Welcome to iolo System Mechanic
Welcome to iolo System Mechanic Help

Quick Help Topics

 How to purchase System Mechanic

 How to upgrade your copy of System Mechanic

 Tell me about the different editions of System Mechanic

 System Mechanic Mobile Toolkit Edition

 How to obtain technical support

Getting to know System Mechanic

 What is System Mechanic and what does it do?

What System Mechanic does for you...

File Tools

 Cleaning your system of junk and obsolete files

 Fixing and removing invalid Windows shortcuts

 Finding and removing duplicate files

 Securely deleting files and folders

System Tools

 Cleaning your System Registry

 Managing startup applications

 Customizing Windows Settings

 Removing invalid uninstaller information

 Tracking system changes with SafeInstaller

Internet Tools

 Ensuring your personal or company privacy

 Optimizing your Internet and network speed

Other Tools

 Consolidating Maintenance using the Maintenance Wizard

 Unattended scheduling with the Scheduled Maintenance tool

 Tracking actions and statistics with Tool Action Logs

 Automatically Updating System Mechanic using the Internet

 Adjusting System Mechanic’s Global Options

Other Information

How to work with multi-selectable lists

 I need more help!

 License Agreement

 A word of warning before using System Mechanic


How to work with multi-selectable lists

In many of System Mechanic's utilities you will find places where items are listed for you to view and select.  Utilities like the Junk and Obsolete File Removal tool and the Duplicate Removal tool display their found candidates at the bottom of the screen in a list.

There are a few very helpful tips to working with and selecting items from these lists:

To select a contiguous part of the items in a list

Select the first item in the set of items you wish to "highlight" with your left mouse button and then, while holding down the Shift key on your keyboard, select the last item in the subset that you'd like to select.  You will notice that both the first and the last item, as well as all items in between, have been "highlighted" and will be together effected by whatever actions you perform.

You may also select items in this manner by holding down the mouse button and dragging a rectangle around the files that you want to select.

To select a non-contiguous set of items in a list

 Hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard while selecting each item with your left mouse button.

To select all items in a list

Pressing Ctrl+A on your keyboard will allow you to quickly select all items in a list.

Other shortcuts common to System Mechanic

There are a few other keyboard shortcuts that make operations in System Mechanic easier as well:

Del: Perform the selected removal option on all selected items

Enter:  Performs the default "inspection" action, for example, viewing the selected item in Windows QuickView.

Ctrl+Enter:  Performs the alternate "inspection" action, for example, accessing the selected item's properties.

Note: A good way to investigate the shortcuts available to you is to click with your right mouse button in the area you would like to investigate for shortcuts.  Keyboard access functions, if applicable,  are defined at the right of each menu item.


A word of warning before using System Mechanic

Before manipulating any important data it is strongly advised that you have a current backup.

System Mechanic deals with intricate parts of your computer system and as such may encounter unexpected configurations or other possible incompatibilities.  We have researched and tested System Mechanic extensively in regards to compatibility and safety, however there may be instances where its tools will fail or lead to loss or corruption of data.  We have never encountered this in our testing, however it may happen.

Please read, understand, and accept the System Mechanic License Agreement before using this product.

If you cannot accept the terms in the License agreement please do not use this software.

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How to Purchase System Mechanic

We sincerely hope that System Mechanic proves itself a valuable addition to your set of system tools.

We've put together some information to make it easy for you to purchase a licensed copy of the software or upgrade your existing license in a fast and convenient manner.

What do I get if I purchase?

•	Free unlimited access to telephone, e-mail, web, and fax based technical support privileges.

•	Free upgrades to all minor updates (e.g. 3.0 to 3.1 to 3.2, etc.) and all service releases / fixes.

•	Notification of and generous discounts on all new major version upgrades (e.g. version 3.0 to 4.0).

•	Great software created by people dedicated to providing quality products to their customers!

How much does it cost?

•	Single Computer Installation:  $59.95

•	Click here for information on Site licenses and Multiple computer discounts

•	Mobile Toolkit Edition:  $299.95  (Click here for more details)

How do I upgrade from one edition to another?

How do I license System Mechanic for more than one computer?

How do I order?

Instant and secure web-based ordering using a credit card

Toll-free by telephone

(U.S. Orders only please): 1-877-239-IOLO  (7:00 AM-6:00PM, Mon-Fri, PST)

Non U.S orders: 1-626-793-3993

By mail or fax

You may fax or mail your order to us using the following information.  Product is delivered when payment is received.

Fax to: 1-626-793-1554

Mail to:

iolo technologies, LLC

145 North Sierra Madre Blvd.

Suite 1

Pasadena, CA 91107

Can I use a purchase order?

Yes, we accept corporate purchase orders, however we may request credit references prior to final approval and delivery.  Our terms are net payment within 30 days of delivery.  Purchase orders are encouraged for larger quantity orders and for amounts under $100.00 there will be an additional $20.00 processing fee added to the total due.  For amounts less than $100.00 credit card payments are preferred (which eliminates any processing fee).  For more information please contact iolo technologies sales department at 1-626-793-3993 or e-mail sales@iolo.com

Can I pay by bank transfer?

Yes, bank transfers are accepted for amounts over $100.  Please contact iolo technologies at 1-626-793-3993 or sales@iolo.com for our incoming payment bank details.

I'd like to resell this product

We are always looking for interested resellers for our products.  If you are interested in reselling System Mechanic or any other iolo technologies product please contact us at 1-626-793-3993 or var@iolo.com.

Attention: resellers, consultants, VAR’s and MIS/IT managers
System Mechanic is available in a Mobile Toolkit edition which is specially made for your line of work.  Click here for details!

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System Mechanic Order Form

You may use this order form for faxing or mailing orders for System Mechanic.  To print this form, select File>Print Topic

Fax To: 1(626)793-1554 or Call Iolo toll free at 1-877-239-IOLO (US) or 1-626-793-3993 (non US).  If you need to upgrade your existing license click here.

All relevant information below is required to process your order.

Company Name:

Your Name:

Phone Number:	FAX Number:

E-Mail Address (please verify!):

Address:

City:	State/County:

Where did you obtain System Mechanic?

Please Specify Which Version(s) of System Mechanic You Would Like To Order:

[_____ ]  Copy(s)  of System Mechanic Industrial Edition at $59.95 per copy or priced according to the mult-computer matrix if more than 4 copies.

[_____ ]  Copy(s)  of System Mechanic Mobile Toolkit Edition at $299.95 for one CD-ROM and $99.95 for each additional CD-ROM.

Delivery Method

[__]  E-Mailed Invoice with User ID and Serial number: FREE (not available for Mobile Toolkit Edition)

[__]  Postal delivery:  $10.00 for US orders, $15.00 all others.  Please allow up to 10 days for US and 20 days for all others.

I would like to pay using:

[__]  MasterCard / Eurocard

[__]  Visa

[__]  American Express

Name on Card:

Credit Card Number:                                                                                           Exp:

[__]  I am enclosing a check or money order paid in US Dollars, drawn on a US Bank, and payable to iolo technologies, LLC.

Please FAX to (626) 793-1554. Or mail to 145 N. Sierra Madre Blvd., Suite 1, Pasadena, CA 91107

There is a $20.00 processing fee for company purchase orders under $100.00 requesting net payment terms.  Checks or money orders must be paid in US dollars and drawn on a US Bank.  Orders are processed Monday through Friday, excluding US holidays.  Please allow 24 hours for order processing.  Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.


Upgrading your System Mechanic License

Please note:  This information only applies to those who originally purchased a version of System Mechanic other than the Industrial Edition prior to version 3.5.

How much does it cost?

Upgrading from one edition to another is priced at $25.00 per edition level.  For example, upgrading from the Professional Edition to the Industrial Edition is a total of $25.00; upgrading from the Standard Edition to the Industrial Edition is a total of $50.00. System Mechanic Mobile Toolkit CD licenses are priced at $99.95 per additional CD.

Click here for multi-computer pricing upgrade information

Click here for more information on what is included with the different versions.

How do I order?

Click here for other accepted payment methods

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System Mechanic License Upgrade Form

Please note:  This information only applies to those who originally purchased a version of System Mechanic other than the Industrial Edition prior to version 3.5.

You may use this order form for faxing or mailing license upgrade orders only for System Mechanic.  To print this form, select File>Print Topic.  Fax To: 1(626)793-1554 or Call Iolo toll free at 1-877-239-IOLO (US) or 1-626-793-3993 (non US).

All relevant information below is required to process your order.

Your Existing User ID:

Your Existing Serial Number:

Company Name:

Your Name:

Phone Number:	FAX Number:

E-Mail Address (please verify):

Address:

City:	State/County:

Where did you first purchase System Mechanic?

Please Specify Which Version(s) of System Mechanic You Would Like To Upgrade:

[_____ ]  Copy(s)  of System Mechanic Industrial Edition from Standard Edition at $50.00 per copy or priced according to the multi-computer matrix if more than 4 copies.

[_____ ]  Copy(s)  of System Mechanic Industrial Edition from Professional Edition at $25.00 per copy or priced according to the multi-computer matrix if more than 4 copies.

Upgrades are delivered via an e-mailed invoice containing a new serial number.  Please be sure your e-mail address is correct above.  If you do not have an e-mail address please call us at 1-626-793-3993.

I would like to pay using:

[__]  MasterCard / Eurocard

[__]  Visa

[__]  American Express

[__] Check / Money Order

Name on Card:

Credit Card Number:                                                                                           Exp:

[__]  I am enclosing a check or money order paid in US Dollars, drawn on a US Bank, and payable to iolo technologies, LLC.

Please FAX to (626) 793-1554. Or mail to 145 N. Sierra Madre Blvd., Suite 1, Pasadena, CA 91107

There is a $20.00 processing fee for company purchase orders under $100.00 requesting net payment terms.  Checks or money orders must be paid in US dollars and drawn on a US Bank.  Orders are processed Monday through Friday, excluding US holidays.  Please allow 24 hours for order processing.  Prices and availability are subject to change without notice.


Licensing System Mechanic for more than one computer

System Mechanic is licensed on a "per-computer" basis.  This means that you must purchase a license for each separate computer that it will be installed or used on, regardless of the number of people using the computers.  Licenses are only sold in the blocks designated below.  If you require any assistance before making a decision on a multi-computer license please do not hesitate to contact us.

Multi-Computer Pricing Matrix

Number of Computers	Total Price

1-4	$59.95 each

Up to 5	$224.95

Up to 10	$399.95

Up to 15	$595.95

Up to 20	$729.95

Up to 25	$899.95

Up to 30	$1079.95

Up to 35	$1099.95

Up to 40	$1245.95

Up to 45	$1399.95

Up to 50	$1559.95

Up to 75	$2019.95

Up to 100	$2219.95

Up to 150	$3329.95

Up to 200	$4434.95

Up to 250	$4949.95

Up to 500	$6594.95

Up to 750	$9899.95

Up to 1000	$9999.95

1001+ 	Contact Iolo

Mobile Toolkit Edition$299.95 for first CD plus $99.00 for each additional CD.

Click here for other payment options

Click here for multi-computer upgrade pricing

Attention: Consultants, VAR’s, technicians, and MIS/IT managers looking to maintain multiple computers -- System Mechanic is available in a Mobile Toolkit edition that provides a portable unlimited license solution.  Click here for more details.

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Multi-Computer Upgrade Pricing

Please note:  This information only applies to those who originally purchased a version of System Mechanic other than the Industrial Edition prior to version 3.5.

System Mechanic is licensed on a "per-computer" basis.  This means that you must purchase a license for each separate computer that it will be installed or used on, regardless of the number of people using the computers.  Licenses are only sold in the blocks designated below.  If you require any assistance before making a decision on a multi-computer license please do not hesitate to contact us.

Upgrading from one edition to another is priced at $25.00 per edition level.  For example, upgrading from the Professional Edition to the Industrial Edition is a total of $25.00; upgrading from the Standard Edition to the Industrial Edition is a total of $50.00.  For licenses over 4 computers, the following prices apply.

Multi-Computer Pricing Matrix

Number of Computers	Upgrade 1 Level	Upgrade 2 Levels

1-4	$25.00 per computer	$50.00 per computer

Up to 5	$94.95	$189.95

Up to 10	$164.95	$334.95

Up to 15	$244.95	$494.95

Up to 20	$304.95	$609.95

Up to 25	$374.95	$749.95

Up to 30	$449.95	$899.95

Up to 35	$454.95	$909.95

Up to 40	$519.95	$1039.95

Up to 45	$584.95	$1169.95

Up to 50	$649.95	$1299.95

Up to 75	$844.95	$1689.95

Up to 100	$924.95	$1849.95

Up to 150	$1389.95	$2774.95

Up to 200	$1849.95	$3699.95

Up to 250	$2065.95	$4124.95

Up to 500	$2749.95	$5499.95

Up to 750	$4124.95	$8249.95

Up to 1000	$4249.95	$8499.95

1001+	Contact Iolo

Click here for other payment options

Click here for multi-computer non-upgrade pricing

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Introduction to System Mechanic

Computers need maintenance.

This is a simple fact that no one will deny having owned a computer for any length of time.  Computers are not like furniture or microwave ovens, they are more similar to automobiles - requiring systematic cleaning and servicing, just as a vehicle does. Further akin to automobiles, computers will begin to run poorly and even “break down” if not well taken care of and maintained.  People maintain their cars because of the large investment they have in them but most fail to maintain their computer systems despite the similarly large investment.

Unfortunately, many people are not entirely familiar with the procedures of maintenance that must be performed in order to service computer systems properly, and most system technicians will agree that the necessary tools are not included with the operating system.  System Mechanic is a complete collection of all of the necessary tools to keep your system running smooth, fast, and error free.

Just as your car needs to be taken in to a mechanic regularly for “scheduled maintenance”, your system needs to be inspected and sometimes repaired on a regular basis as well.

System Mechanic’s collection of tools were created because their vital functions are not available under your operating system.  These tools are well beyond the scope of “Scandisk” and “Defrag” type utilities, and pick up where other system tools leave off in their ease of use, power, and flexibility.

Use System Mechanic regularly and we promise you will be amazed at how much better your computer runs!

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Further assistance

If ever during the course of your use of this product you require assistance beyond this documentation, please do not hesitate to contact iolo technologies using the following information:

Web based Support: http://www.iolo.com/support

Web based Sales: http://www.iolo.com/order

E-Mail: support@iolo.com

Support Phone: 626-793-0506

Toll-Free Sales Phone: 877-239-4656

Customer Service Phone: 626-793-3993

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System Mechanic License Agreement

Use of System Mechanic for any period of time binds you to this license agreement.  Please read and understand it before using the software.

SYSTEM MECHANIC LICENSE AGREEMENT

IOLO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO THE SOFTWARE OR DOCUMENTATION.  SHOULD THE PROGRAM PROVE DEFECTIVE, THE PURCHASER ASSUMES THE RISK OF PAYING THE ENTIRE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR, OR CORRECTION AND ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.  IN NO EVENT WILL IOLO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION TO DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION AND THE LIKE) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR THE  INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT EVEN IF IOLO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN PARTICULAR, IOLO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY DATA STORED OR PROCESSED WITH THIS SOFTWARE, INCLUDING THE COSTS OF RECOVERING SUCH DATA.  AS A RESULT, THIS SOFTWARE AND DOCUMENTATION ARE LICENSED “AS IS” AND YOU, THE LICENSEE, ARE ASSUMING THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO ITS QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Iolo Technologies, LLC. The software described in this document is furnished under this license agreement. The software may be used or copied only under the terms of the agreement. It is against the law to copy the software on any medium except as specifically allowed in the license agreement.

USE OF THIS PRODUCT FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT AND SUBJECTS YOU TO ITS CONTENTS.

US GOVERNMENT RESTRICTED RIGHTS

Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject  to restrictions as set forth in subdivision (b)(3)(ii) of  the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at  25 2.227-7013. Contractor / manufacturer is:

IOLO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

145 North Sierra Madre Blvd., Suite 1

Pasadena, CA 91107

Copyright and Trademark Acknowledgments

System Mechanic is copyright 1999-2000, Iolo Technologies, LLC.  The System Mechanic software, name, logo, documentation, and the Iolo Technologies, LLC logo are trademarks of Iolo Technologies, LLC.

