collection of programs if you prefer) this is the best and most dangerous collection you can have at your disposal. You can use them to keep your system humming like a well oiled machine, or destroy it to a point of no recovery. If you are unsure about a procedure or what it designed to do, Research it and make the best informed decision based on the facts you have learned. For Myself, this is a great collection and I will use this collection to the fullest of its abilities.

Ray

@27 The "All Programs" list is nothing more than a sub-directory holding short-cuts to your programs. In Win XP On your "C:\" hard drive there is a sub directory or folder if you prefer, called "Program Files". This folder holds all your programs. Vista is a bit different in that it keeps the 32bit and 64 bit programs separate. However, the question was "How to fix the "Start Menu - All Programs" part of Windows. The folder containing the "Start Menu" in windows XP is in several places making up the whole "Start Menu". The main part is in the "c:\Documents and Settings\\Start Menu\Programs" folder where  is whatever name you use to sign in with. another part is in each user listed in the "c:\Documents and Settings\" folder. There is a hidden folder for default parts of the "Start Menu" found in "c:\Documents and Settings\Default User".

All you need to do is find out what file starts your program listed in your programs folder, create a shortcut for it and place it in the "Start Menu" as mentioned above.

One thing that will help in doing this, is to un-hide the extensions in your folders so you can find the extension ".exe". These are usually the program you will be making the "Short Cut" for. To do this at the top of most any open folder there is a list like this one "File Edit View Favorites" etc., the one to click is "Tools" this will open a drop-down menu. On this menu select "Folder Options..." This will open the "Folder Options" menu. Click the "View" tab, than under "Files and Folders" un-check the "Hide extensions for known file types" check box and click "OK". To re-hide the extensions just re-check the box and click "OK" again.

You will be going into each folder listed in the “Programs” folder looking for these “.exe” files. To make sure the “.exe” file is the one starting your “Lost Program”, double click it. But remember not all “.exe” files are the mane program some are sub parts of it. Windows will usually tell you if you have started the wrong piece. It’s a lot of trial and error and takes quite some time, speaking from experience, this will work.

You are on a long journey to "Start Menu" repair and my hope is that these few tips will help you along your journey.

About this Program (or collection of programs if you prefer) this is the best and most dangerous collection you can have at your disposal. You can use them to keep your system humming like a well oiled machine, or destroy it to a point of no recovery. If you are unsure about a procedure or what it designed to do, Research it and make the best informed decision based on the facts you have learned. For Myself, this is a great collection and I will use this collection to the fullest of its abilities.

Ray

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Reply | Comment by Ray – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)

#55

Installed quickly and cleanly on Win 7 64 bit.

Nice interface, cleaned well.

However, it showed all of the COMODO firewall registry entries as improperly registered.

I showed it the uninstall.

Reply | Comment by xoted – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+5)

#54

Clarification to #39 - Will let me copy but will now undelete...undelete is faded for every file?

Reply | Comment by michele – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-2)

#53

A very good program; has many function like Disc cleaning,Registry
cleaning and history cleaning. This program detects junk files in computer very well ( better than many other program which are solely
for this purpose ) and free up disc space. I am very happy with this program as my hard disc is only 80 GB size [ only 8.2 GB is alloted
to Windows directory ( that was done when i do not know much about
required size of partition )].This program helps me many times when
my operating system or other softwares demand more free space to work.

Reply | Comment by Pradip K Bhakat – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#52

I love this package - great bunch of simple tools. Worth the retail price in ease of use.

Works Great in Win7 64bit.

Been using it for a couple weeks now, and have tried many of the utilities.

Shredder does not alllow "drag and drop" for folders - you have to select them in the programs browser. It does allow drag and drop with files. There is no progress indicator.

If you miss it here, you might find it on Ashraf's site.

Some programs seem to be familiar freeware with a new skin.
Some tools are actually just quick access to Windows tools

Reply | Comment by Rob – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#51

Hi all!!

GREAT SOFTWARE which can also be downloaded for free from (missing) Ashraf's website:

h ttp://dottech.org/freebies/14274
(please remove space at beginning)

What's new in this version??

