Do system optimizers/fixer utilities cause more problems than they solve?

I agree with your tech. Chances are since he cleaned up your computer it will boot up faster Possibly preform better overall.

CC Cleaner and Microsoft security essentials do the job for me. Total cost $0.

Years ago I made the mistake of spending good money on Junkware that promised to spend up my computer etc. I wasn't impressed. They slowed my computer significantly.

Set your start up to run only programs that are necessary. Keep your hard drive clean. You should be good to go.

A clean running computer is a happy and fast running computer.
There are system repair and optimizers popping up all over the web these days.
The number one rule with any of these utilities is only run one of a kind on your PC. I know from experience that when a person installs 2 or more of the same type of program, than your whole computer gets bogged down as the different programs are all trying to "be the boss" on your PC. Run one anti virus program, one anti spyware program, and/or anti malwrae program. There are free ones out there that do a swell job out keeeping the nasty stuff at bay, and by all means stay away from Norton, McAffee and the like, they love to get their creepy tenticles all throughout you system and take control of it. Watch out for alot of these registry cleaners out there, they can be too gung ho, and cause serious issues.

There are tons of utility programs out there and everyone who replies to your question would probably have one or more that they would tell you to use. In computer systems the old adage of " if one is good, two must be even better" does not apply to similar programs. One of the replies addresses that very clearly. Technicians that do anything without your permission, should not be used. Try to use certified and trained technicians, many people out there that "work" on computers are not qualified. For you personally, use the saying, "When in doubt - DON'T..." You can spend a lot of time and money and be in worse shape than you were before the problem escalated. Do your research and you will find that the majority of the time, your efforts will be rewarded. It was a good move to come here for advice as there are many knowledgeable people here. Good luck with your decisions.

If you need to ask, you shouldn't be using these.

These cleaners/repairers are basically registry cleaners/repairers. Yes, some do search for and remove files that are useless (usually backup files, history files, unneeded cookies, etc) and give you some additional space; but that's not a big issue to begin with.

What the registry cleaner component does is search for broken links (cross-references that don't cross reference), either to a file that is supposed to be on your computer but isn't or to any entry in the registry that the cleaner can't find.
The program then needs a decision as to whether to remove the entry (most common) or to try to repair it based on some understanding it has about the product related to the entry or to do neither. Sometimes it makes this decision without you and sometimes it presents you with the choices. But can be disastrous. If you don't understand what is really going on, you can make the wrong choice. If the software is missing some vital, new understanding, it can make the wrong decision. Either way, something that once worked can end up broken and you might not know how to fix it.

The problem is that software you purchase might be more likely to do damage than free software. Free software isn't angling for your bucks, so it mostly does what it does in a fairly self-contained way. But paid software needs you to buy it and they market it as something that will make a huge difference in your system (which really isn't true). To back this up, their software must be highly aggressive, searching down every conceivable entry in the registry that might be removeable. This aggressive often proves to be overly aggressive, making it highly likely that you will lose something essential.

Moreover, it is not unusual for a registry entry to point to a nonexistant file. This is because some products only create a file to complete the link while the software is running. It expects the registry entry to match the file and when the entry isn't there that can cause problems.
If you truly want a product that accomplishes some decent cleaning without being overly aggressive and are willing to accept the responsibility that comes with using it, then try the free ccleaner at www.ccleaner.com (it allows you to save the cleaning data and replace the deleted entries if you have problems). Ccleaner essentially deletes items. If you want a non-aggressive product that attempts some fixes, look at Norton 360 which has a registry fixer that is mostly laid back -- I've never know it to do any damage. For my clients, I recommend ccleaner; they haven't had any complaints ... yet.