Windows, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Millennium, Windows Me, and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.  All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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The different editions of System Mechanic

System Mechanic is available in the following separate editions:

Industrial Edition:  $59.95 per computer

Click here for information on Site licenses and Multiple computer discounts

Perfect for anyone from the single-computer owner to large corporate enterprises, System Mechanic Industrial Edition is the award-winning suite of powerful system maintenance and performance-enhancing tools that include the following tools:

•	Find and remove junk and obsolete files

•	Clean-up, repair, and optimize the System Registry

•	Speed up your Internet connection up to 300% with NetBooster

•	Ensure your privacy, remove cookies, cache, and Internet debris

•	Manage the items that start when Windows does with StartUp manager

•	Find and remove duplicate files and drivers

•	Tweak and Customize Windows settings

•	Find and fix broken Windows shortcuts

•	Remove invalid uninstaller information

•	Securely delete sensitive files with Incinerator

•	System Maintenance Wizard

•	Track and report all system changes with Safe Installer

•	Automatic WebUpdate

•	Scheduled automatic system maintenance

•	Keep comprehensive tool action logs

Mobile Toolkit Edition:  $299.95 for the first CD and $99.95 for each additional CD.

Aimed at IT/MIS personnel, consultants, and VAR’s, System Mechanic Mobile Toolkit includes all of the powerful tools in the Industrial Edition, but runs directly from CD-ROM with not installation required.  This allows System Mechanic to be easily transported and used on any number of computers by simply inserting the CD into each machine, performing the maintenance required, and then removing the CD afterward.

Click here for more details on what is included with System Mechanic’s Mobile Toolkit Edition.

For information on how to order System Mechanic click here

All prices are in US dollars.  Prices and availability subject to change without notice.

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Cleaning your system of junk and obsolete files

Junk and Obsolete File Removal Help Topics

 Introduction

 When should I use this utility?

 Selecting Drives to scan

 Selecting Files to scan

•	Selecting

•	Adding

•	Editing

•	Removing

•	How do I know that the files I scan for are safe to remove?

Including and excluding folders from the file scan

•	Adding

•	Editing

•	Removing

 Other considerations

•	Only find files that have not been accessed in XX days

•	Skip read-only and system files

•	Find unused files in the Windows "Temporary" folder

•	Find zero-length files

 File Removal Options

•	Move cleaned files to recycle bin

•	Permanently delete cleaned files

•	Move cleaned files to...

 Performing the scan

•	Starting the scan

•	Aborting an active scan

 Using the toolbar to view and remove files intelligently

Return to System Mechanic Main Help Topics


Junk and Obsolete Files: Including and excluding folders from the file scan

Including all files within certain folders during a scan

Adding folders to be included

There may be times when you wish consider all of the files within a certain folder to be candidates for removal.  This can be done in the following manner:

1.	Select the tab labeled "Folders" from the Junk and Obsolete File tool's main screen

2.	Next to the box labeled "Find all files in these folders" select the button labeled "Add Folder".

3.	You'll be presented with a box that will allow you to browse your drives for the specific folder location you would like to add.  Select this folder by double-clicking with your mouse and then select the button labeled "Ok".

4.	You can optionally add a short description to help you remember what this folder represents.  Type this into the box labeled "Enter a description for this folder " and then select "Ok".  If you do not wish to add a folder description, select "Cancel" at this box.

5.	Your new folder location will appear in the box labeled " Find all files in these folders".  All files in this folder and all folders beneath it will be considered to be files for removal when you perform a scan.

Editing existing folder information

If you would like to edit any of the information represented by an item listed in the box labeled " Find all files in these folders" first select the item you would like to edit, and then select the button labeled "Edit".  Using the same process described above, browse for the folder location (or select cancel to continue editing without modifying the folder location) and then modify the description, if any, for the selected folder (cancel will complete the editing process without modifying the description information).

Disabling and Removing listed folders

To temporarily exclude a listed folder from being considered during a scan, "uncheck" its corresponding box (located to the right of the item).  This folder information will not apply to any file scans when its box is not checked.

To permanently remove a listed folder from being considered during a scan, select it with your mouse and then select the corresponding button labeled "Remove".

Excluding all files within certain folders during a scan

Adding folders to be excluded

There may be times when you wish exclude any files contained within a certain folder from a scan.  Perhaps you've found that a certain application utilizes zero-length files legitimately, or uses one of Windows standard temporary file extensions as a valid associated file.  Using the following option you can instruct the file scanning process to ignore any files found within specified folder locations:

1.	Select the tab labeled "Folders" from the Junk and Obsolete File tool's main screen

2.	Next to the box labeled "Exclude the files in these folders" select the button labeled "Add Folder".

3.	You'll be presented with a box that will allow you to browse your drives for the specific folder location you would like to add.  Select this folder with your mouse and then select the button labeled "Ok".

4.	You can optionally add a short description to help you remember what this folder represents.  Type this into the box labeled "Enter a description for this folder " and then select "Ok".  If you do not wish to add a folder description, select "Cancel" at this box.

5.	Your new folder location will appear in the box labeled " Exclude the files in these folders ".  All files in this folder and all folders beneath it will be ignored and excluded when you perform a scan.

Editing existing folder information

If you would like to edit any of the information represented by an item listed in the box labeled "Exclude the files in these folders " first select the item you would like to edit, and then select the button labeled "Edit".  Using the same process described above, browse for the folder location (or select cancel to continue editing without modifying the folder location) and then modify the description, if any, for the selected folder (cancel will complete the editing process without modifying the description information).

Disabling and Removing listed folders

To temporarily exclude a listed folder from being considered during a scan, "uncheck" its corresponding box (located to the right of the item).  This folder information will not apply to any file scans when its box is not checked.

To permanently remove a listed folder from being considered during a scan, select it with your mouse and then select the corresponding button labeled "Remove".


Junk and Obsolete Files: Introduction

Most of your Windows applications temporarily create several files on your hard drive when they are running.  These files are supposed to be removed and the space recovered after these programs are closed.  Often, however, they don’t because of a program error, sloppy architecture, your system is reset or not shut down properly, or if another application locks up or crashes.  Any file that is left behind in this manner will remain on your system unless you manually search for it and remove it.  Over time, these junk and obsolete files can accumulate to megabytes of wasted hard drive space, as well as turn into potential error-producing cross-linked drive references.

System Mechanic targets these specific types of files which are missed by common disk utilities, un-install, "Defrag", "Scandisk", and other standard “cleaner” type programs.

As well as wasting space on your system, obsolete and junk files can produce very hazardous results if not properly cleaned from your drive on a periodical basis.

The symptoms that these garbage files can produce include:

•	Cross-linked drive references

•	Lost network and Internet connections.

•	Sudden application lock ups.

•	Lost data

•	General Protection Faults (GPF’s) or Fatal Errors in your applications.

•	Virus like behavior

•	Mysterious Reboots

•	Out of Memory Errors

Return to Junk and Obsolete File Help Topics


Junk and Obsolete Files: When should I use this utility?

Over time, every computer system’s hard drive space will seem to shrink, even though no new software has been installed.  This is almost always a direct result of junk and obsolete file accumulation.  We recommend that you clean your drive(s) of these files at least once every 30 days, or any time you notice your hard drive space suspiciously drop.  Click here for more information on automatically scheduling this type of maintenance.

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Junk and Obsolete Files: Selecting drives to scan

When the Junk and Obsolete File tool is first opened it displays a listing of the drives on your system.  If you are running the utility for the first time, we suggest that all drives except floppy and CDROM are selected for scanning.  To select a drive for scanning, click the box next to its icon.

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Junk and Obsolete Files: Selecting Files to Scan For

If you select the tab labeled “Files to Find” you will see a listing of various default file-types that we have selected as safe candidates for removal.  The file extension is contained in the first column and the description of the file type is specified in the second column.  The default file-types are explained below:

*.~*, ~*.*, *.??~, *.---, *.tmp, *._mp, *._mp

These file types are all indicative of standard Windows temporary files.  These are the files that are created by applications when they are running, and are supposed to be removed when they close.  Most of the time, these types of files are used as virtual memory undo information.

*.old, *.bak, *.syd

These files are indicative of backup copies automatically created by installation programs that needed to modify an existing configuration / system file, such as autoexec.bat or config.sys.  These files are usually initially created to allow you a way to “roll-back” to your original settings should the new configuration cause problems.  If your system is running ok, there is no reason to keep these files.

*.chk

When you use ScanDisk and it finds errors or lost clusters on your hard drive, you have the option to save this information as a raw file with a .chk extension.  These files are only necessary if you have lost some type of information and are attempting to find or extract it from your hard drive (a very difficult and expensive process).  If  your system is currently running ok, there is no reason to keep these files if they exist.

*.gid

When you open a Windows help file and select the tab labeled “Search”, the help system builds a search index with the extension of .gid.  These files usually consume a great deal of space and can also be automatically re-generated if you ever need to search within the help file again, so there is little reason to keep them resident on your system if you attempting to conserve drive space.

mscreate.dir

"mscreate.dir" files are temporarily created in many "common" application folders for indexing purposes.  Sometimes these files are left behind and become obsolete when you uninstall or manually remove various files from your system.  When these "mscreate.dir" files are created, they are marked as "read-only" (a file that is "read-only" is meant to be accessed and read from, but not moved or deleted).  Although these files are marked as "read-only", they may safely be removed from your system if desired, as they are dynamically re-created when and if an application needs to access them again for indexing purposes.

0???????.nch

When you access newsgroups on the Internet using programs such as Microsoft’s Outlook Express™ much of the information is downloaded locally to your hard drive and stored as “cache” in a file with the extension .nch, enumerated using a set of 9 numbers.  Since Internet newsgroup information is most often extremely extensive,  this information, when saved to a file, can add up to tens, if not hundreds, of megabytes of disk space over time.  Because Internet newsgroup information is also constantly changing and these files are readily available again for downloading when necessary, it may be a good idea to remove them periodically when drive space conservation is a priority.

*.dmp

When a critical error occurs in Windows the operating system can be instructed to automatically save the contents of memory to disk in order to allow a system administrator (or someone with equivalent knowledge) to analyze the system’s state prior to the error.  The files that contain this information have the extension “.dmp”, and are usually extremely large (ranging from several megabytes up to multiple gigabytes, depending on the state of your system at the time of the error).  These files will remain on your system until manually removed, and unless they are needed for analysis purposes, a great deal of space can be preserved by regularly removing them.

How do I know that the files I scan for are safe to remove?

Although we strongly recommend a full system backup before performing any removal operation on your system, you can be fairly certain that the files that this tool finds are completely safe to remove.  We have spent years researching the subject of temporary files and obsolete data stored by Windows operating systems and have compiled a list of very reliable file types that may be assumed to be “junk or obsolete”.  The files that this tool looks for are by their very nature intended to be removed anyway, yet for some reason were not.  There are various options available as well to ensure that the files found are not being used and/or have not been used recently by any applications.

Adding new and modifying existing file types

Firstly, it should be strongly noted that adding to or editing the existing file types can lead to hazardous results if you are not experienced with such matters.  If you have ANY doubts about your ability to perform such modifications please refrain from doing so – Iolo Technologies, LLC cannot be held responsible for any problematic results that misuse of these functions may cause.

Adding your own file types

If you are knowledgeable of windows file types, you may wish to customize the pre-built list.  Perhaps you own an application that chronically leaves behind junk and obsolete files because of a general untidy nature or frequent crashes or system freezes.  If you know the extension or wildcard filter for the types of files you wish to scan for and remove using this tool, you may add them to the saved list of file types in the following manner:

1)	Select the button labeled “Add” under the “Files to Find” tab.  (If a hint window appears you may read it and select “OK” to close it).

2)	In the box labeled “Extension or name of the file you wish to scan for:”, type the filename extension or wildcard filter (e.g. “*.tmp” without quotes).  Select the button labeled “OK”.

3)	A dialog with a box labeled “Enter a short description for this new file type:” will appear.  In the corresponding box, type a short note to remind you what this file type represents.  (e.g. “Files left behind by PhotoShop”).

Editing existing file types

Again, be sure you are fully familiar with this type of procedure/action before engaging in it.  If you would like to modify an existing displayed file type (either its filter information or its description) you may do so in the following manner:

1)	Select the item that you would like to edit by clicking on it with the mouse.

2)	Select the button labeled “Edit” under the “Files to Find” tab.  A dialog box will appear with the information pertaining to the selected entry.

3)	In the box labeled “Extension or name of the file you wish to scan for:”, you may modify the filename extension or wildcard filter (e.g. “*.tmp” without quotes).  Select the button labeled “OK”.  If you do not wish to modify the existing data, simply select the button labeled “OK”.

4)	A dialog with a box labeled “Enter a short description for this new file type:” will appear.  In the corresponding box, you may modify the existing short note to remind you what this file type represents.  (e.g. “Files left behind by PhotoShop”).

Disabling or removing existing file types

Temporarily excluding listed file types

If you would like to temporarily exclude one or more of the listed file types from being scanned you may simply “uncheck” its corresponding box located to the left of the listed entry.

Permanently removing listed file types

If you decide that you would like to permanently remove one or more of the listed file types from all drive scans you may do so in the following manner:

1)	Select the item that you would like to remove by clicking on it with the mouse.

2)	Select the button labeled “Remove” under the “Files to Find” tab.  A dialog box will appear confirming your decision for permanent removal.

3)	Select the button labeled “Yes” to complete the removal process.

Restoring the default search criteria list

If at any time you would like to revert back to the original list if search criteria, you may select the button labeled “Default” from the “Files to Find” tab.

Please note:  Invoking this option will not keep any changes to your existing list of search criteria.

Return to Junk and Obsolete File Help Topics


Junk and Obsolete Files: Other considerations before scanning

The Junk and Obsolete File Removal tool features several additional options in order to allow you  to flexibly find and remove debris from your system.  These options are found under the “Other Considerations” tab and are described below.

Only find files that have not been accessed in XX days

Using this option you may instruct this tool to “overlook” files that it finds which have been accessed recently.  This provides the cautious user with a way to only find and remove files that s/he is sure have not been utilized in a certain amount of time.  You may activate this option in the following manner:

1)	Make sure that the box labeled “Only find files that have not been accessed in” is checked.

2)	Either use the corresponding up and down arrows to increase or decrease the number of days to specify or manually type a number between 0 and 999 inside this area.

Skip read-only and system files

Windows and other applications sometimes mark files with “read-only” or “system” attributes.  These type of attributes usually designate an important and necessary file that should not be removed.

Using this option you can automatically exclude files with these attributes from any drive scans.  To enable this option make sure that the box labeled “Skip read-only and system files” is checked.  To disable it make sure that the box labeled “Skip read-only and system files” is not checked.

Skip files that are currently being used by their associated application

It is never a good idea to attempt to remove a file that is currently being used by another application.  If you do, you can almost guarantee a crash in the associated application.  Although System Mechanic automatically prevents itself from removing in-use files, you may use this option to prevent them from being listed when a scan is performed.

Find unused files in the Windows "Temporary" folder

All Windows systems have a special place called the “Temporary Folder” where temporary files and data are stored by applications and the operating system.  The files contained in this folder and any subfolders therein can automatically be assumed to be, as the name suggests, temporary.

If you utilize this option, all files contained in the Windows Temporary Folder will be considered candidates for removal.  Utilizing the “Skip read-only and system files” option in conjunction with this option is an excellent way to filter out all files within the temporary folder which are not used anymore and able to removed safely.  To enable this option make sure that the box labeled “Find unused files in the Windows "Temporary" folder” is checked.  To disable it make sure that the box labeled “Find unused files in the Windows "Temporary" folder” is not checked.

Find zero-length files

Zero-length files are created when an application creates a new document or other file but does not place any data within it.  This can happen when you create a new file but forget to save it, or your application or system crashes before your work is saved, etc.  These files literally contain no data and should be able to be safely removed, eliminating clutter from your system.

To enable this option make sure that the box “Find zero-length files” is checked.  To disable it make sure that the box labeled “Find zero-length files” is not checked.