WinUtilities version 9.4

* Added a new Document Protector module
* Supports to protect documents, pictures, video files or any other files with a security password
* Added 15 new plug-ins for History Cleaner module
* Minor bugs fixed

Alternatively give WinOptimizer 2010 a try:

h ttp://www2.ashampoo.com/webcache/html/1/trial_step_1_6225_20_USD.htm
(please remove space at beginning)

If you wish it's also possible to have a FREE LIFETIME LICENSE of the award-winning ADVANCED SYSTEM CARE PRO by exploiting a BUG of the program but of course can't say nothing about it here for obvious reasons...LOL!!

Enjoy!!

Reply | Comment by Giovanni (Italian King of Freebies...LOL!!) – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-4)

#50

#27--if there is a tiny down arrow at the end of your short program list, click on it to display the rest of your programs. If that fails, try right-clicking on the taskbar, leftclick Properties and change the All Programs display from Start Menu to Classic Start Menu or viceversa. One of them also offers a scrolling option also, BTW.

Reply | Comment by windowsexplorer – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)

#49

Hello again everyone. When you think of Crap Cleaner, its quick to remove the junk. But there are other components people consider junk, and that program leaves certain traces behind. I tried Glary Utilities, and it works good too. When it comes to a program, I want to be in control of what it searches for, and what to remove.

Some free programs will not allow this and make you "TRUST" It.

In Advanced SystemCare and WinUtilities, it lists all the major privacy annoyances of Google Chrome and Internet Explorer, and really does clean all aspects of it. You have to configure the programs and make sure all the boxes are checked, otherwise its a spot and miss cleanup job.

I correct myself about the mentioning of Si-Soft Sandra. This program cannot compare to this one as it does not provide benchmarking utilities. Instead I ment to mention BelArc Advisor which can let you know system information.

Reply | Comment by Jason Carver – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#48

#34--probably because that is not a reliable site for objective info, but rather a site whose reviews are likely for sale to highest bidder. I've seen plenty of those that rank high in searches because they use certain words in their URL and on web pages, but that does not mean they're independent or that they make any effort to review softwares based on any factors other than who is "buttering their bread" or that they include any software that makes "theirs" look less than the best. If you want objective reviews go to a site like Gizmo's or Ashraf's or Raymond's or to a lesser extent About.com or Cnet or even Softpedia. Not everyone always agrees with them, but they are relatively honest.

Reply | Comment by windowsexplorer – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+6)

#47

Never have I found such a fine piece of software anywhere on the Internet. It would be foolish NOT to load this. It's amazing!! If you only load one program on your computer, make sure it's this one!

Hopefully I have helped you make an informed decision to download and install. I am happy to have been of assistance to you.

Thank you,
Boingo

Reply | Comment by Boingo – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-11)

#46

@42 Adam. Quite often when I get that it is due to Outpost Firewall blocking GOTD. I just open Outpost and put it into LEARN mode and then try to activate again - always seems to work!

Reply | Comment by John C – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#45

Suggestion: They need to add code to create a "system Restore" point PRIOR to messing with my Registry. "Do no harm" should be first rule of system cleaners.
Having said this, I beleive this is good, mature software.
I used prior versions. However, in uninstalling previous version given away here I noticed that it had reverted to the "free" version, not the registered "PRO" version in originally installed. Maybe I did an update and was downgraded to the free version?
I will be careful not to allow any updates lest I loose the "Pro" modules.

Reply | Comment by JohnC – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-2)

#44

I'm glad that at least one persons opinion in these comments is humble. - One stop shopping works for me and I've found this program to be great in all the modules I've used.

#25 Joe - When you go to Martin's link (#5) do a search for 'martin'.

Thanks #3 Ab8ko - Letting people know early on that it worked for you with your 64 system was great.

#10 hamtey - I always appreciate people reminding me to set a system restore point before using programs like this. Those new to using utilities may not know it and get into trouble as a result. I'd rather read it a dozen times than to forget about it and...

