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Anti-Malware
AdAware 2008 (free basic version)
A popular anti-spyware program.
Anti-Malware Toolkit (free)
Downloads updated version of the most popular anti-malware software, virus definition, useful utilities and more. Portable. Definitely a must-have. Requires .net framework 2.0.
Avira Antivir (free)
A free, lightweight antivirus. Good reviews, small footprint. The only negative is it has a nag screen at every definition update which can easily be removed using this method.
AVG Free (free)
A very popular antivirus/antispyware. Command-line scanner when used in Safe Mode.
ClamWin Portable Antivirus (free)
Free portable anti-virus. Does manual scans only.
CWShredder (free)
A Trendmicro app that removes CoolWebSearch and other browser hijackers.
Hijack This (free)
Another Trendmicro tool. Detects suspicious registry entries and potential sources of malware.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (commercial/trialware)
An effective and simple malware removal tool. Deals with viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits, dialers, etc.
Spybot Search & Destroy (free)
A very popular and crafty spyware protection program. Can do scans and has live protection too.
SUPERAntiSpyware (free version available)
Combats many different types of malicious internet threats. Pro version has all-in-one features.
Webroot Spy Sweeper (commercial)
Comprehensive spyware protection. You can get by without purchasing this, but it’s easy to use.
Utilities
AutoPatcher (free)
Download Windows Updates for local installation on other machines. Saves a lot of time.
CCleaner (free)
All-in-one system cleanup utility.
7zip Portable (free)
High compression, can unpack rar, zip, iso. Portable.
Crucial System Scanner (free)
Quickly displays motherboard, cpu info, and advises you on what memory will work with the system.
Deep Burner (free version available)
CD/DVD burning app.
Dial-A-Fix (free)
A portable app that can clear temp folders, fix the windows installer, windows updates, SSL, and numerous other quirky things that can go wrong with Windows XP.
Foxit PDF Reader (free)
Excellent PDF reader. Loads faster than Acrobat.
Gamekey Revealer (free)
Reveals keys for installed games for 550 games. Useful when you’re prepping for a reformat.
Glary Utilities (free)
Another all-in-one maintenance/optimization util. Works well and it’s free. Pro version available.
HD Tune Pro (commercial)
Drive diagnostics, benchmarking. It just works. Free version is available, but it’s heavily neutered.
Jkdefrag (free)
Free drive defragmentation and optimizer. Simple interface and gets the job done.
Magic Disc (free)
Save a cd/dvd, mount your images virtually.
Open Office (free)
Alternative to Microsoft Office. Works great in a pinch, but I prefer Office 07.
PC Decrapifier (free)
A utility that came in response to desktop and laptop manufacturers loading new systems with crapware. Removes most of it conveniently without having to go through each one manually.
Simple Port Forwarding (free)
App to automate the process of port forwarding. Works with many different routers. Plug in your username and password and off you go.
Speedfan (free)
Adjust fan speeds, view temps.
System Information for Windows (free)
Generates a comprehensive report on software, hardware, and network information stored on your computer. Reveals passwords, software keys, wireless keys. Does a whole lot more than that too. It’s a beast and it’s portable.
System Mechanic Mobile 6 (commercial)
All-in-one maintenance and cleanup utility. Does too many things to list. Rather expensive but give the 30-day trial a shot.
WinDirStat (free)
Portable. Shows folder usage for drives.
Produkey (free)
Recovers Office, Windows, Exchange Server, and SQL server keys. Very hand app.
Windows SyncToy (free)
Simple folder synchronization.
Windows TweakUI XP (free)
Microsoft utility that gives easy access to XP tweak settings.
Winrar (trialware)
Popular alternative to Winzip. Extracts .zip, .rar, .iso, .tar.
Winzip (trialware)
Classic zip archiver and extractor.
Winsockfix (free)
Fixes network problems, resets TCP stack.
WirelessKeyView (free)
Recovers WEP/WPA wireless keys stored on a computer.
Driver Management
Driver Genius Pro (commercial)
Very simple program that downloads the drivers you need as archives automatically. Requires an internet connection.
DriverPacks (free)
Huge compilation of 32-bit drivers for slipstreaming into your Windows install discs.
Bootable Images
OEM and retail versions of XP/Vista. Usually the sticker is still on the computer, but the recovery CDs are long gone. You can get them from popular torrent sites, but stay away from the keygens/activation cracks.
UBCD4Win (free)
A free live recovery CD packed with useful diagnostics and recovery tools.
Winternals ERD Commander 2005 (commercial)
Awesome live recovery CD. Simple yet very effective. Attaches to your existing Windows XP installation. Has networking features, system file repair, and a file browser built in. Interface looks like Windows. Microsoft took it over and has a newer version w/ a 30-day trial.
Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset 5 & 6
5 is an update to ERD Commander 2005 (XP), while 6 is made for Vista. Version 6 is very useful because it has a simple interface, virus/spyware removal, system file checker, and other recovery tools.
BartPE Builder (free)
Creates a live recovery cd from your Windows disk. Customizable and easy-to-use interface.
Hard Drive Diagnostics
Fujitsu ATA Diagnostics Tool (free)
Detailed diagnostics on Fujitsu drives.
Hitachi Drive Fitness (free)
Detailed diagnostics on Hitachi drives.
Samsung Drive Diagnostic Utility (free)
Detailed diagnostics of Samsung drives.
Seagate Seatools (free)
Detailed diagnostics on Seagate drives
Western Digital Datalife Guard (free)
Detailed diagnostics on Western Digital drives.
HI
What a awesome list of software, thank you very much! How much of this software have you actually used?
All of them at one point or another. There are a few that I use more often though, like CCleaner and xp/vista images.