Return to Junk and Obsolete File Help Topics


Junk and Obsolete Files: Removal Options

When you remove files that are found using this tool they are handled according to the selected option under the “Removal” tab.  For more information on these options click here.

Return to Junk and Obsolete File Help Topics


Junk and Obsolete Files: Performing the Scan

Once all of the desired options have been specified you are ready to begin scanning the selected drive(s) for removal-candidate files.

Starting the scan

To start scanning, select the button labeled “Scan”.  During a scan certain visual queues will appear notifying you of the active scan process such as an animated magnifying glass and computer as well as a progress gauge and current folder data in the status bar at the bottom of the window.  The button labeled “Scan” will also rename itself to “Stop”, which may be used during a scan to abort the process.

Aborting an active scan

If during the scanning process you would like to immediately abort and only display the files that have been found thus far, you may select the button labeled “Stop”. Remember that although it may take a moment for this request to be able to processed properly only one click is necessary.

Note that some options will not be accessible whilst the scanning process is taking place - stop the scan or wait until it has finished before accessing these options.

Return to Junk and Obsolete File Help Topics


Junk and Obsolete Files: Using the toolbar to view and remove files

When a scan is complete and removal-candidate files have been found, the file removal toolbar will appear above the area which lists the found files.  This toolbar has a number of functions that enable to you flexibly inspect and remove the displayed files.  The toolbar buttons and their functions are described below:

Remove…

This button can be used in three separate manners to remove displayed files and will remove files in accordance to your specified removal options:

Removing selected files

To select a single file for removal, click on its entry in the file list.  To select multiple files for removal, hold down the Ctrl or Shift keys while selecting multiple entries in the file list.

Once you have selected the files you wish to remove, either select the button labeled “Remove” or select the arrow to the right of the button labeled “Remove” and then select the option labeled “Remove Selected Files”.

Note:  You can press the “Del” key on your keyboard as an equivalent to selecting the button labeled “Remove”.

Removing all files

To remove all listed files, select the arrow to the right of the button labeled “Remove” and then select the option labeled “Remove all listed files”.

QuickView

Using the button labeled “QuickView” you can view the contents of a selected file using the Windows application “QuickView”, which is installed by default.  If you do not have this application installed you can do so in the Windows Control Panel by opening  the “Add/Remove Programs” option and selecting the “Accessories” category under the “Windows Setup” tab.

To use this option, select a displayed file and then select the button labeled “QuickView”.

Note that this option is not available on systems running Windows 2000 or Millennium.

Properties

Using the button labeled “Properties” you can access the Windows standard properties dialog for a selected file.  To use this option, select a displayed file and then select the button labeled “Properties”.  Double-clicking on a selected file produces the same results.

Note that some or all of the options within the toolbar are accessible by right-clicking within the list of displayed items.

Return to Junk and Obsolete File Help Topics


Junk and Obsolete Files: Using the Scheduled Maintenance tool to run this operation automatically

The Industrial Edition of System Mechanic comes with a built-in Scheduled Maintenance tool which allows you to automatically schedule the Junk and Obsolete File Removal functions to take place at given intervals.  Click here for more information.

Return to Junk and Obsolete File Help Topics


Ensuring your personal or company privacy

Help Topics

 Introduction

•	When shoud I use this tool?

 Explanation of General Options

•	Erase “Find Files or Folders” History

•	Erase “Find Computer…” History

•	Erase “Start -> Run…” History

•	Erase “Start -> Documents” History

 Explanation of  Internet History options

•	Erase Internet Cookie Files

•	Erase Internet Cache Information

•	Erase Recently Typed URL List from Browser

 Managing Cookies

 Internet Explorer Specific options

•	Delete Internet cache files when you close Internet Explorer

•	Keep records of visited pages for XX days

 Explanation of America Online options

 Explanation of Other options

 Performing the operation

 Using the Scheduled Maintenance tool to run these operations automatically

Return to System Mechanic Main Help Topics


Privacy: Introduction

Use the Eraser utility to maintain your personal privacy.  Many things that you do with your computer are tracked and stored, and sometimes exposed to prying eyes over the Internet or through other methods without your knowledge. Such things as the web sites you visit, the files you view and download over the Internet, the applications and files you access on your hard drive(s), the programs your run, and many other presumably private actions are automatically tracked and even distributed to other individuals.

You can ensure your privacy and keep sensitive information secure by regularly eliminating the "tracks" that you leave behind.

When should I use this tool?

The best instances to use this tool are the times when you are ready to shut down your computer or leave it unattended for some time.  Using Eraser you can be sure that no one is able to get at any personal information that may have been inadvertently stored on your system or discover what programs you have been using, or where you have been on the Internet.

Return to Privacy Help Topics


Privacy: Explanation of General Options

The General Options tab contains items that relate to your standard Windows environment, which are tracked as you move around and use your computer.

Erase “Find Files or Folders” History

This option will remove the stored list of previous searches located in Windows’ Find… utility, accessed by selecting Start -> Find -> Files or Folders…

Erase “Find Computer…” History

This option will remove the stored list of previous searches located in Windows’ Find: Computer  utility, accessed by selecting Start -> Find -> Computer…

Erase “Start -> Run…” History

This option will remove the stored list of previous applications that have been run using Windows’ command line runner, accessed by selecting Start -> Run…  Note that Eraser will only remove these historical references, not remove the actual files that were run.

Erase “Start -> Documents” History

This option will remove the stored list of previous documents and files that have been accessed.  When you run a file directly or within a program, a link to this file is created in the Start -> Documents.  Note that Eraser will only remove historical references, not remove the actual file that was run.

Return to Privacy Help Topics


Privacy: Explanation of Internet History Options

The Internet History tab contains items that relate to browsing the Internet and are tracked as you visit various sites on the web. These options deal with both Internet Explorer version 3.0 or later and Netscape, version 2.0 or later.

Erase Internet Cookie Files

Related Topics:  Managing Cookies

A cookie is a file sent to you by an Internet site and stored on your computer; it stores information about your identity and preferences when visiting the site.  Sometimes cookie files can contain private information about the places you have been on the Internet and other personal statistics.  Although the original intent of cookies was to speed the process of re-logging on to a web site that you had previously visited, they can also be used for other more dishonorable activities like providing marketing companies with your personal information and preferences such as what products you have purchased over the Internet, what sites you regularly visit, what state or country you live in, etc.  Using the Eraser you can periodically remove the stored information in cookie files from your system, ensuring your privacy on the Internet.  This option deals with Internet Explorer 3.0+ and Netscape 2.0+ files.

Erase Internet Cache Information

As you surf the Internet your browser saves various parts of the web pages you view onto your hard drive in order to speed up the loading process next time you access the site.  After some time, these files can accumulate and occupy a great deal of space on your system, as well as providing prying eyes with a trail of information as to where you have been on the Internet.  Using the Eraser you can conveniently remove these files, clearing the space they occupy and removing the information they expose about your web surfing habits. This option deals with Internet Explorer 3.0+ and Netscape 2.0+ files.

Erase Recently Typed URL List from Browser

When you type an Internet URL into your browser’s window the information is stored so that if you type that same URL at a later date your browser can automatically complete the remainder of the text, or so that you can select this URL from the drop-down box at the top of the browser Although this is helpful at times, it openly reveals which web sites you have recently visited.  Using Eraser you can remove this list of recently typed URL’s. This option deals with Internet Explorer 3.0+ and Netscape 2.0+ files.

Erase History Record Files of Visited Web Pages

Each time you visit a web site, whether you type the site's address into your browser or click on a link that takes you to another website, the name and location of the site is stored by your web browser locally on your hard drive Although this provides a good way to look back at where you have been on the Internet, it is also extremely revealing as to each and every site you have visited - even if you did not intend to go there.  By using this option you can eliminate the "trail of breadcrumbs" left behind by your browsers when you surf the Internet. This option deals with Internet Explorer 3.0+ and Netscape 2.0+ files.

If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer: When cookies and history files are removed from your system the physical data files are deleted, however the main data file (index.dat) for these items may remain intact until Windows is restarted either by rebooting the computer or restarting in DOS mode and returning to Windows.

Return to Privacy Help Topics


Privacy: Explanation of Internet Explorer Specific Options

The Internet Explorer Specific tab contains items that relate specifically to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer™ browser.

Delete Internet cache files when you close Internet Explorer

Select this option if you would like Internet Explorer to automatically erase its Internet cache files each time you close the browser.

Keep records of visited pages for XX days

Use the up and down arrows to select the number days Internet Explorer should save a history of the web pages you visit.  If you select 0 days, Internet Explorer will erase all cache information that is more than 24 hours old.

Return to Privacy Help Topics


Privacy: Explanation of America Online Options

America Online™ sometimes stores information that you access while online locally as cache files.  These files can reveal your patterns of online use as well as many other things about the way you utilize this service.

Erase America Online cache files

This option will search for and remove any cache files that are stored in your America Online folder.

Erase America Online recently typed keyword list

This option will remove the list of recently typed keywords and addressed stored by America Online.

Return to Privacy Help Topics


Privacy: Performing the Operation

To begin Eraser’s operation, select the button labeled “Erase Now”.  When you select this button the status bar at the bottom of the window will update you as to the progress of the operation.  The entire procedure should not take more than 30 seconds at most.

If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer: When cookies and history files are removed from your system the physical data files are deleted, however the main data file (index.dat) for these items may remain intact until Windows is restarted either by rebooting the computer or restarting in DOS mode and returning to Windows.

Return to Privacy Help Topics


Privacy: Using the Scheduled Maintenance tool to run this operation automatically

The Industrial version of System Mechanic comes with a built-in Scheduled Maintenance tool which allows you to automatically schedule the Eraser’s functions to take place at given intervals.  Click here for more information.

Return to Privacy Help Topics


Fixing and removing invalid Windows shortcuts

Fixing or removing invalid shortcut icons Help Topics

 Introduction

 Where to look for invalid shortcuts

•	Scanning entire drives

•	Limiting the scan to your Start Menu

•	Automatically scan for moved shortcut targets option

•	Exclude shortcuts with targets referring to CDROM or network drives

 Scanning for invalid shortcuts

•	Name

•	Target

•	Location

•	Link Description

•	Possible new target location

 Using the toolbar to fix and remove shortcuts

•	Remove…

•	Manually finding moved targets

•	Fixing Invalid Shortcuts

Return to System Mechanic Main Help Topics


Fixing Shortcuts: Introduction

Windows has an excellent feature called shortcuts.  Shortcuts are “links” to files and documents stored in other places on your system.  Your Windows Start Menu is comprised of shortcuts pointing to various files elsewhere on your hard drive(s).  Double-clicking a shortcut automatically opens its corresponding application or document.  Often times, however, the “targets” of these shortcuts are moved or deleted, leaving the shortcut pointing to a file or location that no longer exists.  These orphaned shortcuts can be confusing when they don’t operate properly and can clutter your system with unnecessary files.  System Mechanic provides you with a convenient way to deal with these orphaned files by scanning your system for them, and then optionally looking for the files that they used to link to.  If the previously linked to file still exists on your system you can automatically update the shortcut with the new information, otherwise you can remove it from your system.

Return to Fixing Shortcuts Help Topics


Fixing Shortcuts: Where to look for invalid shortcuts

You have two ways to specify where to look for invalid shortcut files.:

Scanning entire drives

If you would like to scan entire hard drives on your system you can select the checkboxes that correspond with the drives you wish to scan.

Limiting the scan to your Start Menu

If you would only like to scan your Start Menu for orphaned links, select the checkbox labeled “Only scan Start Menu”.  If you would like to remove any Start Menu groups that are empty after cleaning invalid shortcuts from them select the checkbox labeled “Remove empty Start Menu groups after cleaning”.

In addition, there are 2 special options related to scanning for shortcuts:

Automatically scan for moved shortcut targets option

If you would like to automatically scan your drives for the files that are referenced by the invalid shortcuts, check the box labeled “Automatically scan for moved shortcut targets”.  This will automatically populate the column labeled “Possible new target location” on the lower area of the screen when you are scanning or have scanned.

Exclude shortcuts with targets referring to CDROM or network drives

Sometimes you system will contain shortcuts that refer to files contained on CDROM discs or network drives that are not currently available, but still valid. An application that requires its CD to be inserted before running is a good example of this. Shortcuts like these should be skipped by System Mechanic for reliability purposes.

Return to Fixing Shortcuts Help Topics


Fixing Shortcuts: Removal options

When you remove a shortcut the file is handled according to the selected option under the “Removal” tab.  For more information on these options click here.

Return to Fixing Shortcuts Help Topics


Fixing Shortcuts: Performing the Scan

To being scanning for invalid shortcuts select the button labeled “Scan”.  Shortcuts that are found to be invalid will be placed in the lower area of the screen which provides the following information:

Name

This provides you with the name assigned to the shortcut when it was created.

Target

The target is the file that the shortcut will attempt to launch when it is “run”.

Location

Location is the physical place on the hard drive where the shortcut file is kept.

Link Description

Link description is the description information that is optionally included with the shortcut when it is created.

Possible new target location

If and when you scan your drives for moved shortcut targets, this column contains the best found target matches for the displayed invalid shortcuts.

Return to Fixing Shortcuts Help Topics


Fixing Shortcuts: Using the toolbar to fix and remove shortcuts

When a scan is complete and any invalid shortcuts located, the fix/remove toolbar will appear above the area which lists those detected invalid shortcuts.  This toolbar has a number of functions that enable you to flexibly fix or remove the displayed items.  The toolbar buttons and their functions are described below:

Remove…

This button can be used in three separate manners to remove displayed shortcuts and will remove files in accordance to your specified removal options:

Removing selected shortcuts

To select a single shortcut for removal, click on its entry in the file list.  To select multiple shortcuts for removal, hold down the Ctrl or Shift keys while selecting multiple entries in the file list.

Once you have selected the shortcuts you wish to remove, either select the button labeled “Remove” or select the arrow to the right of the button labeled “Remove” and then select the option labeled “Remove Selected Shortcuts”.

Note:  You can press the “Del” key on your keyboard as an equivalent to selecting the button labeled “Remove”.

Removing all shortcuts

To remove all listed shortcuts, select the arrow to the right of the button labeled “Remove” and then select the option labeled “Remove all broken shortcuts”.

Manually finding moved targets

If you do not select the “automatically scan for moved targets” option before you scan, you can perform a manual search for the missing targets after the scan is complete.  To do this, select the button labeled “Find Targets”.

If you would like to browse for the shortcut’s original target and re-assign it manually, select the shortcut for which you would like to search for a target and then select the arrow to the right of the button labeled “Find Targets”, and finally, select the option labeled “Browse for selected shortcut target”. Double-clicking or pressing Enter on a displayed shortcut produces the same effect.

Fixing Invalid Shortcuts

If, having scanned your system (see "Manually finding moved targets" above) and found valid targets for some or all of the displayed invalid shortcuts, you can optionally update the shortcut file(s) with the new information.

Fixing selected shortcuts

To fix a single selected shortcut, click on its entry in the file list.  To select multiple shortcuts for removal, hold down the Ctrl or Shift keys while selecting multiple entries in the file list.

Once you have selected the shortcuts you wish to fix, either select the button labeled “Fix Shortcuts” or select the arrow to the right of the button labeled “Fix Shortcuts” and then select the option labeled “Fix Selected Shortcuts”.

Fixing all shortcuts

To fix all listed shortcuts for which a valid corresponding target has been found, select the arrow to the right of the button labeled “Fix Shortcuts” and then select the option labeled “Fix all shortcuts”.

Note that some or all of these options are accessible by right clicking in the displayed shortcuts area.

Return to Fixing Shortcuts Help Topics


Removing invalid uninstaller information

Introduction

Many applications when installed place an entry in the "Add/Remove Programs” applet accessible in your Windows Control Panel.  These entries usually reference a physical uninstallation file located somewhere on your system. Sometimes, by either manually deleting applications, from untidy uninstallation routines, or from system crashes, the information that these entries reference, whether it be a file or other data, no longer exists and results in an error when the corresponding entry is utilized in the “Add/Remove Programs” area.  Sometimes it is very difficult or impossible to remove these orphaned entries manually.

System Mechanic provides you with a tool to easily and automatically scan your system for these invalid entries and then optionally remove their references from the Control Panel.