Keep in mind: Big problems will almost never be fixed by any of these products. Big problems (major infection, computer won't shut down or won't start, software won't open or close, etc) is almost always the sign of some major activity or breakdown, items that are peculiar to your system and unlikely to be so general that someone wrote a software program to deal with it. Get a customer service agent to help you live via the internet or -- worst case -- take it to a local technician, who should accept responsibility for what he or she does to your machine thus allowing you to rest easy. (If you do this, check with friends and acquaintances and find out with whom they have had good luck -- there are as many vultures out there in the local shops -- including those of some major retailers -- as there are on the internet -- it all depends on staff and store policy.)

The old adage is true. Most so called system enhancement software try to be too smart.
The basics is all that is need to keep a system happy and most of the tools to do that already exist in Windows. In fact most third party utilities are simply a front end for these.
In Windows click Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools for most tools.
The only one missing is a registry cleanup utility. There are plenty of those around. CCleaner has a good reputation and is free as long as you back up the registry before cleaning, just in case. This utility can also clean up redundant files and clean out browser's cache and history.
One more thing, no matter how meticulous you are Windows will always build up junk and even though we hate doing it an annual clean install is sometimes the only way to bring back a system to it's original healthy state.
It still annoys me that vendors can sell systems without mandatory training on security and the basics of keeping a computer healthy. After all one cannot drive a car until taught and pass a test.

One of the programs you listed has a very good reputation, the others may as well. While the technician may have had a valid point, depending on the programs and the usage, in my opinion he overstepped when removing the applications without your authorization. I have been in his position and spoke first with the pc owner about the applications and how they were used, made recommendations then removed them only with the owner's approval. He may not have realized you had paid for these programs, which in my mind makes his actions even more improper, and undoubtedly thought he was doing you a good turn but he should have spoken with you first. I would call him or send him an email explaining why you are feeling like you do. 1. He'll remember it going forward and 2. It will give him the chance to correct the situation with you; you will feel better and he will keep a client.

Simple question first: If you have a headache, would you take Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen, Advil, Excedrin, Motrin, and Morphine, then wash it all down with Vodka? Probably not! Not only would it be difficult to function, it would be harmful and very dangerous. That is what you did to your computer by using so many competing products - many of which have active components that monitor and "fix" your system automatically, but more importantly, consume memory and CPU time. Save your money and extend the life of your computer. If you feel the need, use one of the products - but not all of them. Each might be useful - but too much of any good thing is bad.

I highly suspect that your tech was quite right if he was as competent as you say he is.

I, for one, do use an optimizer program to keep my computer working properly and it seems to be working, not to say I haven't come up with some minor problems, but I was able to fix it and don't really know if the optimizer program was the cause of the problem. The program I use is iolo System Mechanic Professional and I've been using it in this computer for approximately 1 year. I installed it into my second computer this week and after installing and running it, everything seemed to work much better, however, I did have a problem with my sound card that was working perfectly before I installed the optimizer, but I was able to fix it by running the sound card software from a CD. I don't think it was just a coincidence that I had this problem and that it was probably caused by optimizer program. If you are a novice, an optimizing program may not be what you want to put in your computer. As for myself, I'd rate myself just above novice, or intermediate. I hope this helps.
Submitted by J Searles

You didn't question his actions? This was simple destruction of your private property.

Something similar happened to me a year ago. I took my computer in to have a larger disk drive installed and received the computer back with software having been deleted. For my own good, of course. Two months later I was still finding missing software, none of which I wanted deleted, all of which I had to go through considerable effort to restore.

What your guy should have done (and what my shop should have done) is notify you of any software on your system that he thinks shouldn't be there. He could offer to remove it. But the decision to remove software (your property) from your computer (your property) is yours to make, not his, not anyone else's. His superior technical knowledge doesn't bestow any rights of ownership to him. He (and my shop) were paternalistic, and what they did was simple destruction of property that didn't belong to them.

My complaint was met with self-righteousness.

Chip Heads in Minneapolis is where I went.

I haven't answered your question, but thanks for the opportunity to vent.

