Computer Repair Software
Does your computer seem to be slowing down? Does it freeze unexpectedly, or give you cryptic error messages? Do you suspect malware is hogging some of your Internet bandwidth? Computer repair software offered on many Web sites promises to fix some of these problems. But do they really work? |
Software to Fix Your Computer Problems?
You've probably encountered commercials on radio, TV or online, promising software that will "double your speed" or repair common problems such as viruses, spam, popups or registry errors. Some of these software programs do the job for free and the rest for a price. The way many computer repair software sites work is this:
- List common symptoms of a poorly-maintained computer
- Raise the fear of viruses, Trojans, and other malware infections
- Offer a free scan of your computer to show you how badly you need computer repair software
- Let you download a free program that fixes only a few of the diagnosed problems
- Sell remedies to the other problems, one remedy at a time
- Sell an expensive all-in-one computer repair software package
- Sell a subscription to periodic updates to keep you protection against future threats
Some of these computer repair software offers are genuine, but quite a few are wolves in sheep's clothing. You don't really know if the "free scan" report is showing actual problems on your computer or a completely fabricated report designed to inspire panic and a "need" for the company's product. Also, you don't know if the free fix you download actually eliminates malware or infects your computer with even more viruses and spyware, disguised as something helpful.
Be careful to research the reputation of any computer repair software vendor you run across before accepting any free downloads from it, let alone giving them your credit card info. A quick search on Google or the Better Business Bureau website may turn up red flags that should not be ignored. Personally, I'd steer clear of the ones that advertise on radio or TV, for one simple reason. That kind of advertising is very expensive, so you can be sure those companies will do what they can to recoup their costs and make a tidy profit.
Trustworthy Solutions to Computer Problems
I have no problem with profit or honest capitalism, but on the other hand, why pay more than you should for software to fix your computer problems? Here are some solutions that work very well, and are free.
Advanced System Care is arguably the best-selling all-in-one computer repair and automated maintenance software on the Net. The free version does basic maintenance such as superficial registry cleaning and repair of corrupt files. The Pro version ($19.95, recently reduced from $29.95) does deep registry cleaning, Internet speed optimization, detection and elimination of malware, and much more. With the Pro version running in background your computer is constantly kept in tune.
CCleaner is another popular, tried-and-true computer repair software package. It cleans and optimizes Windows registry entries to speed up operations and prevent system errors. CCleaner runs on Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and 98, and will work on both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of those operating systems. You can find links to CCleaner and other similar programs in my related article Free Registry Cleaners.
Most computer repair software fixes "registry problems" - unused, obsolete entries in your Windows registry that, according to the vendors, clutter up the registry and cause your computer to run slower. It sounds plausible - if your desk is cluttered, you'll work slower as you try to find what you really need. But it's worth noting that many experts in Microsoft Windows systems say that registry cleaners are unnecessary and can be downright dangerous! IT pros urge users to tinker with their registries only when a specific problem has been diagnosed, and not as a routine general maintenance procedure.
That's not to say that computer repair software is totally useless; most such programs do more than "clean" the registry. They can modify esoteric IP settings to speed up Internet browsing; detect and repair corrupted files; sweep up temporary files that waste hard disk space; detect and delete spyware, tracking cookies, and other unwanted software planted by Web sites.
Do you have something to day about computer repair software? Post your comment, question, recommendation or horror story below...
This article was posted by Bob Rankin on 3 Sep 2010
| For Fun: Buy Bob a Snickers. |
 |
Prev Article: How Can I Check for Hard Drive Damage? |
The Top Twenty |
Next Article: Cannot Connect to Wireless Router |
 |
Post your Comments, Questions or Suggestions
|
Free Tech Support -- Ask Bob Rankin Subscribe to AskBobRankin Updates: Free Newsletter Copyright © 2005 - Bob Rankin - All Rights Reserved About Us Privacy Policy RSS/XML |
Article information: AskBobRankin -- Computer Repair Software (Posted: 3 Sep 2010)
Source: https://askbobrankin.com/computer_repair_software.html
Copyright © 2005 - Bob Rankin - All Rights Reserved
Most recent comments on "Computer Repair Software"
Posted by:
Roberta
03 Sep 2010
Just wanted to make a comment on the CCleaner, free registry cleaner. I have been using it for over a year and just love it. I am "almost" computer illerate, so for me to be able to use it, it has to be pretty simple. It works great and simply put, it does the job. And you can't beat the price!
