Hi all.
I use to use CCleaner to help remove junk etc from my windows 7/8.1.
I came across a programme called iobit Advanced SystemCare 12 Free, has any one used this before?
Just want to know if using these types of software could do more harm than good?
Any one use this?
Thanks.
Jamie.
If you search the forums you will find this gives a lot of problems and solves very little
You can still use CCleaner.
Please read this thread about the latest version. Pay attention to the Warning note so that you won't unintentionally install something you don't want.
I am using the latest CCleaner version on my Windows 10.
I use CCleaner w/o any issues.
I also use Free up space now
Free Up Disk Space Now with Storage Sense in Windows 10 | Tutorials
I run it only once a month: the week before the 2nd Tue of the month so the computer is clean before the current months WU's.
--- I run it manually because I want to see what is being cleaned such as Windows Update Cleanup when applicable, as well as Previous Windows installations when applicable: there is also an option to Delete System Restore points but it needs to be checked which is what I do, there's also an option to Compress your OS drive which I do not check that in.
--- I haven't gone back to find out but I believe Disk Cleanup has the same options but I prefer Free up space now.
Well one more thing though, before doing the above, I create a system image backup with Macrium Reflect Free.
Macrium Software | Macrium Reflect Free
--- Please consider doing that.
--- Looking at your system specs, it appears you are a gamer.
--- That's an added reason to have system image backups available.
Back to Clean up space now, there is also an option for Windows Upgrade log files which is normally checked in.
--- I uncheck it, I shouldn't have to but I do so anyway:
--- Windows upgrade log files contain information that can help identify and troubleshoot problems that occur during Windows installation, upgrade or servicing. Deleting these files can make it difficult to troubleshoot installation issues.
Hi MeAndMyComputer .
Wow thank you for an in-depth reply!
Running Free Up Space Now once a month before Updates come out sounds like a smart thing to do.
When you said to create a system image backup with Macrium Reflect Free, im guessing you mean the SSD that Windows and drivers etc are installed on?
I know I know ive never really done back up images although I ought to though!
Most of the games I have installed is on the 2ndary HDD, im not too fussed about reinstalling the games as I don't have many. Plus I don't keep many personal files on here, most of my Pictures are on external back up as well as online.
I shall do a back up as mentioned, then will give Free Up Space Now a look at.
Again thank you for the information.
Jamie.
Hi Jamie that's excellent feed back.
The reason I create system image backups before my monthly maintenance regime is because I want my computer to be in the exact working condition in which it was running excellently before the current month's WU's updates are going to be coming in.
After that I run CCleaner even if I have run it a few times already during the month and then follow up with Free up space now. I include removing all system restore points at the same time: I haven't had to use system restore points in I don't know how long but I've done so on some people's computers whom I help. System restore points aren't always helpful but when they are it's only a couple of minutes to be used successfully. Once the that is completed, I create a manual restore point and name it 'ready for this months WU's". If something awry comes up I have an exact reference point to relate to.
On creating system image backups, an external HDD should be used.
--- One of my computers takes about 50 minutes but it only takes a couple of minutes to get it started: during that 50 minutes time frame I just move on to something else to.
--- On another one of my computers I have an SSD and it takes much less time than 50 minutes, I haven't kept track of how much time.
--- All I know is for a once month maintenance schedule it's worth doing that especially since now it's so easy to do.
--- Good luck
All such products are bloated junk that do nothing useful. Countless variations of the same thing.
I use the tools built in to Windows 10, there are quite a few scattered around within the Settings for more specific purposes, and of course every application you install needs to be configured suitably as well.
Imaging hard drives and backing up data is a completely different subject and vastly more important than junk cleaners.
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