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:worddocument>
<w:view>Normal</w:view>
<w:zoom>0</w:zoom>
<w:compatibility>
<w:breakwrappedtables/>
<w:snaptogridincell/>
<w:wraptextwithpunct/>
<w:useasianbreakrules/>
</w:compatibility>
<w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:browserlevel>
</w:worddocument></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]><style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}</style><![endif]-->
There are only three things certain in life: Death, Taxes
and your Windows OS will fall over!!!

Optimising programmes? In a word, on my experience, they are
less than useless. If you aren't good enough at computing to not need this
software, it will be of no use to you. Read on.

I've used several of these (including the top three
recommended) and the ultimate result has always been I've needed to reformat my
hard drive.

I've never had a problem fixed and I've never had an
improvement in performance or speed.

For example, System Mechanic. I used this and it didn't
matter how many times I ran it, it noted numerous major problems i.e. after
being told my system was fixed and perfect, I re-booted and it was filled with
problems, time and time again. It was as if it was set to always show up
problems to prove it was worth having. (I don't think they want you to re-run
it after it says "it's perfect".) Don't believe me, try it.

Again with System Mechanic my hard drive was 12% fragmented,
I ran System Mechanic defragmenter for 7.5 hours and the drive (according to
Windows) was 20% fragmented, worse.

What you need to know is that they really have no confidence
that they know how to fix problems which is why everything you do is only
recommended and done "at your own risk". And with that set up you need to be a
computer technician to decide if you should do what's recommended and if you
are at that level you don't need the programme. Try any optimising programme
and it's going to say: "make changes at your own risk" and all the users the
programmes are intended for can't make the decision. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes">

Here's what I do (I only know the program I use, which was
the best I could find, but you can look for others):

<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> I do a re-format of my drive and install everything (if you
can't do that it would be after someone did it for you).

I have my drive partitioned and keep all my personal files
on D:\ drive (not the Windows "My Documents etc.").

Before I use the computer at all (but after I've set up my
programme options for Windows, Office and other programmes etc.) I install the
Paragon Hard Drive Suite. I then select the "Backup Capsule" option and back up
my C:\ drive to it (the back up capsule is invisible to the system and nothing
can attack it i.e. virus and malware proof and it can't be accidentally overwritten).

Then you use Paragon to create a recovery disk in case of
total failure so you can restore the C:\ drive if the boot fails (Note: boot
fails, not a dead drive).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">

(You can also set an option to boot from the backup capsule
by pressing F1 that appears for 5 seconds every boot,)

Every so often, or if the system gets sluggish, you merely
restore the C:\ drive and it's back to brand new.

Note: You need to back up such as mail, web favourites, any
other files you've stored on C:\ drive before you do as C:\ will be wiped (You
should already be doing this any way. Just run it before you restore). I've
made a written check list for this.

(The reason I don't have my personal files on C:\ drive is
to keep the backup capsule as small as possible.)

When re-installed you merely update Windows, your
anti-virus, any updated programmes, add any programmes you've installed since
your last backup and update your email and web browser from the back up (again
using my list). Then you re-run Paragon Backup capsule to the newest C:\ drive
and your system should be perfect.

What's good also is you can trial a new programme and, if it
works, next time you restore C:\ you just re-install it before you back up C:\
again, so your registry doesn't deteriorate. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes">

Note: Using Paragon "backup capsule" it's byte by byte so
you don't need to re-install serial numbers or re-activate Windows.

The procedure takes me an hour, reformatting and doing it
all from scratch takes me 2 days. I used to be forced to re-format about every
6 months, I haven't done this for 3 years and my system is as good as the day
it was installed. (I restore every 2-3 months).

Bonus: I don't need to worry about a virus incident as I
know, no matter how bad it is, I'll be running a perfect, new PC, just as I
like it, within an hour and it will cost me nothing. Try that with an
Optimiser!!!