When you first start this tool it automatically scans for invalid uninstaller entries and lists them in its window. Information about the entries is displayed to allow you to decide whether to keep them or remove them from your system.

Program Description

This column provides you with information about the program that is referenced.  Most of the time this information is sufficient enough to allow you to discern which application was originally referenced by the entry.

Internal Name

The internal name column displays information “internal” (meaning for its eyes only) to the application referenced.  This information may shed some light on which original application is being referenced if the Program Description column is not sufficient.

Uninstaller

The Uninstaller column contains the path and filename of the original program that was to be used to uninstall the referenced entry.  The path to this uninstaller program may again provide you with more information as to which application was originally being referenced by this entry.

Removing a Displayed Entry

If you have decided that a displayed entry is invalid, simply highlighting it and then selecting the button labeled "Remove" will delete it from the Control Panel’s “Add/Remove Programs” applet display.

Opening an Entry’s Location

There may be times when you would like to open (in Explorer) the folder location of a listed entry in order to inspect the contents thereof.  To open an listed item’s location in Explorer, select the item listed and then select the button labeled “Open Location”.  Please note that if the folder location does not exist you will not be able to open it an will be notified thereof by a corresponding message.

Executing an Item

There may be times when you would like to manually test a listed item’s validity by attempting to execute its command-line.  To do this, select the item from the list and then select the button labeled “Execute Item”.  If the item is indeed invalid, no action will take place.

Viewing all vs. Only invalid items

Select the button labeled “View All” to list all of the items that Windows has stored regarding the automatic uninstallation of applications (instead of just invalid items).  The button’s caption will then change to “View Invalid”, and can subsequently be used to filter the list of items to only those that System Mechanic has deemed invalid.

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Finding and removing duplicate files

Warning: This tool is intended to search your system for duplicate files.  Not all (and possibly not most) of the files that are found are candidates for removal.  Be sure to carefully scrutinize each set of duplicate files before making the decision to remove any of them.  It is always recommended that you have a current backup of your system before performing any intensive operations such as contained in the Duplicate Files tool.

Finding and Removing Duplicate Files Help Topics

 Introduction

 Selecting drives to scan

 Selecting files to look at

•	All files

•	Restricting your search to specified files

•	Adding new and modifying existing file types

•	Disabling or removing existing file types

 Folders to scan

•	All folders

•	Restricting your search to specified folders

•	Disabling or removing existing folder locations

 Excluding files and folders

•	Adding and modifying excluded folder locations

•	Disabling or removing existing excluded folder locations

•	Adding and modifying excluded file names

•	Disabling or removing existing excluded file names

 Find Options

•	Requirements for duplicate matches

•	Advanced Options

 Removal Options

 Performing the Scan

 Intelligently inspecting and removing duplicate files using the toolbar

•	Remove

•	QuickView

•	Properties

•	Exclude Folder

 Exiting and returning later to finish working with duplicates

Return to System Mechanic Main Help Topics


Duplicate Files: Introduction

One of the most common technical support issues with computer software and hardware companies today is this problem of duplicate driver files.  Duplicate files are also one of the major causes of diminishing hard drive space.

Duplicate files can begin appearing in your system for a number of reasons, and can have a number of detrimental results aside from wasting your drive space.  Various applications may install the same driver files, dll’s, ocx’s (activeX controls), etc. in numerous different locations on your system, or you may copy or download the same files into different folders on your system without knowing it.  Sometimes the only result of this is wasted hard drive space, but many times, if there are a number of different copies of the same driver or other vital system file, your system can become confused as to which file to use and may even crash or lock up sporadically causing loss of data or other disastrous results.

Using System Mechanic you can easily find and remove duplicates of the same file before they cause havoc with your system.

Return to Duplicate File Help Topics


Duplicate Files: Selecting Drives to Scan

The first step to perform before scanning for duplicates is to decide which hard drives you would like to consider “possible areas” where duplicate files may exist.  Start by checking the boxes next to the corresponding drives listed in the “Drive(s) to Scan” tab.  It’s generally a good idea to leave out CDROM, network, and floppy drives.

Return to Duplicate File Help Topics


Duplicate Files: Files to look at

The next step to beginning a scan for duplicate files after selecting the drives to scan is to select what types of files you wish to consider for duplicate matches.

All files

By default, this tool looks at all files on the selected drive(s), however, you can restrict this to certain files and or file types by utilizing the file filtering system, located under the “Files” tab.

Restricting your search to specified files

To restrict the search for duplicates to certain files and file types, start by selecting the option under the “Files” tab labeled “Files Named”. Selecting this option will reveal a list of default file filters which have been found to either be the most commonly found types of duplicate files, or are known to cause the most serious system problems if duplicate copies exist on your system.  The list of default file types is described below:

Executables

Executables, recognized by the “.exe” extension are file types which represent applications that you run, such as System Mechanic, Notepad, Calculator, etc.  Often, there it is necessary and desirable to only have one copy of a specific executable on your system to prevent confusion.

Dynamic Link Libraries

Dynamic Link Libraries or “DLL’s” have the “.dll” extension and represent files that contain functions and other vital information which Windows itself, as well as other programs, access and use.  Some very hazardous results can occur if there are multiple copies of same-named, but different version DLL’s on your system, especially if more than one file is accessible in the Windows search path (the folders that Windows automatically looks for files in).  It is highly recommended that any duplicate DLL’s are sorted out of your system in order to ensure reliability.

ActiveX Controls

ActiveX controls are very similar to DLL’s (see above) and carry the same risk of hazardous results if multiple copies are resident on your system.

Text Files

Text files store text-based information and are usually created with a simply text-editor such as Windows Notepad™.  Many times these files are inadvertently copied to multiple locations on your hard drive during backups or other file transport procedures.  It is usually a good idea to keep only one “live” copy of any document on your system for organizational purposes.

Documents

Documents with the “.doc” extension are created by word processors such as Microsoft Word™.  Again, it is usually a good idea to make sure that only one “live” copy of a document is on your system for organizational purposes.

Web Documents

Files with the “.htm” or “.html” extensions are Hypertext Markup Language files which are read by your web browser as web “pages”. Sometimes multiple copies of the same page are stored on your system when you visit a web site more than once.

Picture Files

Files with the “.bmp”, “.jpg” , “.jpeg” or , “.gif” extensions are picture files.   Many times picture files occupy a great deal of space, making it desirable to remove duplicate copies of the same picture file from your system in order to conserve storage space.

Adding new and modifying existing file types

Firstly, it should be strongly noted that adding to or editing the existing file types can lead to damaging results if you are not experienced with such matters. If you have ANY doubts about your ability to perform such modifications please refrain from doing so – Iolo Technologies, LLC cannot be held responsible for any problematic results that misuse of these functions may cause.

Adding new file types

If you are experienced with windows file types, you may wish to customize the pre-built list.  You may add new file extensions and wildcard filters to the saved list of file types in the following manner:

1)	Select the button labeled “Add” under the “Files” tab.  (If a hint window appears you may read it and select “OK” to close it).

2)	In the box labeled “Extension or name of the file you wish to scan for:”, type the filename extension or wildcard filter (e.g. “*.pst” without quotes).  Select the button labeled “OK”.

3)	A dialog with a box labeled “Enter a short description for this new file type:” will appear.  In the corresponding box, type a short note to remind you what this file type represents.  (e.g.  “PhotoShop Picture Files”).

Editing existing file types

Again, be sure you are fully familiar with this type of procedure/action before engaging in it.  If you would like to modify an existing displayed file type (either its filter information or its description) you may do so in the following manner:

1)	Select the item that you would like to edit by clicking on it with the mouse.

2)	Select the button labeled “Edit” under the “Files” tab.  A dialog box will appear with the information pertaining to the selected entry.

3)	In the box labeled “Extension or name of the file you wish to scan for:”, you may modify the filename extension or wildcard filter (e.g. “*.pst” without quotes).  Select the button labeled “OK”.  If you do not wish to modify the existing data, simply select the button labeled “OK”.

4)	A dialog with a box labeled “Enter a short description for this new file type:” will appear.  In the corresponding box, you may modify the existing short note to remind you what this file type represents.  (e.g. “PhotoShop Picture Files”).

Disabling or removing existing file types

Temporarily excluding listed file types

If you would like to temporarily exclude one or more of the listed file types from being scanned you may simply “uncheck” its corresponding box located to the left of the listed entry.

Permanently removing listed file types

If you decide that you would like to permanently remove one or more of the listed file types from all drive scans you may do so in the following manner:

1)	Select the item that you would like to remove by clicking on it with the mouse.

2)	Select the button labeled “Remove” under the “Files” tab.  A dialog box will appear confirming your decision for permanent removal.

3)	Select the button labeled “Yes” to complete the removal process.

Return to Duplicate File Help Topics


Duplicate Files: Folders to scan

After you have chosen which file types you would like to look for, you’ll need to specify within which folders you would like to run the search.

All folders

By default, all folders on the selected drive(s) are scanned, however, you can restrict this to certain folders and or folder names by utilizing the folder filtering system, located under the "Folders" tab.

Restricting your search to specified folders

Some folders are more prone to containing duplicate than others.  The main Windows folders: “c:\windows\” and “c:\windows\system\” are probably the most important folders to be free of duplicate files, yet are two of the most common locations where duplicate files manifest themselves as well as their hazardous results.  To restrict the search for duplicates to certain folders, start by selecting the option under the “Folders” tab labeled “Folders Named”. Selecting this option will allow you to set up a list of one or more folders in which you suspect duplicate files exist, and then restrict your scan to those folders only.

Adding new folder names

If you would like to add a folder in which to scan for duplicate files you may do so in the following manner:

1)	Select the button labeled “Add” under the “Folders” tab.  (If a hint window appears you may read it and select “OK” to close it).

2)	In the Window named “Select Directory”, browse for the folder you would like to add and select it.  Finally, select the button labeled “OK”.

3)	A dialog with a box labeled “Enter a short description for this folder:” will appear.  In the corresponding box, type a short note to remind you what this folder location represents.

Editing existing folder names

If you would like to modify an existing displayed folder name (either its location or its description) you may do so in the following manner:

1)	Select the item that you would like to edit by clicking on it with the mouse.

2)	Select the button labeled “Edit” under the “Folders” tab.  A dialog box will appear with the information pertaining to the selected entry.

3)	If you would like to edit the existing folder location, browse for the folder you would like to add and select it from the Window named “Select Directory”.  Finally, select the button labeled “OK”.

4)	A dialog with a box labeled “Enter a short description for this folder:” will appear.  In the corresponding box, type a short note to remind you what this folder location represents.

Disabling or removing existing folder locations

Temporarily excluding listed folder locations

If you would like to temporarily exclude one or more of the listed folder locations from being considered during the scan you may simply “uncheck” its corresponding box located to the left of the listed entry.

Permanently removing listed folder locations

If you decide that you would like to permanently remove one of the folder locations from consideration you may do so in the following manner:

1)	Select the item that you would like to remove by clicking on it with the mouse.

2)	Select the button labeled “Remove”.  A dialog box will appear confirming your decision for permanent removal.

3)	Select the button labeled “Yes” to complete the removal process.

Return to Duplicate File Help Topics


Duplicate Files: Excluding files and folders

There may be situations where you know about certain files or folders which are or contain duplicate files which are intentional valid copies of the same file.  You can exclude these files and/or folders from duplicate file searches in order to better organize the removal process using the following options.

Adding and modifying excluded folder locations

Adding excluded folder names

If you would like to exclude a folder that is not currently displayed within the Excluded Folders list you may do so in the following manner:

1)	Select the button labeled “Add Folder” under the “Exclusions” tab.  (If a hint window appears you may read it and select “OK” to close it).

2)	In the Window named “Select Directory”, browse for the folder you would like to exclude and select it by double-clicking.  Finally, select the button labeled “OK”.

3)	A dialog with a box labeled “Enter a short description for this folder:” will appear.  In the corresponding box, type a short note to remind you what this folder location represents.

Editing existing excluded folder names

If you would like to modify an existing displayed folder name (either its location or its description) you may do so in the following manner:

1)	Select the item that you would like to edit by clicking on it with the mouse.

2)	Select the button labeled “Edit” under the “Folders” tab.  A dialog box will appear with the information pertaining to the selected entry.

3)	If you would like to edit the existing folder location, browse for the folder you would like to exclude and select it from the Window named “Select Directory” by double-clicking with your mouse.  Finally, select the button labeled “OK”.

4)	A dialog with a box labeled “Enter a short description for this folder:” will appear.  In the corresponding box, type a short note to remind you what this folder location represents.

Disabling or removing existing excluded folder locations

Temporarily disabling listed excluded folder locations

If you would like to temporarily disable one or more of the listed excluded folder locations from being considered during the scan you may simply “uncheck” its corresponding box located to the left of the listed entry.

Permanently removing listed excluded folder locations

If you decide that you would like to permanently remove one of the excluded folder locations from consideration you may do so in the following manner:

1)	Select the item that you would like to remove by clicking on it with the mouse.

2)	Select the button labeled “Remove”.  A dialog box will appear confirming your decision for permanent removal.

3)	Select the button labeled “Yes” to complete the removal process.

Adding and modifying excluded file names

Adding new file types to exclude

You may add new file extensions and wildcard filters to exclude from the search in the following manner:

1)	Select the button labeled “Add File” under the “Exclusions” tab.  (If a hint window appears you may read it and select “OK” to close it).

2)	In the box labeled “Extension or name of the file you wish to scan for:”, type the filename extension or wildcard filter (e.g. “*.pst” without quotes).  Select the button labeled “OK”.

3)	A dialog with a box labeled “Enter a short description for this new file type:” will appear.  In the corresponding box, type a short note to remind you what this file type represents.  (e.g.  “PhotoShop Picture Files”).

Editing existing file types

If you would like to modify an existing displayed excluded file type (either its filter information or its description) you may do so in the following manner:

1)	Select the item that you would like to edit by clicking on it with the mouse.

2)	Select the button labeled “Edit” under the “Exclusions” tab.  A dialog box will appear with the information pertaining to the selected entry.

3)	In the box labeled “Extension or name of the file you wish to scan for:”, you may modify the filename extension or wildcard filter (e.g. “*.pst” without quotes).  Select the button labeled “OK”.  If you do not wish to modify the existing data, simply select the button labeled “OK”.

4)	A dialog with a box labeled “Enter a short description for this new file type:” will appear.  In the corresponding box, you may modify the existing short note to remind you what this file type represents.  (e.g. “PhotoShop Picture Files”).

Disabling or removing existing excluded file names

Temporarily disabling listed excluded file types

If you would like to temporarily disable one or more of the listed excluded file types from being considered you may simply “uncheck” its corresponding box located to the left of the listed entry.

Permanently removing listed excluded file types

If you decide that you would like to permanently remove one or more of the listed excluded file types from all drive scans you may do so in the following manner:

1)	Select the item that you would like to remove by clicking on it with the mouse.

2)	Select the button labeled “Remove” under the “Exclusions” tab.  A dialog box will appear confirming your decision for permanent removal.

3)	Select the button labeled “Yes” to complete the removal process.

Return to Duplicate File Help Topics


Duplicate Files: Find Options

The items under the “Find Options” tab are utilized to specify the criteria used to determine whether two files are duplicates.  The following options are available and described below:

Requirements for duplicate matches

Same date and time

Two files with the same date and time would have been created exactly simultaneously.  This is an excellent item of insight as to whether two files are duplicates.  99% of all files that have the same date and time (unless they contain manually altered dates and times) are the same file altogether.

Same name

Two or more files with the same name is a good indicator of duplicates, however this option should be used with another of the three if true duplicate matching is necessary, as it is quite possible that two totally unrelated files may exist with the same name which are not duplicates.  This option alone provides very loose matching, and is unneeded if one or more of the other more stringent options are used, however, it can be very useful alone to search for multiple versions of the same files (namely DLL’s and OCX’s).

Same Size

For true duplicate matching, same size is a must.  This option compares file sizes down to the byte level for extra accuracy.  It is very probable that two or more files that are exactly the same size are duplicates of each other.