#12 rizla01 - Thanks for the tip re: using the Win Utilities auto upgrade! Worked fine for me! Properly registered to Giveawayoftheday and ready to fly! First thing I did was a registry cleanup (with restore point enabled of course) AND I did not see YL errors in the registry. They cleaned up after themselves in the install!

Thanks GOTD and YL Computing! I love this program and have never had a problem with it. I've recommended it to others but I can't say whether I have gotten any sales for you.

(Emachine - Vista Home Premium 32 bit Edition)

Reply | Comment by prying1 – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+6)

#43

@ Malka @ #17:

Be happy you're a novice -- or rather, a novice with some commonsense: the rush to grab and use umpteen different utilities suites on one computer is a recipe for disaster somewhere down the line.

Re your specific query. CCleaner. Contrary to what you and others keep being told by (presumably) people who have no idea what CCleaner actually is, it's not a simple "cleaner" and hasn't been for quite a while.

Rather, it's mini-suite. OK?

It can clean junk, it can sort out registry errors, it can help you edit your start-up menu, it provides an instant history of your restore points, and it does a much quicker uninstall than the Windows standard routine. (Though obviously, Revo it ain't.)

Over time, CCleaner has been progressively refined to the point where its junk cleaning routine is amongst the safest out there -- and its reg cleaner, too, is likewise amongst the least aggressive.

And it's here that "aggression" is truly dangerous, because I see example after example of utilities software applied by users who really don't know what they're doing but who think that the more "faults" the software finds on their machine, the better that software truly is.

Utter rubbish.

What the software "finds" is what its developer has decided it should "find". And if that developer is a reckless idiot, or incompetent moron -- and there's plenty enough of them around -- then what can happen is that the software "finds" stuff which should actually be left entirely alone.

But the innocent user doesn't know that. She / he happily clicks the button to clean up and next stop, bang! One bust computer (or seriously impaired.)

One day someone, somewhere, may perhaps pull together the worldwide total of computers which have been impaired or wrecked by software ostensibly intended to make 'em better. The total must run into hundreds of thousands. Or millions.

My advice to you then is this:

1) Take advantage of today's excellent GOTD offer. Download and install within the time period and activate your registration. Do not, however, use this suite today. Instead:

2) CCleaner mini-suite If you don't already have it, then download and install it and read the stuff about how to use it and then, er, use it. It's robust, gentle, dependable, and provides for user back-up (always, but always, say 'yes' when CCleaner asks if you wish to back-up.)

Will CCleaner 'out-perform' other freeware apps in the statistical sense? (That is, will it find more files to delete than rival software?) No. It won't. And that's exactly why you should use it: better to run an app which brushes gently through your computer than one which goes off like a nuclear bomb.

As a sensible novice, there's absolutely no need for you to rush lemming-like into what seems to be a mass obsession amongst so many computer users that their machines should be utterly and completely 'cleansed' of every possible redundant file.

(These are the people who will likely run several gigabytes of duplicated audio and video files on their hard drive because it's too much of a faff to sort 'em. . . but because there's some kind of 'quick fix' button on a utilities app, they'll instantly hit that and wipe out a fraction of a megabyte of disk space that then renders their machines unuseable.)

So. Spare yourself that kind of grief, Malka. Use CCleaner and only when you're happy with it / happy that you know what you're doing, then use today's GOTD offering (by the way, as utility suites go, today's is one of the best.)

Good luck.

@ Malka @ #17:

Be happy you're a novice -- or rather, a novice with some commonsense: the rush to grab and use umpteen different utilities suites on one computer is a recipe for disaster somewhere down the line.

Re your specific query. CCleaner. Contrary to what you and others keep being told by (presumably) people who have no idea what CCleaner actually is, it's not a simple "cleaner" and hasn't been for quite a while.

Rather, it's mini-suite. OK?

It can clean junk, it can sort out registry errors, it can help you edit your start-up menu, it provides an instant history of your restore points, and it does a much quicker uninstall than the Windows standard routine. (Though obviously, Revo it ain't.)