I have been working with computers for about six years, and not one system that has ever had any of these "quick-fix" programs has been more stable than a bare system..usually less. These programs run in the background, slowing your computer down, using internet bandwidth, and ultimately doing nothing. I find the most stable way to run Windows XP, or any Windows for that matter is by just using the programs included with the operating system. I find my systems are very stable, and run fast for long periods of time. I usually reformat my hard drives once every year or so to keep the system fresh, but it is not needed and my systems very seldom crash unless it is caused by a hardware issue. I do use an Anti-Virus program, but I use AVG Free, which costs nothing, and I have found is very effective, and takes less processing power and RAM usage than many of the free or pay-to-use competitors. Most of the software issues that I run into are caused by these third-party programs that conflict with the regular workings of the Windows OS. Your repairman did do the right thing, and such as many members have already posted is to be commended for telling you the truth. Unfortunately it did not come sooner.

I think it was a bit naughty to un-install said programs without consulting you first, as was also dismissing them all out of hand as causing more troubles than they solve. Not all programs do the same thing. There are many (too many, in fact!), ranging from "optimisers" , that shut down unnecessary services to free up resources (amongst other things), to registry cleaners that can be far too aggressive and remove entries that they shouldn't. It follows on that some do a good job and others.........well, need I say more? Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule that will tell you which is which. The only clues are normally good write-ups in computer magazines and a trend for good programs to have a bigger presence on the net by being mentioned a lot and recommended by others. Unfortunately, if you don't know what goes on under the hood, these can also be baffling. Repair men have their own little quirks and foibles and this one sounds like he's against every tweaking program out there. They're not all the same.

Your "professional" may have been right or wrong. That is not the problem. Tech guysfrequentlys disagree but hold strongly to their own opinions. One will tell you never to run a program and the next will recommend it strongly. The programs he removed are not malware or viruses. You decided to put them there. He should not have done anything to them, without discussing it with you. This is not professional behaviour. He has arrogantly and unilaterally dismissed your views as worthless. He has no respect for his customer. In addition, he has demonstrated that he cannot be trusted. Did he take anything else off your machine? Did he put anything on it? You can never be sure. Get someone else next time and tell all your friends about him

Greetings,

Your professional should have explained his actions to you so you could have a better understanding of why.

It really depends on your knowledge base and how you use your computer. You said you run XP which would indicate your computer is old and you probably need an upgrade.

If you are just a basic user and just surf the net and view photos and movies, the Disc Cleaner along with Disc Defragmenter that comes with Windows should work on keeping you computer working in good order. If you like to experiment with software and tend to install and uninstall regularly you should use a Utility to help clean the registry, but you do not need to have one that is aggressive because you could cause more damage. I find that Glare Utilities free, which you can download from CNET, works just fine. It cleans the junk, you can control what programs run on start up and it clean the registry just enough.

Just remember, if you keep your computer clean it will last along time. I have had my dell Dimension 8300 for 10 years, upgraded to Windows 7 and I have only had to reformat twice, once from a virus and the other time was when my Hard Drive just gave out.

There was one post I read that was so true, the more junk you put in your body the worse you will feel, the same can be said about you computer, keep it clean and it will last a long time.

Crash

I recently took over my daughter's laptop which had ground to a complete halt after five years of student neglect. Purely as an exercise, I deleted all unwanted files and uninstalled most programs apart from the operating systems. I experimented with various cleaning, optimising and repair tools in order to revive it. I managed to get back about 80% of its original performance before finally giving up and performed a clean install of the original XP program. After reloading updated drivers and all XP updates it now works like new. The moral is that utility programs can do a lot to keep things moving, but will not provide a complete solution.
That said I must admit to using ASC5 which seems to keep my old machine working nicely although it is not as brilliant as they like to make out.

Fix-it tools can do harm but they usually don't. Those comprehensive tools probably do more than you ever really need.

One place they can negatively affect performance is when they run TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident). If they are always running processes or set up to perform their various tasks automatically then they will slow performance, particularly on older computers. They can sometimes slow performance dramatically.