Advanced Options

Use floppy drive contents as master file list

This option can be used if you would like to fill a floppy disk with certain files you wish to look for on the specified hard drives.  This tool will scan the inserted floppy disk for files and then search for the same files on all of the selected drives.

Skip SYSBCKUP folders

The SYSBCKUP folder is a folder kept by Windows which contains backup copies of some vital Windows files and information.  This folder will always contain legitimate duplicates of files found elsewhere in your system, and thus can be safely excluded from the scan if desired.

Skip Windows Virtual Folders

Windows virtual folders are “non-physical” folders that contain indexing information to other data.  Such folders are the Windows “My Briefcase” folder, the “Recycle Bin” folder, etc.   Since files are not handled in a standard way in these folders, they will never yield valid results and can therefore be safely excluded from the scan if desired.

Skip Zero Length Files

If zero length files are not skipped by default and only the “Same Size” criteria for duplicates is used, all files with zero lengths will appear to be duplicates.  You can exclude zero-length files from the scan altogether using this option.

Return to Duplicate File Help Topics


Duplicate Files: Removal options

When you remove a duplicate, the file is handled according to the selected option under the “Removal” tab.  For more information on these options click here.

Warning:  Not all (and possibly not most) of the files that are found are candidates for removal.  Be sure to carefully scrutinize each set of duplicate files before making the decision to remove any of them.  It is always recommended that you have a current backup of your system before performing any intensive operations such as contained in System Mechanic.

Return to Duplicate File Help Topics


Duplicate Files: Performing the Scan

Once all of the desired options have been specified you are ready to begin scanning the selected drive(s) for duplicate-candidate files.

Starting the scan

To start scanning, select the button labeled “Scan”.  During a scan certain visual queues will appear notifying you of the active scan process such as an animated magnifying glass and computer as well as a progress gauge and current folder data in the status bar at the bottom of the window.  The button labeled “Scan” will also rename itself to “Stop”, which may be used during a scan to abort the process.

Aborting an active scan

If during the scanning process you would like to immediately abort and only display the files that have been found thus far, you may select the button labeled “Stop”.  Remember that although it may take a moment for this request to be able to processed properly, only one click is necessary.

Note that some options will not be accessible whilst the scanning process is taking place - stop the scan or wait until it has finished before accessing these options.

Displayed Duplicate File Groups

Upon completion of the scan, the data collected is analyzed and the found duplicate file groups are displayed in the file list - the area at the bottom of the window.  Each new duplicate file group begins with a red arrow and the words “--- Duplicate File Group --- “.  The end of a duplicate file group is specified using a blank row in the file list area.

Return to Duplicate File Help Topics


Duplicate Files: Using the toolbar to view and remove duplicate files

Warning:  Not all (and possibly not most) of the files that are found are candidates for removal.  Be sure to carefully scrutinize each set of duplicate files before making the decision to remove any of them.  It is always recommended that you have a current backup of your system before performing any intensive operations such as contained in the Duplicate Files tool.

When duplicate-candidate files have been found, the file inspection and removal toolbar will appear above the area which lists the found files.  This toolbar has a number of functions that enable to you flexibly manipulate the displayed files.  The toolbar buttons and their functions are described below:

Remove…

Removing selected files

Please note: Files marked with a red exclamation mark are files that could possibly be critical to your system.  Please only remove these files after careful and thorough inspection.

To select a single file for removal, click on its entry in the file list.  To select multiple files for removal, hold down the Ctrl or Shift keys while selecting multiple entries in the file list.

Once you have selected the files you wish to remove, either select the button labeled “Remove” or press the “Del” on your keyboard to remove the selected files.

If after removal there is only one file left in the duplicate group, the corresponding group will be removed from view , leaving one existing master file on your system.

QuickView

Using the button labeled “QuickView” you can view the contents of a selected file using the Windows application “QuickView”, which is installed during a default Windows installation.  If you do not have this application installed you can do so in the Windows Control Panel by opening  the “Add/Remove Programs” option and selecting the “Accessories” category under the “Windows Setup” tab.

To use this option, select a displayed file and then select the button labeled “QuickView”.

Properties

Using the button labeled “Properties” you can access the Windows standard properties dialog for a selected file.  To use this option, select a displayed file and then select the button labeled “Properties”.  Double-clicking on a selected file produces the same results.

Exclude Folder

Using the button labeled “Exclude Folder” you can automatically add a selected file’s folder location to your list of excluded folder locations (see Excluding Folders for more details).

Return to Duplicate File Help Topics


Duplicate Files: Exiting and returning later to finish working with duplicates

System Mechanic’s duplicate file tool automatically saves the list of duplicates that you were last working with each time you exit it.  When you return to the tool, you will have the option of loading the previously found list of duplicate files in order to continue working with them if desired.

Return to Duplicate File Help Topics


Cleaning your system registry

Registry Cleaner Help Topics

 Introduction

 Options before you scan

•	Location to Scan

•	Other options

 Saving and restoring undo information

•	Adjusting the number of undo levels

•	Restoring changes made to the registry

•	Discarding undo items

 Backing up the registry (not applicable under Windows NT or 2000)

•	Performing a complete backup of your registry

•	Restoring from a previously saved backup

 Performing the Scan

 Removing invalid entries

Return to System Mechanic Main Help Topics


Registry Cleaner: Introduction

Over time, the database that Windows and other applications use to store information (the “Registry”) can begin to hold data that is no longer valid or has become obsolete.  Such information can range from a reference to a file that no longer exists, to a driver that Windows is attempting to load each time you start your machine. This invalid data eventually begins to clutter your Registry, slowing Windows down and causing other possible problems.

The Registry Cleaner Tool in System Mechanic will cleanup and streamline your Registry by finding and removing these invalid data references.

Return to Registry Cleaner Help Topics


Registry Cleaner: Scan Options

When you open the Registry Cleaner Tool you will notice a number of options available to you in order to allow you to manipulate the way that the tool will scan your registry.  These options are described below:

Location to Scan

The keys to scan options designate the various areas in your Registry that will be scanned when looking for invalid data.  It is not extremely important that you understand exactly what these options mean, however the following is a brief explanation:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER

This area of the registry holds information about the currently logged in user.  Under Windows NT, this information dynamically changes, depending on who is logged onto the machine.  Under other Windows operating systems, this data usually remains the same no matter who is logged in.

HKEY_USERS

This area of the registry holds information about users that have been configured for the particular machine.  The information in this area of the registry is usually used under Windows NT a great deal more than it is under other Windows operating systems.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

This area of the registry holds information that remains constant, no matter who is logged into the machine.

Invalid shared DLL's

The registry holds information about shared dynamic link libraries (DLL’s).  If this option is checked, any references to these types of files which no longer exist will be reported.

Virtual Device Drivers

Virtual Device Drivers are files that Windows loads into memory when it starts up in order to support specific hardware or software that is installed on your system.  Common symptoms of having invalid device drivers include messages upon startup similar to:  “The following file was not able to be found...This file is either referenced in your Registry or your Win.ini...  You should either remove this reference or reinstall this file’s associated application...”.

Bad Font References

The registry stores information about all of the fonts that are installed on your system.  If a font file is removed without updating the registry, Windows may allocate memory for this nonexistent file upon startup thereby decreasing system resources and performance.  If this option is checked, invalid references to fonts will be reported.

Invalid File Associations

File associations tell Windows which applications handle which types of documents.  For example, if you save a Microsoft Word document and then re-open it by double-clicking the file, Windows knows -- via its file association – that Microsoft Word is supposed to open it.  Sometimes files associations are created, and the associated application is deleted or moved, creating errors when its previously associated documents are opened.  If this option is checked, any file associations that are missing their associated “handler” application will be reported.

Other options

Exclude references to CD-ROM or network drives

If this option is checked, the Registry Cleaner Tool will ignore any references that have data pointing to files or folders located on CD-ROM’s or network drives.  This is useful if your registry contains references to files or folders on network drives or CD-ROM’s that are not currently accessible.

Return to Registry Cleaner Help Topics


Registry Cleaner: Backing up and restoring your registry (not applicable under Windows NT)
Registry Cleaner: Backing up and restoring your registry (not applicable under Windows NT or 2000)

It is always a good idea to perform a backup of any vital data before manipulating it.  In order to save or restore your Registry files to or from a backup you may utilize the options located under the “Backup / Restore” tab as described below:

Perform Complete Registry Backup Now

By selecting this button the Registry Cleaner Tool will allow you to save a copy of your complete registry information which may be restored at a later date if desired.  To backup your registry use the following steps:

1. 	Select the button labeled “Perform Complete Registry Backup Now”

2. 	You will be prompted with a window that asks for a filename and location to save to.  We suggest keeping the default location, however you may name the backup file anything you wish, and there may be times when you wish to keep several backup copies of the registry under various names.

3. 	Select the button labeled “Save” to complete the backup process.

Restore From a Backup File

By selecting this option you can re-import a previously saved backup copy of your registry data.  To restore a previously saved copy of your registry follow the steps below:

1. 	Select the button labeled “Restore From a Backup File”

2. 	You should see a list of the registry backup files you have previously saved.  Select the file you wish to restore from this list.  If you do not see a list of files, browse to the location on your system that you stored them originally when backing up and select them from there.

3. 	Select the button labeled “Open” to complete the restoration process.

Return to Registry Cleaner Help Topics


Registry Cleaner: Performing the Scan

Once all of the desired options have been specified you are ready to begin scanning your Registry for invalid data.

Starting the scan

To start scanning, select the button labeled “Scan Registry”.  During a scan several visual queues will appear notifying you of the active scan process such as an animated magnifying glass and computer as well as a current registry location data in the status bar at the bottom of the window.  The button labeled “Scan Registry” will also rename itself to “Stop”, which may be used during a scan to abort the process.

Aborting an active scan

If during the scanning process you would like to immediately abort and only display the data that has been found thus far, you may select the button labeled “Stop”.  Remember that although it may take a moment for this request to be able to processed properly only one click is necessary.

Note that some options will not be accessible whilst the scanning process is taking place - stop the scan or wait until it has finished before accessing these options.

Return to Registry Cleaner Help Topics


Registry Cleaner: Examining Displayed References

Following a scan where invalid references were discovered, the data will be displayed in the area at the bottom of the screen.  There are several columns in this area which contain information about the displayed data.  They are described as follows:

Registry Key

This column contains the information about where exactly in the registry the invalid information was found.  If you are not familiar with the way the Registry stores information, consider this the equivalent of a folder location in Windows.

Last Modification

This column contains information, if any, regarding the time and date that the displayed data was last modified.  Most of the time you will see something obscure such as “01/01/1601 12:00AM” or the equivalent, which means that there was no current modification data for this entry.

Key

The “Key” column indicates the exact Registry key where the invalid information was found.  If you are not familiar with the way the Registry stores information, consider this the equivalent of a file in Windows.  This information itself may be the invalid data being reported if, for example it contains the name of a file that does not exist.

Invalid Reference Value

This column is where you will most likely find the invalid data being reported.  This is the data that is being stored by the Key that is contained within the full registry key path (as described above). Most of the time an invalid reference is data within this area that is specifying a file or folder which does not exists.

Return to Registry Cleaner Help Topics


Registry Cleaner: Removing invalid entries

Removing selected entries

To select a single entry for removal, select it from the reference list.  To select multiple entries for removal, hold down the Ctrl or Shift keys while selecting them in the reference list.

Once you have selected the entries you wish to remove, either select the button labeled “Remove” or select the arrow to the right of the button labeled “Remove” and then select the option labeled “Remove Selected Entries”.

Note:  You can press the “Del” key on your keyboard as an equivalent to selecting the button labeled “Remove”.

Removing all entries

To remove all listed entries, select the arrow to the right of the button labeled “Remove” and then select the option labeled “Remove all entries”.

Return to Registry Cleaner Help Topics


Managing startup applications

Windows Startup Manager Help Topics

 Introduction

 Toggling Expert Mode

 Your list of startup applications

•	Status

•	Program Name

•	Command Line

•	Location

•	StartUp Item Legend

 Changing an item's state

•	Disabling Items

•	Re-Enabling Items

 Adding new and editing existing startup items

•	Adding new startup items

 Permanently removing startup items

 Connecting to a remote computer’s startup via a network

 Saving and loading StartUp Profiles

Return to System Mechanic Main Help Topics


StartUp Manager: Introduction

When you turn on your computer certain applications, drivers, and services are automatically started at the beginning of each Windows session.   The information that tells Windows to automatically start these items can be located in a number of places, ranging from a program group on your Start Menu, to certain initialization files that are looked at when Windows starts, to one of many places in the system Registry.  The Windows StartUp manager tool empowers you with the extremely useful ability to centrally manage all of these items using one single interface.  Using the Windows StartUp manager you can easily add to, remove, edit, disable, and enable any and all of these “startup items” in order to keep your system’s boot-up process as fast and efficient as possible.

One of the first things many professional computer technicians will do when diagnosing a problematic computer system attempt is to figure out what is being loaded at the beginning of each Windows session.  Knowing what is automatically being loaded and remaining in memory is one of the first key pieces of information to explore whenever a computer system is having trouble operating properly.  Often, by simply disabling or removing certain things that are loaded at startup, problems and conflicts can be resolved.  Using System Mechanic’s Windows StartUp manager you can do all of this and more.

Return to Startup Manager Help Topics


StartUp Manager: Your list of startup applications

When you initially load the StartUp Manager it displays all of items that are automatically being loaded each time windows starts (see also Toggling Expert Mode).  These items are described using various columns at the top of the area where they are displayed.  The information these columns represent is discussed below:

Status | Program Name  | Command Line | Location | StartUp Item Legend

Status

The “Status” column tells you whether the corresponding item is actively being loaded when Windows starts or not.  A green checkmark represents an “on” state (the item is being loaded), and a red circle with a diagonal line through it represents an “off” state (the item is not being loaded but is still able to be toggled back to “on” if desired).

Program Name

The “Program Name” column represents the name or description of the item that is being loaded.  This information may not always be available to System Mechanic, may have been stored inaccurately by the original program that created the item, or may be an indecipherable “code” only meant to be seen by the program that originally created the entry.  Nonetheless, this information in conjunction with the other displayed information such as command line usually gives a savvy user a very good idea about what exactly the startup item is.

Command Line

The “Command Line” column represents the path and filename that corresponds to the item that is being loaded during startup.  Often this information will give you a good idea as to the nature of the startup item.

Location

The “Location” column represents the area of your system that is telling Windows to automatically load this item on startup.  There are several places that this information can be stored; they are described below:

StartUp Folder

The StartUp Folder is located under your Start Menu in a program group named “StartUp”.  Any items located in the StartUp Folder are represented by a corresponding shortcut icon within this program group.  The physical location of the StartUp Group is usually directly under the Windows folder, within the “Start Menu” folder.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Run

Startup items stored in this location of your registry are automatically started when the current user only is logged in.  On systems with multiple user accounts, this information may change depending on who is logged in, however this is most applicable on systems connected to a network and most prevalent under Windows NT.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\RunOnce

Startup items stored in this location are handled exactly the same as the previous location, except that items are only run one time and then automatically removed.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Run

Startup items stored in this location of your registry are automatically started each Windows session no matter who is logged in.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\RunOnce

Startup items stored in this location are handled exactly the same as the previous location, except that items are only run one time and then automatically removed from the list of startup items.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\RunOnceEx

Startup items stored in this location of your registry are automatically started each Windows session no matter who is logged in.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\RunServices

Startup items stored in this location of your registry are automatically started as “Services” (most applicable under Windows NT), which are programs intended to start before any other programs are loaded and to continue running even after the system is “locked”.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\RunServicesOnce

Startup items stored in this location of your registry are automatically started as “Services”, but only started once and then removed from the list of startup items automatically.  Services, which are most applicable under Windows NT, are programs intended to start before any other programs are loaded and to continue running even after the system is “locked”.

Win.ini

The “Win.ini” file is an initialization file that stores configuration data for your system and is processed at the beginning of each Windows session.  Within this file are two sections where applications can be added in order to have then automatically load when Windows starts.  Both the “Load” and “Run” sections operate in basically the same way as far as this tool’s purpose is concerned:  They store a path and filename which is interpreted by Windows as instructions to launch that file upon startup.