Over time, CCleaner has been progressively refined to the point where its junk cleaning routine is amongst the safest out there -- and its reg cleaner, too, is likewise amongst the least aggressive.

And it's here that "aggression" is truly dangerous, because I see example after example of utilities software applied by users who really don't know what they're doing but who think that the more "faults" the software finds on their machine, the better that software truly is.

Utter rubbish.

What the software "finds" is what its developer has decided it should "find". And if that developer is a reckless idiot, or incompetent moron -- and there's plenty enough of them around -- then what can happen is that the software "finds" stuff which should actually be left entirely alone.

But the innocent user doesn't know that. She / he happily clicks the button to clean up and next stop, bang! One bust computer (or seriously impaired.)

One day someone, somewhere, may perhaps pull together the worldwide total of computers which have been impaired or wrecked by software ostensibly intended to make 'em better. The total must run into hundreds of thousands. Or millions.

My advice to you then is this:

1) Take advantage of today's excellent GOTD offer. Download and install within the time period and activate your registration. Do not, however, use this suite today. Instead:

2) CCleaner mini-suite If you don't already have it, then download and install it and read the stuff about how to use it and then, er, use it. It's robust, gentle, dependable, and provides for user back-up (always, but always, say 'yes' when CCleaner asks if you wish to back-up.)

Will CCleaner 'out-perform' other freeware apps in the statistical sense? (That is, will it find more files to delete than rival software?) No. It won't. And that's exactly why you should use it: better to run an app which brushes gently through your computer than one which goes off like a nuclear bomb.

As a sensible novice, there's absolutely no need for you to rush lemming-like into what seems to be a mass obsession amongst so many computer users that their machines should be utterly and completely 'cleansed' of every possible redundant file.

(These are the people who will likely run several gigabytes of duplicated audio and video files on their hard drive because it's too much of a faff to sort 'em. . . but because there's some kind of 'quick fix' button on a utilities app, they'll instantly hit that and wipe out a fraction of a megabyte of disk space that then renders their machines unuseable.)

So. Spare yourself that kind of grief, Malka. Use CCleaner and only when you're happy with it / happy that you know what you're doing, then use today's GOTD offering (by the way, as utility suites go, today's is one of the best.)

Good luck.

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Reply | Comment by MikeR – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+22)

#42

Thanks GAOTD, best software ever! No need to download here if you already have a previous version installed (such as 9.41 from dottech or gaotd). Just click on upgrade from within the program, download from cnet and it preserves your serial numbers and upgrades to the latest 9.44 hassle free!

Reply | Comment by goyal6624 – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)

#41

Thanks to GOTD/YL for the freebie and thanks to posters here for useful information!

Reply | Comment by LocalHero – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-6)

#40

I like WinUtilities for its simplicity.
This will be my 3rd version.
The last GAOTD update gave a brief problem as I had not uninstalled the previos version.
As I'm not willing to lose the one I've got,
I'd like to know if this installs over the old one.
Can anyone advise?

Reply | Comment by Mox – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-3)

#39

Having a problem connecting to giveawayoftheday. When I click on setup, the box comes on say connecting to giveawayoftheday.com checking connectivity then I get an error box message saying Failed to connect. Please try again later. Help anyone please! Adam

Reply | Comment by Addy – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-6)

#38

You have to be careful with these maintenance programs (i.e., WinUtilities Pro, Advanced Windows Care, System Mechanic, Tune-Up, etc). If you’ve installed more than one of them on your PC you can run into serious problems because each of them work a little differently. A person can’t forget about the fact that the developer’s want you buy their product so they may not be compatible with one another (mine works better than yours, faster, cheaper, etc, all that good stuff). What one program deletes might be necessary for a competitors program to run. Or what one program optimizes might get un-optimized by another and so on and so forth.

