Some useful utilities

[RKDus]

Here are some utilities that I regularly need in my job as a computer tech, some of you may not have heard of all of them so they may be useful to you. I haven't seen these mentioned anywhere else on the site, so sorry if they have. I don't think I can post links so just google the name and they should be first on the list. Feel free to add to this.

"Windows Update Fix" - For when windows updates are failing for various reasons.

"Windsock XP Fix" - Reset TCP and hosts file, for network connection problems.

"Windows installer cleanup utility" - Good for when programs keep automatically trying and failing to install themselves.

"XP security console" - Tool for security changes on the computer, like to reenable control panel when disabled by spyware.

"Norton Removal tool" - Removal tool for the worst legitimate software in the world!

"ComboFix", "SDFix", "SmitRem", "SmitfraudFix" - Good for getting rid of stubborn malware, like the one that changes the desktop picture, and causes incessant popups.

[greggh]

Its a good list, every tool listed there is on my flash drive already and on the software cd I give to all my field techs.

[focuz]

Have all but "Windows installer cleanup utility". I have never had a program install issue yet, is this utility really that helpful, never had to use something like it.

I know for sure the "XP security console" save me quite a few times even on the personal computers. Definitely a recommended download.

[greggh]

I've had to use the installer cleanup utility a few times. It does come in handy. As for the "xp security console" that just edits the registry entries in hkey_local_machine/software/microsoft/windows/policies/explorer and system. So thats easy to reproduce with any registry editor.

[breadtrk]

Whatever you do, DO NOT use the Installer Cleanup Utility to clean Office install files, even warns you about it. Failure to heed will result in an office reinstall and most times loss of all mail due to hopelessly corrupted files.

[ThirdMCC]

Not sure what program you use for a "Windows Update Fix", but I like Windows Update Repair Tool, or wurtbeta.exe. You can download the program by going to http://software.hitoma.com/WURT/downloads/wurtbeta.exe.

I have had this tool solve windows update problems, as well as restore internet connectivity due to problems from Norton or McAfee updates. I have also had it fix issues with customers not being able to get into secure webites.

The only suggestion I can make before running this program is to make sure the date, time, and timezone are set correctly on the computer. It gives you options to verify and change if incorrect in the program, but it is a little klunky. Other than that, the program has never failed me.

[gunslinger]

This is a pretty good list of tools. A couple of these I do not have but I will try them. The Norton removal tool is one of the single best pieces of software I own.

[nonchalant]

The Norton removal tool is one of the single best pieces of software I on.

A Symantec removal tool is included in the Computer Repair Utility Kit, found on this site if Im not mistaken..

[dipper]

Not sure what program you use for a "Windows Update Fix", but I like Windows Update Repair Tool, or wurtbeta.exe.

I noticed that this is still in beta. I'm reluctant to use any type of beta software on clients computers and was wondering what others thoughts are on this?

[tartis]

SDFIX just saved me today. I had a business customer with the Spyware Isolator malware infection last Friday. I ran Adaware and Spybot and thought that the PC was clean, buit it all cam back on Monday. I was able to get rid of this infection by using the SDFIX.

Unfortunatly the malware overlays your windows dektop with an HTML URL that I could not get rid of, and I had to rename the user profile and have Windows Active Directory recreate the user profile. After getting all her data and email working, I was on my way.

This little utility kept me from having to fprmat her hard drive and start over. Keep this in your tool-kit.