All User’s StartUp Folder

Windows NT and 2000 contain a special folder for startup files that instructs the operating system to load these items when Windows boots, regardless of who is logged into the machine.  Any files, documents, or applications placed in the All Users’ StartUp Folder will be subject to these conditions and load independently of the current user.

Config.sys

Under Windows 95, 98, and Me, Config.sys is a small file usually located on the root folder of your bootable drive (or drive partition).  It contains rudimentary startup and driver information that is processed before Windows begins loading.  Any items placed in this file must be applicable to the Windows 95/98/Me pre-load process or they will be ignored.  The Config.sys file is processed before the Autoexec.bat file described below.

Autoexec.bat

Under Windows 95, 98, and Me, Autoexec.bat is a small file usually located on the root folder of your bootable drive (or drive partition).  It contains rudimentary startup information that is processed before Windows begins loading.  Any items placed in this file must be applicable to the Windows 95/98/Me pre-load process or they will be ignored.

StartUp Item Legend

The StartUp Manager includes a helpful legend located at the bottom of its screen that corresponds with the various states of the startup items listed.  The various states are as follows:

Enabled

Items denoted with a green check mark are active and ready to be started next time Windows is. They are also deemed to be items with a valid path and filename according to StartUp Manager.

Disabled

Items denoted with a red circle with a cross through it are valid entries, but are marked as inactive by StartUp Manager.  These items can me marked as active at any time, however in their current state they will not load when Windows does.

Possible Invalid Reference

Items with a red circle and yellow exclamation mark are active items (meaning Windows is attempting to start them each time it does), but do not have a valid path according to StartUp Manager.  It is recommended that these items be fixed by adjusting their targets, or disabled until further investigation is performed, as they lead to a decrease in performance during the Windows startup process.

Disabled Invalid Reference

Items with a gray circle and exclamation mark are inactive items (meaning Windows is not currently attempting to start them each time it does), and do not have a valid path according to StartUp Manager.  For more information on enabling or disabling items click here.

Return to Startup Manager Help Topics


StartUp Manager: Disabling and re-enabling existing startup items

One of the most useful features of the Windows StartUp Manager tool is the ability to easily disable and then re-enable selected startup items.  This method of management allows you to keep the information related to the item intact while you “test” to see how your system reacts with or without the items loaded at the beginning of each Windows’s session.

Disabling Items

When you first use the StartUp Manager all of the displayed items will be enabled, marked by a green checkmark.  If you decide you would like to temporarily disable one or more of these items, select them (multiple items can be selected by holding down the Ctrl or Shift keys while selecting with the mouse) and then click the button on the toolbar labeled “Disable”.  All of the selected items will now appear with the disabled icon, a red circle with a slash through it.  These disabled items will no longer be loaded on startup.

Re-Enabling Items

If you decide that you would like to re-enable one or more of the displayed disabled items you may do so by selecting the items you wish to re-enable (multiple items can be selected by holding down the Ctrl or Shift keys while selecting with the mouse) and then clicking the button on the toolbar labeled “Enable”.  All of the selected items will now appear with the enabled icon, a green checkmark.  These enabled items will now be processed upon startup again.

Return to Startup Manager Help Topics


StartUp Manager: Adding new and editing existing startup items

Using this tool you can also easily add new items to be started when Windows does.  This is much more convenient than hunting through the system Registry and manually entering data or any of the other manual methods of creating startup items.

You may also edit any of the existing listed items in order to move them from one location to another, change their program description, or update the command line that is being used to start the item.

Adding new startup items

To add a new item to your startup list start by select the button labeled “Add”.  To edit an existing startup item select it from the displayed list and then select the button labeled “Edit”.  A box with various options will appear allowing you to configure the item.  The options in this box are described as follows:

Description

You may type the description of the item within this box.  For items placed within the “Win.ini” sections, a description is not available to be stored.  The information in this area is displayed in the “Program Name” column when listed.

Command Line

The command line is the path and filename of the item that you would like to be started.  You may either select the button with the folder icon at the right of this box to browse for a file, or manually type this information into this box.

Location

The location option designates where the item is stored, and corresponds to the “Location” column in the item list.  Click here for more information about the various locations that startup items may be placed.

Return to Startup Manager Help Topics


StartUp Manager: Permanently removing startup items

If you decide that a listed startup item (or set of items) is not worth keeping, even in a disabled state, you may elect to permanently remove it from your list.  To do this, select the item(s) you would like to permanently remove and then select the button labeled “Delete”.  Your action will be confirmed and then the corresponding items will be removed from your list.

Note that it is highly recommended that you “disable” (see disabling and re-enabling items)  items before permanently removing them in order to verify that no ill effects will take place when the item is not loaded on startup.

Return to Startup Manager Help Topics


Tracking system changes with SafeInstaller

Safe Installer Help Topics

 Introduction

 Selecting the type of reporting procedure you want to perform

•	Report Description

•	Choosing the type of procedure you would you like to perform

•	Using SafeInstaller to automatically launch an installation and track it while it takes place, generating a report immediately upon completion

•	Using SafeInstaller to take a manual snapshot of your system in order to return later and report all changes

 Comparison Options

•	Drives to Monitor

•	Type of Comparison to Use

•	Files to Monitor

 Reviewing the information before performing the snapshot

 Performing the system snapshot

•	Aborting an active scan

•	Performing the installation (if any)

•	Finishing the Installation and performing the report

Return to System Mechanic Main Help Topics


Safe Installer: Introduction

Whenever you install software you are changing your system contents and configuration.  These changes can range from the simple addition of files, to the extensive modification of your system Registry and other core Windows configuration files.  Often these changes go unnoticed, significant only to the specific application which created or modified the information in the first place.  There are however times when a new software application can wreck havoc on a stable computer system by inadvertently changing something about the configuration that causes incompatibilities with other applications and even system crashes.  Many times in order to return a system to its original state, simply “uninstalling” software is not nearly enough.  If a file or other information that was originally present is no longer available there is no safe way to “automatically” roll-back to the state your system was in before.  When this is the case, the best insight into the issue is to know exactly what was added, modified, and deleted when the application in question was installed, or when the operation in question was performed.  SafeInstaller empowers you with a comprehensive reporting mechanism which allows you to take a full “snapshot” of your system before you install software or perform other questionable operations.  It can then generate a full report afterward, explaining exactly what took place – at the system level – on your computer.

Return to SafeInstaller Help Topics


Safe Installer: Selecting the type of reporting procedure you want to perform

When you first start the SafeInstaller you are presented with a screen displaying two choices of operation as well as an option to name the report you will be generating.  These items are described as follows:

Report Description

Enter a short description in the box labeled “Report Description”.  The report description is the information that will be used later to save the reported system changes.  This information should be something short that will later remind you about what application or other operation the system report was generated in conjunction with.

Choosing the type of procedure you would you like to perform

You can have SafeInstaller operate in two different ways in order to ensure compatibility with a wide range of software installations.  These options are discussed below:

Using SafeInstaller to automatically launch an installation and track it while it takes place, generating a report immediately upon completion

If there is a specific application that you would like to install and track the resulting changes to your system you should select the option labeled “Have SafeInstall automatically launch an installation file…”.  This will allow you to choose an installation file to run using the box labeled “Install Program”.

Selecting an installation file may be accomplished in two ways:

1)	Selecting the open folder icon located at the right of the “Install Program” box and browsing for the desired file.

2)	Manually typing a valid path and filename to an installation program into the box labeled  “Install Program”.

Using SafeInstaller to take a manual snapshot of your system in order to return later and report all changes

Some installation programs will not allow any other applications to be running while they are performing their installation procedure.  Other times you may wish to track system changes over a given period of time, regardless of any new installations.  SafeInstaller allows you to perform these types of operations by utilizing its “manual snapshot” option.  Using this option you can save a snapshot of your system, exit SafeInstaller (or System Mechanic altogether) and return later at any time to generate a report on everything that has been modified in your system.

To utilize these options and generate a report in this manner select the option labeled “Have SafeInstall take a manual snapshot of your system contents…”.

When you are finished configuring the options under the “Action” tab, select the button labeled “Next”.

Return to SafeInstaller Help Topics


Safe Installer: Comparison Options

The items under the “Comparison Options” tab are used to configure the way SafeInstaller will track the changes to your system.  These items consist of the following:

Drives to Monitor

The area at the top of this screen displays a box that contains a list of all of the drives on your system.  From this list you may choose which of the displayed drives you would like to monitor for changes.  To do this, check the box to left of the drive that you would like to include in the report.

Type of Comparison to Use

When tracking file changes, SafeInstaller may be set to utilize one of two comparison methods.  To choose a specific method, select it with your mouse.  These methods are described below:

File Time comparison

File time comparison uses the last modified and last access date and time attributes of each file on your system as criteria when comparing for changes.  This method is the quickest, however may not be as accurate as full disk contents comparison (see below).

Disk contents comparison

Disk contents comparison is used to obtain information about the entire contents of your drive are stored and then later use a criteria when comparing for changes.  This method is slightly slower than file time comparison, however it can track a greater scope of changes.

When you are finished configuring the options under the “Comparison Options” tab, select the button labeled “Next”.

Files to Monitor

SafeInstaller has the ability to track changes made to “ini” files.  These type of files are used by Windows and other programs to store and retrieve configuration data and are often altered during an installation.

By default, two of Windows’ major initialization files, “System.ini” and “Windows.ini”, are contained in the list of files to track.  You may add to and remove files from this list as well using the following methods:

Adding files

You may add new “ini” files to the list in the following manner:

1)	Select the button labeled “Add File”.

2)	A window will appear allowing you to browse for the file you would like to add.  Select the file and then select the button labeled “OK”.  The new file will be added to the list of tracked “ini” files.

Removing files

You may remove an existing file from the list of “ini” files to track in the following manner:

1)	Select the item in the list that you would like to remove.

2)	Select the button labeled “Remove”.

When you are finished configuring the options under the “Files” tab, select the button labeled “Next”.

Return to SafeInstaller Help Topics


Safe Installer: Reviewing the information before performing the snapshot

When you have satisfactorily configured SafeInstaller you will arrive at the tab labeled “Ready”.  All of your configuration information is displayed under this tab in order to allow you to review it before continuing with the SafeInstallation process.

At this time you also have the ability to change the name and location of the file that will be used to store the system comparison information.

You may change the name or location of the report file in the following manner:

1)	Select the folder icon to the right of the box labeled “Report file location:”.

2)	A window will appear which will allow you to either browse for or manually type a new file that you would like to contain the comparison report.

3)	When you have specified the new report file name, select the button labeled “OK.

When you are finished configuring the options under the “Files” tab, select the button labeled “Next”.

Return to SafeInstaller Help Topics


Safe Installer: Performing the system snapshot

When you are ready to perform the system snapshot select the button labeled “Start”.  During the scanning process certain visual queues will appear such as an animated magnifying glass and computer as well as a progress gauge and current folder / registry data.

Aborting an active scan

If during the snapshot process you would like to immediately abort without continuing you may select the button labeled “Abort”.  Remember that although it may take a moment for this request to be able to processed properly only one click is necessary.

Performing the installation (if any)

When all of the data has been stored for later comparison, your specified installation file (if any) with be launched.  You should continue through the entire installation before returning to SafeInstaller in order to make sure that all changes are tracked.

Finishing the Installation and performing the report

Once the installation file (if any) has closed, SafeInstaller will notify you with a beep and the message “Install may be complete” will appear under the “SnapShot” tab.

If you are using manual snapshot mode, you can exit System Mechanic if necessary and return later to generate a report.  When you exit under “manual snapshot” mode after a snapshot has been saved, SafeInstaller automatically starts with the “Snapshot” tab active when you return, allowing you to report on changes since the last time a snapshot was saved.

When you are ready to begin comparing the changes made to your system select the button labeled “Done: Report”.  When you select this button, SafeInstaller will perform a second system snapshot and then compare it to the original.   When this process is complete a new tab labeled “Report” will appear and become active.

Inspecting the report

The system report that is displayed will contain various items of information about the operations performed during the time the system was being monitored. These are as follows:

Files Changed

Files Added

Filed Deleted

Directories Changed

All changes made to INI Files

All changes made to the system Registry

Printing and modifying the report

If you would like to view, modify, or print the information contained in the report select the button labeled “View in Text Editor”.  This will load the information displayed in the report into your default text editor (usually Windows’ Notepad).

Restarting another report

If you would like to restart SafeInstaller in order to generate additional reports select the button labeled “Restart from Beginning”.  By selecting this button your current configuration will be reset, however the generated report will be saved in a folder named “SafeInstaller Reports” under the main System Mechanic folder.

Return to SafeInstaller Help Topics


Unattended scheduling with the Scheduled Maintenance Tool

Scheduled Maintenance Help Topics

 Introduction

 Enabling scheduled maintenance for a specific action

•	The Scheduled Maintenance “tray icon”

•	Specifying a schedule

 Setting up the action's properties

•	Save To Log

•	Show/Hide progress window

 Working with log files

•	Clearing the contents of log files

•	Printing and or editing log files

 General Options

•	Only perform maintenance if primary drive space is less than XX megabytes

 What happens if one or more actions are not performed on time?

 How often should I run maintenance for the available tools?

•	Junk and obsolete file removal

•	Ensuring privacy and erasing history

•	Cleaning your Registry

Return to System Mechanic Main Help Topics


Scheduled Maintenance: Introduction

One of the most useful tools contained in the System Mechanic suite is the ability to schedule certain actions to take place automatically at certain intervals.  Using these options, you can essentially operate various vital system maintenance operations  in a “set-it-and-forget-it” manner, keeping your system in top shape without you having to remember to perform the maintenance yourself.

There are three tools that can be scheduled to run automatically using Scheduled Maintenance:  the clean and remove junk and obsolete files utility, the erase history and ensure privacy utility, and the registry cleaner utility.  These three tools were selected for automatic processing capabilities because they can be configured to safely and beneficially run without the requirement of your presence.

Each of the tools utilize the same options and are configured in the same way with respect to scheduling, therefore in this documentation they'll be described as one.

Return to Scheduled Maintenance Help Topics


Scheduled Maintenance: Enabling scheduled maintenance for a specific action

To enable Scheduled Maintenance for a specific action select the box labeled “Enabled?” and make sure that it is “checked”.  When a scheduling is enabled for a specific tool, the options under the “Enabled?” box become active.  When scheduling is disabled (the “Enabled?” box is not checked), the options under the “Enabled?” box become inactive.

The Scheduled Maintenance “tray icon”

When one or more of the Scheduled Maintenance tools are activated, a small “wrench” icon appears next to your clock (usually at the lower right side of your screen).  This tiny program is the “engine” behind the scheduling mechanism.  It keeps track of when items are due to be run and launches them accordingly, as well as providing you with a way to quickly access the properties for any item and also to access the main System Mechanic application if necessary.  The actual Scheduled Maintenance program itself is very small (only 65k) in order to conserve system resources by not requiring the main System Mechanic application to be loaded at all times.

The properties for the Scheduled Maintenance tray icon can be access by clicking on the icon with your right mouse button.

Specifying a schedule

To select or edit the schedule by which an enabled scheduled item is run, select the labeled “Change Schedule”.  This will bring up the Scheduled Items Properties dialog:

The Scheduled Items Properties dialog

This window contains all of the available scheduling options for a given tool.  Note that some options may not be available for all tools (for example: only the history/privacy tool has the option to run automatically when Windows is closed down, but not under Windows NT).  The scheduling options are broken down into three sections:

Timed Intervals

Every XX Minutes

This option will run maintenance at the next run date and time, then wait for the specified number of minutes, and then run again, etc.  For example, if you specify “every 30 minutes” and the maintenance initially started at 1:00, the next run time would be 1:30, then at 2:00, and so on.

Every XX Hours at XX minutes after the hour

This option will run maintenance at the next run date and time, wait for the specified number of hours, then wait until the specified minutes are matched on the clock, and then run again, etc.  For example, if you specify “every 5 hours at 30 minutes after the hour” and the maintenance initially started at 1:00, the next run time would be 6:30, then at 11:30, and so on.