Overall it’s best to find the one that you think works best on your PC and uninstall the others. Its been advised that whichever one you decide to use, don’t let it muck with the Windows registry. The registry is not a fun place. Even expert users tremble in fear if they have to go in there for some reason. In the book Dante’s Inferno there’s a saying written on the entrance to hell, “Abandon All Hope Yea Who Enter Here” and that pretty much describes the Windows registry. As for the one-click do all features, don’t do it because again, it may change or take out a file that some other non-related program might need. And if you do create a restore point, backup the registry, and make sure that whatever files get deleted they go into the Recycle Bin. Don’t empty it for a couple of days then if nothing happens to your PC you can empty it. Incidentally today’s GOTD WinUtilities Pro is the one I decide to keep. I’ve been using this utility for a few months now and haven’t had a problem.

@27 Your best bet is to try and undo the changes you made by running the Windows System Restore. To access the System Restore Wizard, click Start, and then click Help and Support. Click Performance and Maintenance, click Using System Restore to undo changes, and then click Run the System Restore Wizard. Then follow the directions and pray.

You have to be careful with these maintenance programs  (i.e., WinUtilities Pro, Advanced Windows Care, System Mechanic, Tune-Up, etc). If you’ve installed more than one of them on your PC you can run into serious problems because each of them work a little differently.  A person can’t forget about the fact that the developer’s want you buy their product so they may not be compatible with one another (mine works better than yours, faster, cheaper, etc, all that good stuff). What one program deletes might be necessary for a competitors program to run. Or what one program optimizes might get un-optimized by another and so on and so forth.

Overall it’s best to find the one that you think works best on your PC and uninstall the others. Its been advised that whichever one you decide to use, don’t let it muck with the Windows registry. The registry is not a fun place. Even expert users tremble in fear if they have to go in there for some reason. In the book Dante’s Inferno there’s a saying written on the entrance to hell, “Abandon All Hope Yea Who Enter Here” and that pretty much describes the Windows registry.  As for the one-click do all features, don’t do it because again, it may change or take out a file that some other non-related program might need. And if you do create a restore point, backup the registry, and make sure that whatever files get deleted they go into the Recycle Bin. Don’t empty it for a couple of days then if nothing happens to your PC you can empty it. Incidentally today’s GOTD WinUtilities Pro is the one I decide to keep. I’ve been using this utility for a few months now and haven’t had a problem.
 
@27 Your best bet is to try and undo the changes you made by running the Windows System Restore. To access the System Restore Wizard, click Start, and then click Help and Support. Click Performance and Maintenance, click Using System Restore to undo changes, and then click Run the System Restore Wizard. Then follow the directions and pray.

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Reply | Comment by aRenegade – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+4)

#37

WinUtilities 9.4 Pro is a collection of small, individual apps designed to make Windows' maintenance easier. I could have missed it, but the app's site [linked up top] doesn't seem to mention anything about 64 bit Windows. It uses JKDefrag for hard drive defragging [a very good free app], but only includes the 32 bit version. Most 32 bit apps run just fine in 64 bit Windows, but until compatibility is confirmed [not just "it installed"], I'd suggest a bit of caution in 64 bit Windows. There's a portable version available in their forum -- however it's recommended that you run a BAT file to register 4 files with Windows, breaking the definition of portable. The actual utilities in WinUtilities can be split into 2 categories: those for Performing Maintenance & those for Enhancing how Windows works for you. If you like one or more apps on the Enhancement side of things, for example the Registry Search, you don't have to use the Registry Cleaner -- if you wish you can just ignore it.

When it comes to apps &/or suites like WinUtilities, my personal opinion & experience is that when it comes to the maintenance/repair end of things they're relatively harmless as long as you can [& are willing to] put everything back if need be. Defragging a hard drive, editing the registry, deleting files, those sorts of things can break your Windows install &/or installed software. If you decide not to back up, or don't know how to restore your backup, you're placing a bet -- if/when you gamble by definition sometimes you'll lose.

The maintenance utilities in WinUtilities 9.4 Pro & similar are popular, IMHO partly because some folks just like *tinkering under the hood* so-to-speak. Sometimes they do fix things, & sometimes that's accidental [not that it matters if it fixes your system], e.g. deleting a problem file or registry entry, or disabling a problem app &/or service for whatever reason may make a big difference, whether it was coincidental or not. So it can be really hard to make heads or tails out of all the conflicting user reports & opinions.