I love your newsletters, you have helped me with so many problems. Keep up the good work and a big thank you for all the tips.
R. Whitworth
Posted by:
Dennis
03 Sep 2010
I have used Crap Cleaner for years and have yet to experience anyrhing horrific. I recently tried the free version of Advanced System Care. No problems. Quite frankly I don't understand why people purchase programs advertised on TV and radio like Double My Speed or My Clean PC, etc.
Here's a brief thought about the maintenance issue. By the time a true registry problem crops up on a PC - nevermind diagnosed, the user probably can't take advantage of a cleaner/repar program because they may not be able to boot up properly!
Posted by:
MmeMoxie
03 Sep 2010
Excellent article! I use both CCleaner and Advanced System Care. I did have the ASC Pro version, but my subscription just expired and I haven't renewed it, yet.
I have recently found a wonderful little program called Glary Utilities, that is FREE. I have been 'testing' it for about 2 months now, It is fast and does a great job of cleaning out 'junk' on your computer. I find, after I use Glary Utilities all of my software programs run really quick, especially my card games. There is also, a Pro version, but, I think that the FREE version is doing just fine and this way, I have control over when I use Glary or not.
Must note, there is no Spyware or Malware with this program!!! It also, takes very little resources, which is quite nice. Overall, I recommend this program, for those who want to keep their computers in 'tip-top' shape.
Check it out at: http://www.glaryutilities.com/
Posted by:
Paul VdB
04 Sep 2010
It's weird .... that right underneath an article that kinda warns for computer/registry repairs, there's a bunch of advertisements for computer/registry repairing programs ...
EDITOR'S NOTE: The ads are automatically selected by Google, from a pool of advertisers, based on relevancy to the surrounding text. I didn't mean to imply that ALL computer repair software is junk -- take it as a set of signals to be aware of when deciding whether or not to use one of them.
Posted by:
Les Jones II
04 Sep 2010
I recently ran a copy of "SpeedUpMyPC" on a friend's computer and the result when rebooting was a loop between the log in screen (XP Pro) and the log out screen. Ultimately had to reload the operating system and all software. Fortunately data had been backed up. The company said, "surely not their software's problem" Thanks a lot! Buyer beware!!
Posted by:
Lori
06 Sep 2010
I use Webroot and have been for a couple years and it seems to be working good. Anyone have any experience with it?
Posted by:
erwin
18 Sep 2010
hi, I'm using Glary Utility, a free all in one registry cleaner, etc., and i found it kinda useful.
thanks. try it....
Posted by:
John
23 Sep 2010
I use Comodo System Cleaner. It updates automatically, and I only use it when my system is acting "hinky" and I can't find the cause on my own. It's always solved the problem. Good registry cleaners, when used with caution, are another useful tool.
Posted by:
brian
23 Sep 2010
I have been using CCleaner since it first came out years ago and it usually does a great job.
(but always use with caution and view what it wants to repair or remove)
Adcanced Care is an excellent program and have been using it since it came out. Never had a problem.
I love Microsoft Security Essentials also. Best of all the anti-virus programs I have ever used. I have threatfire running also, and it sometimes finds problems.
Posted by:
Rejean
23 Sep 2010
I've been with Advanced System Care for a couple of years. Works fine. I tried the CC Cleaner and it created havoc; I had to do a 'restore'.
Posted by:
bill
23 Sep 2010
I don't think it's possible for CCleaner to create havoc. Chances are your machine was messed up in some other way.
Posted by:
Nelson Horne
23 Sep 2010
I have used System Mechanic for yeaRS, Works fine, no problems
Posted by:
Leo H
23 Jul 2012
My friend has babylon search toolbar which refuse to be deleted. Any help ?
EDITOR'S NOTE: See http://lmgtfy.com/?q=get+rid+of+babylon+toolbar
Posted by:
york
27 Sep 2012
thanks for help such an mind-boggling article
Posted by:
Gerald
05 Nov 2014
Virus attacked and shut down my administrator Acct and want to know how to fix.Microsoft says they are the only ones that can fix it and for 200.00 good for 1 year warranty.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Sounds like you got one of those scammy "Microsoft tech support" calls. See http://askbobrankin.com/beware_the_fake_tech_support_scam.html and do a virus scan ASAP.