Every XX Days at the following time: XX

This option will run maintenance at the next run date and time, wait for the specified number of days, then wait until the specified time is matched on the clock, and then run again, etc.  For example, if you specify “every 5 days at 1:00” and the maintenance initially started on Sunday at 2:00, the next run time would be on the following Saturday at 1:00 (Friday at 1:00 would not have been a total of 5 days yet), then on the next Thursday at 1:00 (exactly 5 days from then), and so on.

Every XX Weeks starting on XX

This option will run maintenance at the next run date and time, wait for the specified number of weeks, then wait until the specified day, and then run again, etc.  For example, if you specify “every 1 week starting on Sunday” and the maintenance initially started on Monday, the next run time would be 13 days from then (the first Sunday would not have yet been a week), on a Sunday, and then exactly 7 days later on the next Sunday, and so on.

Every XX Months starting on day XX of the month

This option will run maintenance at the next run date and time, wait for the specified number of months, then wait until the specified day of the month, and then run again, etc.  For example, if you specify “every 1 month starting on day 1 of the month” and the maintenance initially started January 2, the next run time would be March 1 (February 1 would not have been a month yet and February 2 does not match the specified “day 1”), the next run time would be April 1, and then May 1, and so on.

Externally Triggered Intervals

Externally triggered intervals are intervals that are triggered by something that you manually perform such as turning the computer on or off, etc.  The following external triggers are available:

Each time Windows starts

This option will run the maintenance at the start of each Windows session.

Each time you shut down Windows

This option will run the maintenance at the start of each Windows session.  This option is only available for the history/privacy tool under non-Windows NT operating systems (e.g. Windows 95 / Windows 98 / Windows Me).

Next Run Date and Time

The next run date and time options provide a manual way to override when the action will next run.  Remember, the timed interval options based their schedules on when the last time and date maintenance for a specific tool was run.

When you have completed editing the scheduled item’s properties select the button labeled “OK”.  If you would like to abandon your changes select the button labeled “Cancel”.

Return to Scheduled Maintenance Help Topics


Scheduled Maintenance: Setting up the action's properties

Along with a specific schedule, each tool contains two additional properties as described below:

Save To Log

All of the actions performed by any tool in System Mechanic, including Scheduled Maintenance, are by default saved to log files located within the System Mechanic main folder.  If you do not want the scheduled maintenance actions for a specific tool to be saved to a log file, “uncheck” the box labeled “Save To Log”.

Show/Hide progress window

When scheduled maintenance is being performed a small notification window located in the lower right corner of your screen will appear, notifying you that the maintenance is taking place.  You may disable this notification from appearing by “unchecking” the box labeled “Show progress window”.

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Scheduled Maintenance: Working with log files

All of the actions performed by any tool in System Mechanic, including Scheduled Maintenance, are by default saved to log files located within the System Mechanic main folder.  The specific actions that have been performed by a tool using Scheduled Maintenance are displayed in the lower area of each corresponding tool’s tab in an area labeled “Event Log”.

Clearing the contents of log files

If you would like to reset the contents of a Scheduled Maintenance log file for a particular tool select the button labeled “Clear Log”.  You will be prompted to confirm your actions, as they cannot be undone, and then the corresponding log file will reset.  This is useful if you have been running scheduled maintenance for a while with no problems and would like to conserve drive space.

Printing and or editing log files

In order to make it easy to view, modify, and print log information System Mechanic provides you with the ability to view each corresponding tool’s log information in your default text editor (usually Windows Notepad).  Using your text editor you can view the contents of the file flexibly, print it, or edit the contents of the file and resave it.  To open a tool’s log file in your text editor select the button labeled “View in Text Editor”.

Return to Scheduled Maintenance Help Topics


Scheduled Maintenance: General Options

In addition to scheduling options for each individual tool, Scheduled Maintenance offers general options that apply to all scheduled tools:

Only perform maintenance if primary drive space is less than XX megabytes

Use this option to restrict Scheduled Maintenance items from running unless your primary (boot) drive’s space drops below a certain level.  To enable this option select the box labeled “Only perform maintenance if primary drive space is less than XX megabytes” and then set the number of megabytes by either using the up and down arrows to the right of the box containing the numbers, or by manually typing in a number between 0 and 999.

Return to Scheduled Maintenance Help Topics


Scheduled Maintenance: What happens if one or more actions are not performed on time?

If any of your regularly scheduled items are not run at their designated time, they are automatically run the next time Scheduled Maintenance is loaded.  Their schedules are set to reflect a last run date and time of that at which they were successfully executed and schedules are adjusted accordingly.

Return to Scheduled Maintenance Help Topics


Scheduled Maintenance: How often should I run maintenance for the available tools?

Although there is no real disadvantages to running maintenance more often than needed, here is what we have found to be the most beneficial intervals:

Junk and obsolete file removal

About once a week is a good interval for this tool.  If you are low on drive space and need to make sure that you are always running with an optimal level, every 1-2 days is sufficient.

Ensuring privacy and erasing history

Depending on how concerned you are with the information that is tracked when you use your system, this utility can be run successfully on any interval between once a day to once every few weeks.

Cleaning your Registry

Unless you are constantly installing and uninstalling software or making other major modifications to your system, your Registry usually takes a little longer than your hard drives to fill with invalid information.  For the Registry cleaner tool, we recommend running on an interval anywhere between every week to every month for optimal results.

Return to Scheduled Maintenance Help Topics


Tracking statistics with Tool Action Logs

Tool Action Logs Help Topics

 Introduction

 The log screens

•	Reading the logs

•	Clearing (resetting) the log file information

•	Viewing, printing, or modifying the log files

 The Statistics Tab

•	Junk and Obsolete Files

•	Privacy and History

•	Shortcuts

•	Uninstallers

•	Duplicate Files

•	Registry

•	Historical Totals

 Resetting Statistics

 Log Settings

•	Manual Actions

•	Automatic Actions

Return to System Mechanic Main Help Topics


Tool Logs: Introduction

All of the actions that are performed by System Mechanic’s tools, whether automatic or manual, are stored in log files by default.  These logs track such things as the files that have been found and removed, references in the registry that have been removed, shortcuts that have been fixed, and so on.  They are your way of historically monitoring what takes place in the program.

The Action Logs screen contains a set of several tabs, the first six corresponding to various tools and the last two containing statistical information and other options.  The tabs designating tool logs are described as follows:

Return to Tool Action Logs Help Topics


Tool Logs: The log screens

Under each tool’s corresponding tab in the tool action log screen is an area where the log information is displayed.  For three of the tools there is a split screen (which can be adjusted by dragging the middle separating bar left and right).  The tools that have a split screen show information for both the actions that have been manually performed as well as any automatic scheduled maintenance activities that have taken place.

Reading the logs

The log information that is displayed is organized into chronological sections from top to bottom that each start with something similar to the following:

========================================

OPEN SESSION: 1999/05/12 14:10

========================================

…and end with something similar to the following:

========================================

CLOSE SESSION: 1999/05/10 14:22

TOTAL SPACE RECOVERED: 1508518 bytes (1.47 megabytes.)

========================================

The information that is contained within these two markers corresponds to the actions that took place while the tool was being used (either manually, or for some tools automatically).

Clearing (resetting) the log file information

Over time, the information in your log files will begin to age and lose its importance.  At this point, you may decide to reset the information contained in one or more of the tool log files.  You may do this in the following manner:

1)	If you wish to clear a tool log which contains both manual and automatic operation information, select the button labeled "Clear Log" and then move down to either "Manual Operations" or "Scheduled Operations" and select the item.  For log screens with only manually performed operation data, select the button labeled "Clear Log".

2)	Confirm your decision to permanently erase the information in the log by selecting "Yes" to the prompt that appears.  If you would like to cancel the removal process select "No".

Note that resetting log information does not clear any statistical information, and clearing statistical information does not reset any log information.

Viewing, printing, or modifying the log files

In order to make it easy to view, modify, and print log information System Mechanic provides you with the ability to view each corresponding tool’s log information in your default text editor (usually Windows Notepad).  Using your text editor you can view the contents of the file flexibly, print it, or edit the contents of the file and resave it.  To open a tool’s log file in your text editor use the following steps:

1)	If you wish to view a tool’s logs that contain both manual and automatic operation information, select the button labeled “View in Text Editor” and then move down to either “Manual Operations” or “Scheduled Operations” and select the item.  For log screens with only manually performed operation data, select the button labeled “View in Text Editor”.

2)	Your default text editing application will open with the corresponding log information loaded.  Once the information is displayed in your text editor you may print it or modify it and resave it.  If you modify the information in a log, you will need to “refresh” the display in order to view the changes (Select “View” from the top menu and then “Refresh Data”).

Return to Tool Action Logs Help Topics


Tool Logs: The Statistics Tab

One of the most useful functions System Mechanic performs is the historical tracking of statistical information for each applicable tool.  Every time you remove files with the Junk and Obsolete file removal tool, every time you clean your cache and history, fix a broken shortcut, remove an invalid registry entry, or any of the other functions within the System Mechanic tools, this information is added to a master database of statistical information, both for the specific tool and for all of the tools together.  This information is organized and arranged in the Statistics tab of the Tool Action Logs window.  The information displayed in this area is described as follows:

Junk and Obsolete Files

Total Files Removed: The total number of files that have been removed using the Junk and Obsolete Files tool.

Total Space Freed:  The total number of bytes (and megabytes) of space that has been recovered from your drives while using the Junk and Obsolete Files tool.

Privacy and History

Total Space Freed:  The total number of bytes (and megabytes) of space that has been recovered from your drives while using the Ensure your privacy tool.

Shortcuts

Total Shortcuts Fixed:  The total number of shortcuts which have had their targets re-assigned either manually or automatically using the Find and Fix Broken Shortcuts tool.

Total Shortcuts Removed:  The total number of broken shortcut files that have been removed from your system.

Uninstallers

Total Invalid References Removed:  Displays the total number of references to uninstallation information that were found to be invalid, and were removed.

Duplicate Files

Total Files Removed: The total number of files that have been removed using the Duplicate File Removal tool.

Total Space Freed:  The total number of bytes (and megabytes) of space that has been recovered from your drives while using the Duplicate File Removal tool.

Registry

Total Invalid References Removed:  Displays the total number of invalid references in your Registry that were found and removed using the Registry cleaner tool.

Historical Totals

Total Files Removed: The total number of files that have been removed using all of the System Mechanic tools together.

Total Space Freed:  The total number of bytes (and megabytes) of space that has been recovered from your drives while using all of the System Mechanic tools together.

Return to Tool Action Logs Help Topics


Tool Logs: Resetting Statistics

There may be times when you would like to reset the statistical information for one or all of the tools.  To do this, use the following steps:

1)	Select the top menu option labeled "File", then select "Reset"

2)	Move your mouse over to the description of the statistical information you would like to reset.  If you select "All Statistics", each tool's statistical information will be reset as well as the information listed under "Historical Totals".

Note that resetting statistical information does not clear any log information, and clearing log information does not reset any statistical information.

Return to Tool Action Logs Help Topics


Tool Logs: Log Settings

System Mechanic provides you with the option of toggling logging on or off for each of the logged tools both for manual and automatic operations.  To modify these settings, select the tab labeled “Settings”.  The options contained in this tab are discussed below:

Manual Actions

The logging that takes place under Manual Actions occurs when you manually open and perform operations using the corresponding tool.  The options listed under Manual Actions allow you to toggle logging on or off for each tool listed.

Automatic Actions

The logging that takes place under Automatic Actions occurs when operations are performed by the Schedluer using the corresponding tool.  The options listed under Automatic Actions allow you to toggle logging on or off for each tool listed.

•	To turn logging on for a specific tool, make sure that the box to the left of its description is checked.

•	To turn logging off for a specific tool, “uncheck” the box to the left of its description.

Return to Tool Action Logs Help Topics


System Mechanic Removal Options

Where applicable, the tools in System Mechanic utilize the same methods of dealing with removal of files.  These are described below:

Move to Recycle Bin

This is the safest and most prudent method of removal.  Files that are moved to the Windows Recycle Bin retain information about their original location as well as tracking the date and time that they were removed.  Chances are very good that if you need to reverse a file removal that has been stored in the Recycle Bin, you will be able to accomplish this easily.  The downside of utilizing the Recycle Bin is that the space occupied by the removed files is not freed until you actually “empty” the bin (right-click on its icon and select “Empty Recycle Bin”).

Permanent Deletion

This is the most, shall we say, permanent method of removal files.  Files removed  in this manner should be very carefully inspected before doing so because it will be extremely difficult and in most cases impossible to undelete them once this type of removal is performed.  Use this method only if you are sure the files in question are absolutely no longer needed.

Moving to a Specified Folder

Sometimes, rather than permanently deleting files or moving them to the Recycle Bin, it is useful to separate and move them into a specific folder.  Files removed in this manner lose any information about where they originally were located and the dates and times that they were moved, however they remain intact and can be examined before permanent removal.  In order to restore files removed in this manner, you will need to examine System Mechanic’s tool logs to discover their original location.

You are advised to be extremely cautious about the methods used to remove files.  Always have a current backup of your system before performing any of these procedures.  If you have any questions as to whether you may need to reverse a files removal procedure, use the Recycle Bin option.  Iolo Technologies, LLC cannot be held responsible for lost files, data, or information due to the use or misuse of these functions.  See our license agreement for more information.

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Optimizing your Internet and network speed

NetBooster Help Topics

 Introduction

 Specifying your connection type

•	28.8 or 36.6 kbps dial-up connection

•	56 kbps (or higher) dial-up connection

•	LAN, cable modem, xDSL, ISDN, T1, etc.

•	Cable / DSL running PPPoE

 Using preset optimizations

 Manual optimization settings

•	Maximum Transfer Unit

•	Tcp Receive Window Size

•	Default Time to Live

•	Blackhole detection

•	Automatic MTU detection

•	Suport for TCP large windows

•	Fast retransmission and recovery support

•	Support for Selective Acknowledgements

•	Number of Allowed Simultaneous HTTP Connections

•	Suggested values

 Optimization Profiles

•	Saving profiles

•	Loading profiles

•	Deleting profiles

 Restoring your system to its original state

 Network Diagnostics

•	Data graphs

•	Transfer interval

•	Data points

•	Network transfer statistics

•	Graph style

 Relative Internet Speed Test

•	Download test specifications

•	Manually specifying a file to download

•	Results in Bytes vs. Kilobytes

•	Using speed test results to further enhance connection speed

 Logs

•	Reading the logs

•	Clearing (resetting) the log file information

•	Viewing, printing, or modifying the log files

Return to System Mechanic Main Help Topics


NetBooster:  Specifying your connection type

When you first start NetBooster the most important thing to do is specify the type of Internet/network connection you are using.  To do this, select the box labeled “Your connection type” and choose between the following three options:

28.8 or 36.6 kbps dial-up connection

Choose this option if you use a 28.8 or 36.6 kbps modem to connect to the internet.

56 kbps (or higher) dial-up connection

Choose this option if you use a 56.6 kbps speed or higher (dual line) modem to connect to the internet.

LAN, cable modem, xDSL, ISDN, T1, etc.

Select this option if any of the following Internet connections apply to you:

•	Cable modem

•	aDSL

•	sDSL

•	ISDN

•	Satellite

•	T1 or higher

•	Any of the above connections via LAN sharing

Cable / DSL running PPPoE

Select this option if you have a connection via DSL or cable modem which requires a specific application to “connect” once your computer is started and Windows is running.  It is very important to use this option if you utilize this separate application (which connects via “PPPoE”), as your connection require a slightly different configuration to achieve optimal results than those established via standard/direct DSL or cable (see above).

Return to NetBooster Help Topics


NetBooster:  Using preset optimizations

NetBooster has the ability to automatically configure your system for the best internet and network performance using preset information that has been gathered through extensive testing on many systems.  Optimizing your connection in this manner is recommended if you are not comfortable adjusting your network settings manually.

Please note:  Before using this option please make sure that your connection is correctly set.

To use NetBooster’s automatic optimization, simply select the button labeled “Use optimum settings for your configuration” under the tab labeled “Optimizations” from the NetBooster main screen.  You will need to reboot your computer after configuration before the effects can manifest themselves.