In a nutshell, Windows is pretty bulletproof if you never use it. ;-) If you don't install/use any additional software, never go on-line, never perform any updates etc, it'll likely run just like the day you installed it till your hardware finally starts giving up. At best, most every change as you add software & use Windows is neutral. Just like your car will wear out quicker if you only drive it off road, how many Windows &/or software problems you'll have depend on how you *drive* it -- what you install & run [intentionally or not], & where you go when you're on-line. Someone who installs a lot of shareware, then removes it after the trial is bound to have more junk files & useless registry entries left over, and have more use for [& get more benefit out of] performing basic maintenance to get rid of that stuff. In that case the Pros -- cleaning up your system & registry so things run like they should -- *might* easily outweigh the Cons -- the risk of having to restore a backup.

That all said, there's still the question of why WinUtilities & not something else?... there are after all lots of alternatives, both packages like WinUtilities & separate, stand-a-lone apps. For me, & IMHO, it boils down to convenience as much as anything else. There's an included app for BHOs [Browser Helpers] for example -- I can & do use Autoruns from Sysinternals to turn some off, but it takes a while just to scan my system, & then I have to find the relevant listings -- I don't always want to spend or have the time to fool with that. Many if not most of the stand-a-lone utilities are more powerful [or at least more flexible], but they tend to require more of your attention to run/use. Then there's the matter of finding, researching, downloading, installing... WinUtilities is here, now, at GOTD, & that in itself takes away a lot of potential hurdles. And there's another sort of convenience -- I've got JKDefrag [rated one of the best], but to navigate to the shortcut, fire it up & use it takes me longer than going the WinUtilities route.

WinUtilities 9.4 Pro is a collection of small, individual apps designed to make Windows' maintenance easier. I could have missed it, but the app's site [linked up top] doesn't seem to mention anything about 64 bit Windows. It uses JKDefrag for hard drive defragging [a very good free app], but only includes the 32 bit version. Most 32 bit apps run just fine in 64 bit Windows, but until compatibility is confirmed [not just "it installed"], I'd suggest a bit of caution in 64 bit Windows. There's a portable version available in their forum -- however it's recommended that you run a BAT file to register 4 files with Windows, breaking the definition of portable. The actual utilities in WinUtilities can be split into 2 categories: those for Performing Maintenance &amp; those for Enhancing how Windows works for you. If you like one or more apps on the Enhancement side of things, for example the Registry Search, you don't have to use the Registry Cleaner -- if you wish you can just ignore it.

When it comes to apps &amp;/or suites like WinUtilities, my personal opinion &amp; experience is that when it comes to the maintenance/repair end of things they're relatively harmless as long as you can [&amp; are willing to] put everything back if need be. Defragging a hard drive, editing the registry, deleting files, those sorts of things can break your Windows install &amp;/or installed software. If you decide not to back up, or don't know how to restore your backup, you're placing a bet -- if/when you gamble by definition sometimes you'll lose.

The maintenance utilities in WinUtilities 9.4 Pro &amp; similar are popular, IMHO partly because some folks just like *tinkering under the hood* so-to-speak. Sometimes they do fix things, &amp; sometimes that's accidental [not that it matters if it fixes your system], e.g. deleting a problem file or registry entry, or disabling a problem app &amp;/or service for whatever reason may make a big difference, whether it was coincidental or not. So it can be really hard to make heads or tails out of all the conflicting user reports &amp; opinions.

In a nutshell, Windows is pretty bulletproof if you never use it. ;-)  If you don't install/use any additional software, never go on-line, never perform any updates etc, it'll likely run just like the day you installed it till your hardware finally starts giving up. At best, most every change as you add software &amp; use Windows is neutral. Just like your car will wear out quicker if you only drive it off road, how many Windows &amp;/or software problems you'll have depend on how you *drive* it -- what you install &amp; run [intentionally or not], &amp; where you go when you're on-line. Someone who installs a lot of shareware, then removes it after the trial is bound to have more junk files &amp; useless registry entries left over, and have more use for [&amp; get more benefit out of] performing basic maintenance to get rid of that stuff. In that case the Pros -- cleaning up your system &amp; registry so things run like they should -- *might* easily outweigh the Cons -- the risk of having to restore a backup.