The individual components are of various utility. If the data on your drive is badly fragmented it can noticeably slow your computer down, and the defragmenter supplied with XP is fairly primitive. A tool like Raxco's PerfectDisk can actually approve performance appreciably. It can also defragment the system area and I have seen big improvements after running that feature.

I have never seen any noticeable performance improvement after using a registry cleaner or defragmenter, even when they found and fixed many errors or compacted the registry significantly. I have also had registry cleaners remove entries that the computer needed to remain stable. I don't think these are a very good idea.

Sometimes the most dramatic performance improvement will be seen after running an anti-adware/spyware app like the freeware Spybot Search and Destroy. Just browsing the web will load your machine up with a lot of crap that this product can clear easily.

And, of course, if you're running an older version of an anti-virus it might be time to upgrade. The newer versions (since 2010) put a LOT less burden on your system than the older versions did. This is particularly true of Norton.

There are other utilities that will scan your system for obsolete drivers and automatically locate and install the most recent versions. I like these but I have had some problems with them actually installing incorrect drivers for some components like USB devices, and I had to go to the manufacturer's website to locate and reinstall the correct driver.

I do not run any of those all-in-one tools and it's probably a good idea that you don't, either. The individual tools work better and aren't as dangerous. Your repairman was, in my opinion, right. HOWEVER, he was definitely WRONG to remove them without checking with you beforehand and explaining why he thought it was a good idea. That's a very bad practice. One rule for computer professionals: NEVER LOSE YOUR CUSTOMER'S DATA unless the customer says it's OK.

And don't be embarrassed. Everybody gets suckered sometimes by advertising claims. They are designed by very clever people deliberately and effectively to do just that.

Pretty much many have offed the same advice or provided similar thinking in what has been your problem(s).

Just on general principles I would never delete software from someone's computer, especially if it was bought software. It's your computer, after all. Software can be disabled / not activated. Yes, it's nice to clean up, but it's not his job to brush and comb your software. On the face of it, I see unprofessional behavior. I am not conversant with the software you mention. He may be right in suspecting there would / could be conflicts between various malware programs. I go for the free stuff. Looking at CNET downloads you can find counts of numbers of downloads, and my feeling is that something with several hundreds of thousands of downloads is likely to be pretty good. Good luck!

C.R. - I am no computer authority, but I though it was worth sharing that Dell Tech Support recently offered to install System Mechanics on my PC. The local business supply shop has a tech desk that also offers that product, but told me it is not the best product on the market. Just thought that would validate your question about the credibility of that particular software. For what it is worth, I use the free MS Essentials from Microsoft's webpage for virus scan and security, and believe that installing/running more than one security program simultaneously causes conflicts and drastically slows your PC's operating system. Hope that is helpful. GR

I have to take my hat off you, because when you went to school they didn't teach anything about computers. Being as young as you are and sitting down to work through computing is not easy. I have been working with computers since 1969 as a profession, and will happily strip down a machine to its base components and rebuild it, or write you a program (I can write in seven languages). Don't feel so bad about the software you bought, as you don't have the knowledge the professional who helped you has. The only way you have of beginning to compete with him is to use a software package, and here your problems start. You can't always contact a professional for help, and it can cost you money. The answer to the first problem you have already, you logon to CNET.

So where do you go to find out about software and is it worth the money you have to pay for it. I have to say the CNET will get you started, but it won't tell you what is best for you. One piece of software I find very useful is "Uninstaller Software", and the reason for this is you can try things out and if they don't work remove all trace of them. A lot of software these days comes to a trial period, so you can try it and if it makes no difference remove it from your system. That's why I have the uninstaller software as the software doesn't uninstall everything when you uninstall it. If you can test your utilities before buying it's a good way to go.

One last thing a lot of utilities on CNET are free, and they will rival most of the paid software you can buy. The only place I will not get free utilities is with security, as I always pay for my antivirus and firewall. Have fun computing, and be careful out there.