That all said, there's still the question of why WinUtilities &amp; not something else?... there are after all lots of alternatives, both packages like WinUtilities &amp; separate, stand-a-lone apps. For me, &amp; IMHO, it boils down to convenience as much as anything else. There's an included app for BHOs [Browser Helpers] for example -- I can &amp; do use Autoruns from Sysinternals to turn some off, but it takes a while just to scan my system, &amp; then I have to find the relevant listings -- I don't always want to spend or have the time to fool with that. Many if not most of the stand-a-lone utilities are more powerful [or at least more flexible], but they tend to require more of your attention to run/use. Then there's the matter of finding, researching, downloading, installing... WinUtilities is here, now, at GOTD, &amp; that in itself takes away a lot of potential hurdles. And there's another sort of convenience -- I've got JKDefrag [rated one of the best], but to navigate to the shortcut, fire it up &amp; use it takes me longer than going the WinUtilities route.

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Reply | Comment by mike – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+17)

#36

Thanks for this again! My system crashed a few times and did factory restore...lost over a 100 movies... the undelete found them and when I copied to a file they are perfectly watchable : ) But there are a lot I don't want so how do I PERMANENTLY get rid of them there doesn't seem to be an option other then to copy to another file and well, if I do that I'm only permanently deleting the copy! Much help would be appreciated...all the movies are taking up most of my hard drive!

Reply | Comment by michele – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-9)

#35

Used the previous version and was very happy with it. Simple to use and seems to work as advertised. Good even if you only use a few of the modules inside.

Reply | Comment by Keith H. – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-1)

#34

This installed fine for me on a win xp pro sp3 system. How safe is it to use the reg cleaner for the average user? I used it and it cleaned up a multitude of stuff but I have no idea how to tell if it would create a problem or not. I did set a restore point first (and then the program seemed to set another) and I just happened to back up my pc last night. maybe I should only run it after backups?

John

Reply | Comment by LocalHero – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-2)

#33

Excellent set of utilities. Downloaded and installed fine on XP Pro (SP3). Tried out many of the multitude of options and it works quickly & effectively. A definite keeper, thanks.

Reply | Comment by Col – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)

#32

To all who want to know the version number... At the install screen it states that it is 9.44

Reply | Comment by Rick C. – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+8)

#31

Hi Vajra,
You are not alone in your experience. I too wish to learn the answer to that.

Is this version just 9.4 or 9.44?

Reply | Comment by l101man – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-6)

#30

Perfect timing. I just bought a new laptop last weekend and all my programs from GAOTD are gone. This was one that I really like and am glad that you guys are updating it. Now I have it on my new PC. For those of you that like this program you could also check out TweakNow PowerPack 2009. I use WinUtilities, TweakNow PowerPack and Ultimate Windows Tweaker 2.1. Check out these programs and you will be able to make Windows faster, and customize to your needs.

Reply | Comment by housry23 – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-1)

#29

#12 rizla01, Thanks, worked great fo me. Did not have to un-install previous version. Program seems to be working OK. The last time I updated and installed over a previous version, the graphics in the program got messed up and had to remove the program and re-install.
Maybe they got this glitch fixed.

Reply | Comment by zippy51 – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+7)

#28

I've been using Win utilities for about 3 years now, and I can safely say that this is a solid program. Win Utilities is not a resource hog and scans your computer quickly and effectively. GAOTD apparently offers this program every time there's an updated version, being the second time in the last 6 months. Win Utilities has a very user friendly interface, with allot of options. For those who haven't used it before, I highly recommend getting it, this program is a steal.

Reply | Comment by cixelsiD – 14 years ago – Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+8)

#27

I installed the program successfully. It has a registry search feature in it, which I have found invaluable over the years. This is only the second program suite that I know of that has that feature. JV16 is the other one. JV16 is a registry suite, for those who do not know of it.