Return to NetBooster Help Topics


NetBooster:  Manual optimization settings

Windows 95, 98, Me, and NT

•	Maximum Transfer Unit

•	Tcp Receive Window Size

•	Default Time to Live

•	Blackhole detection

•	Automatic MTU detection

Windows 98, Me, and 2000 Only

•	Support for TCP large windows

•	Fast retransmission and recovery support

•	Support for selective acknowledgements

•	Number of Allowed Simultaneous HTTP Connections

Suggested values

NetBooster offers those who feel comfortable editing their Windows network settings an easy graphical method of doing so.  If you do not understand the information discussed in this section, it is generally a good idea to refrain from editing your settings manually and use the Preset Optimizations instead.

To access the Advanced Network Propertied editor select the button labeled “Edit settings manually” from the main NetBooster screen.

NetBooster has been specifically made to dynamically adjust itself and it’s available functions to your particular operating system and connection type, so some of the following items may not apply to you (as outlined below).

Specify Maximum Transfer Unit (MTU)

MTU is the default “packet size” (amount of data) that Windows uses to send and receive information over the Internet or your network.  When your computer establishes a connection with another, whether via the Internet or LAN, the two computers must use a common MTU value to send and receive data.  The computer with the lowest MTU value determines the value that both must use.  If the MTU value that is used is larger than that used by any network routers between the computers, these routers must split the data packets into chunks that they can handle, thus causing network “fragmentation”.  This type of data fragmentation can actually double the amount of time it takes to send a single packet of information.  It can dramatically increase performance to set Window’s MTU manually.

Windows 9X/Me

Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Me provide the ability to globally set the MTU value for all network adapters (including NIC’s and Dial up adapters).

To specify an MTU value for all devices:

1.	Check the box labeled “Specify MTU (Maximum Transfer Unit)”

2.	Select the appropriate value from the box labeled “MTU Size”.

To allow Windows to use its default settings, uncheck the box labeled “Specify MTU (Maximum Transfer Unit)”

Windows NT

Windows NT allows you to selectively set the MTU for installed network adapters.  If you are running Windows NT:

1.	Select the adapter that corresponds with MTU value you would like to modify from the box labeled “Network Adapter MTU (Maximum Transfer Unit)”

2.	Check the box labeled “Specify MTU”

3.	Select the appropriate value from the box labeled “Specify MTU”.

To allow Windows to use its default settings, select the adapter that corresponds with the MTU value you would like to modify and uncheck the box labeled “Specify MTU”

Click here for MTU suggested values

Tcp Receive Window Size

Tcp Receive Window size, or “RWIN”, is the amount of data (in bytes) that can be received before the sender must await confirmation that the data arrived properly.  Another element that is directly relevant to this situation is the Maximum Segment Size or MSS, which is the maximum amount of data that may be received in one network segment at one time, which is calculated as the MTU value minus 40 (40 bytes are allocated for basic TCP and IP information in each segment).  Setting the Tcp receive window size to even increments of the MSS increases the percentage of full-sized data segments utilized during transmission, which translates into more efficient downloading, uploading, or other network-based data transfers.

To manually set your RWIN value:

1. 	Check the box labeled “Specify RWIN”

2. 	Use the slider located inside the box labeled “Specify RWIN” to adjust the value, which will be reflected as “Calculated RWIN value“.

To use Windows’ default values, uncheck the box labeled “Specify RWIN”.

Click here for RWIN suggested values

Default Time to Live

Default time to live, or “TTL”, is a piece of information included with each segment of data that is transmitted which indicates how long the data should be allowed to “survive” before being discarded.  TTL is essentially based on the number of “hops” (or network server transitions) that the data segment can travel over before it considers itself a transmission failure.  The larger the TTL value, the greater the chance that data will eventually arrive at it’s destination, however a value too large may also result in unnecessary delays when data is destined to fail due to network errors.

To manually set your TTL value:

1. 	Check the box labeled “Specify default TTL”

2. 	Use the slider located inside the box labeled “Specify default TTL” to adjust the value.

Click here for suggested TTL values

Blackhole detection

A blackhole, in relation to the Internet,  is a situation where the your system attempts to automatically determine the MTU of a system on the other end, and is unable to do so because the system on the other end is not able to respond to MTU requests with the proper information.  If blackhole detection is enabled, your system use methods to discover whether connected systems support automatic MTU discovery.  If they don’t, the MTU will be detected using alternate and less efficient methods, causing performance degradation.

To enable blackhole detection, check the box labeled “Enable blackhole detection”

To disable blackhole detection, uncheck the box labeled “Enabled blackhole detection”

Click here for blackhole detection suggested value

Automatic MTU detection

Enabling this setting causes your system to attempt to discover the MTU over the path to a remote host.  By discovering the remote host’s MTU and limiting TCP segments to this size, TCP can automatically eliminate fragmentation at routers along the path that connect networks with different MTUs.  As outlined above, fragmentation adversely affects TCP throughput and network congestion.

To enable automatic MTU detection, check the box labeled “Enable automatic MTU detection”

To disable automatic MTU detection, uncheck the box labeled “Enabled automatic MTU detection”

Automatic MTU detection suggested values

Support for TCP large windows

Windows 98, Windows Me, and newer versions of Winsock provide for the acceptance of larger amounts of data before acknowledgement of receipt is required, which can enhance performance for higher speed connections for networks that have large bandwidth delay products such as high-speed trans-continental connections or satellite links.

There are three possible values for this option:

0 :  No Window scaling and Timestamp Options

1 :  Window scaling but no Timestamp options

3 :  Window scaling and Time stamp options

The default value is 3.  Under this setting, large window (RWIN) support is automatically enabled if an application requests sizes greater than 64 kilobytes.

To enable support for Tcp large windows, select the tab labeled “more”  from the Advanced Network Properties window and check the box labeled “Specify support for Tcp large windows”.  Once enabled, select from the options as outlined above in the box below.

To disable manual specification of Tcp large window support, select the tab labeled “more”  from the Advanced Network Properties window and uncheck the box labeled “Specify support for Tcp large windows”.

Support for TCP large windows suggested values

Fast retransmission and recovery support

Windows 98, Windows Me, and newer versions of Winsock support “Fast Retransmission and Fast Recovery of TCP connections” that are encountering IP packet loss in the network.  These mechanisms allow a sender to quickly infer a single packet loss by reception of duplicate acknowledgements for a previously sent and acknowledged network packet.  This mechanism is useful when the network or Internet is intermittently congested.  The reception of 3 (which is the default value) successive duplicate acknowledgements indicates to the sender that it can re-send the last unacknowledged packet (fast retransmit) and not go into “slow start” due to a single packet loss (fast recovery).

To enable and specify fast retransmission and recovery support, select the tab labeled “more”  from the Advanced Network Properties window and check the box labeled “Specify fast retransmission and recovery support value”.  Once enabled, select the numeric value by using the slider.  The default and recommended value is 3.

To disable fast retransmission and recovery support, select the tab labeled “more”  from the Advanced Network Properties window and uncheck the box labeled “Specify fast retransmission and recovery support value”.

Fast retransmission and recovery support suggested values

Support for Selective Acknowledgements

Windows 98, Windows Me, and newer versions of Winsock support what are called “Selective Acknowledgements” or “SACK”. Selective acknowledgements allow the TCP network to recover from IP packet loss without re-sending packets that were already received by the receiver. Selective Acknowledgements is most useful when employed with TCP large windows.

To enable support for selective acknowledgements, select the tab labeled “more”  from the Advanced Network Properties window and check the box labeled “Enable SACK”.

To disable support for selective acknowledgements, select the tab labeled “more”  from the Advanced Network Properties window and uncheck the box labeled “Enable SACK”.

Support for Selective Acknowledgements suggested value

Number of Allowed Simultaneous HTTP Connections

According to standard HTTP protocol, browsers are not supposed to have more than two connections established to a single web site at one time.  Using this option you can override this restriction and instruct Windows to allow Internet Explorer to establish up to ten connections to a single web server at one time, drastically improving performance.  This option is divided into two groups: HTTP 1.0 server connections and HTTP 1.1 server connections.  To adjust these settings, check the box labeled “Specify Number of Allowed Simultaneous HTTP Connections and drag the corresponding slider controls to increase or decrease the number of allowed simultaneous HTTP connections for the corresponding server type.

Number of Allowed Simultaneous HTTP Connections suggested values

Please note:  By altering this setting you are breaking standard HTTP rules and protocol by allowing your browser to consume much more bandwidth than the HTTP standard allows for.

Suggested values

MTU suggested values

The key to increasing performance via adjusting the MTU is to attempt to match its value with that of your ISP’s as closely as possible.  Some helpful ISP’s will readily provide this information if asked, which will save a great deal of experimentation time, however some may not know or have this information available.

For dial up connections:

As a general rule, most users with dial-up connections experience better results with an MTU value specifically set to 576.

For cable, xDSL, LAN and other dedicated connections:

Most people with faster, dedicated connections experience best performance with an MTU value of 1500.

For cable, xDSL, LAN and other dedicated connections using PPoE:

In order to gain maximum performance we recommend setting the MTU to 1492.

RWIN suggested values

The RWIN default is 8192 bytes rounded up to the nearest Maximum Segment Size (MTU - 40) increment for the connection.  If that value isn't at least 4 times the MSS, it's adjusted to 4 times the MSS, with a maximum size of 64K (unless Tcp large window support is enabled, in which case the maximum value is 1 gigabyte).  If the Windows 95 default MaxMTU of 1500 is used, the default RWIN is rounded up to 8760 (1460 * 6).

In some cases, manually setting RWIN may decrease performance because it takes the control away from windows.  If the MTU is negotiated to a different value, then the size of the RWIN is no longer an whole integer multiple. For this to be effective you must make sure your MTU is set where it will not be negotiated to a lower value.

For dial up connections:

Performance can be drastically improved by setting this to a lower value such as 4 times your MSS (MTU-40).  The goal under dial-up networking is to bring it to a value below the default 8192.  Some people have better success with 6, 8 or even 10 times the MSS value.

For cable, xDSL, LAN and other dedicated connections:

At the recommended MTU value of 1500, a good RWIN value to start with under Windows 98 or greater is 372300, using 255 as a multiplier for your MSS (maximum segment size), calculated at your MTU value - 40, which in this case is (1500 - 40) * 255.  Under Windows 95 or NT4 without Winsock updates, the maximum and recommended RWIN value to start with would be 64240, calculated with a multiplier of 44.

Other values that have been reported to work well with high-speed connections are the following:

•	93440, or 64 times your MSS at an MTU of 1500 (must be using Windows 98 or greater to use this value).

•	64240, or 44 times your MSS at an MTU of 1500

•	32120, or 22 times your MSS at an MTU of 1500

•	8760, or 6 times your MSS at an MTU of 1500

TTL suggested values

As the Internet grows, the average number of required data transmission “hops” does,  thus increasing the effectiveness of a larger TTL value.  Recommended values in order of preference are 128, 64, and 32.

Blackhole detection suggested value

This setting is applicable only of Automatic MTU detection is checked.  The need for blackhole detection is almost none due to the fact that the average equipment used on the Internet will support automatic MTU detection if necessary, and setting this parameter when it is not needed can cause performance degradation.  It must be noted, however, that if the you are experiencing slow data transfers with this setting unchecked, it might be helpful to experiment with it turned on and see if you experience better results.  Blackhole detection is disabled by default.

Automatic MTU detection suggested value

Since automatic MTU detection helps in determining the MTU of the remote connection, it is very beneficial to performance.  This setting should remain checked unless experimentation reveals that your particular connection operates more efficiently without it.

Support for TCP large windows suggested values

Enabling this function greatly enhances the ability for Windows to accept more data at once.  It is recommended that its full features be utilized, thus a value of “3 - Window Scaling and Timestamp Options” should result in the greatest benefit.  This setting is only available under Windows 98 or later.

Fast retransmission and recovery support suggested values

Recommended setting is 3. This setting is only available under Windows 98 or later.

Support for Selective Acknowledgements suggested value

Since selective acknowledgements is a performance enhancing option, it is recommended that this setting is used (checked).  This setting is only available under Windows 98 or later.

Number of Allowed Simultaneous HTTP Connections

Best results can usually be achieved by setting the HTTP 1.0 connection limit to 10 and the HTTP 1.1 limit to 8.

Please note:  By altering this setting you are breaking standard HTTP rules and protocol by allowing your browser to consume much more bandwidth than the HTTP standard allows for.

Return to NetBooster Help Topics


NetBooster:  Restoring your system to its original state

When NetBooster is started for the first time, it makes a copy of your current network settings in case you should ever wish to revert the state your computer was in before using the program.  If at any time you would like to restore your computer to its original state, as far as network settings are concerned, select the button from the NetBooster main screen entitled “Restore original settings”.

Return to NetBooster Help Topics


NetBooster:  Optimization Profiles

NetBooster allows you to save various groups of settings called “profiles”.  Profiles are used to store a configuration that you would like to easily restore if necessary.  They also allow you to create and use various configuration sets depending on the type of application or operation you need to optimize.  For those who experiment with NetBooster’s manual network settings, some may find that one configuration works best with a particular application, such as an online game, and another configuration set works better for day-to-day web browsing.

To access NetBooster’s profile functions, select the button labeled “Edit setting manually” from the NetBooster main screen, and then select the button labeled “Profiles”.

Saving a profile

1. 	Select the box labeled “Save current settings as a new profile” and type a name for the profile.

2. 	Select the button labeled “Save”.  The newly saved profile will appear in the box labeled “Previously saved profiles”, indicating that it is the currently loaded profile.

Loading a profile

1.	Select the box labeled “Previously Saved Profiles” and choose the profile that you would like to load from the drop-down list that appears.

2.	Select the button labeled “Load”.

Deleting a profile

1.	Select the box labeled “Previously Saved Profiles” and choose the profile that you would like to delete from the drop-down list that appears.

2.	Select the button labeled “Delete”.

Return to NetBooster Help Topics


NetBooster:  Network Diagnostics

NetBooster provides the tools necessary to analyze your network performance.  One such tool is the Network Diagnostics function located under the Diagnostics tab of NetBooster’s main screen.  The Network Diagnostics tool is a real-time graphical network/Internet analyzer, that provides you with the following options and data.

Data Graphs

The data graphs, located on the lower portion of the Network Diagnostics screen, display current and historic throughput values in real time.  This information can be especially useful when attempting to determine patterns of data transfer, how much data is being transmitted, and the various troughs and peaks of performance. The peak and midrange levels of displayed data are shown at the right of the graph.

Incoming Data

This graph indicates the amount of data that is being received in real time by your computer.

Outgoing Data

This graph indicates the amount of data that is being sent in real time by your computer.

Total Data

The total data graph displays the total amount of data throughput your computer is handling in real time.  This value is computed by adding both the incoming and outgoing graphs together.

Transfer interval

You’ll notice as data comes across the graphs that it appears at specific intervals.  By default, data throughput is measured and the graphs are updated every second in order to maintain the “per second” result that most people are accustomed to.  If you would like to measure network data throughput at different intervals, the Network Diagnostics tools can do this at ranges from every 250 milliseconds to every 2.5 seconds.  To modify the transfer interval simply adjust the slider located in the box labeled “Transfer Interval”.

Data points

The number of data points on the graphs determine the length of time that historic information remains displayed.  For example, if you are measuring network data every second, and have a value of 50 data points assigned to the graphs, you can see data levels up to 50 seconds ago.  To adjust the number of data points displayed on the graphs, adjust the slider located within the box labeled “Data Points”.

Network transfer statistics

The box labeled “Network Transfer Statistics” holds several key pieces of information useful in analyzing network performance:

Current Incoming Rate

This indicates the amount of data according to the set transfer interval that is currently being received by your computer.

Current Outgoing Rate

This indicates the amount of data according to the set transfer interval that is currently being sent by your computer.

Total Throughput Rate

This indicates the total amount of data according to the set transfer interval that is currently being both sent and received by your computer.

Graph style

The information displayed on the data graphs may be delivered using a variety of visual formats.  The current format is indicated within the box labeled “Graph Style” by the checked option.  To change the graph style, simply select another of the available options from this box.

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NetBooster:  Relative Internet Speed Test

When experimenting with various settings using the Advanced Network Properties settings within NetBooster, it is important gauge the results of the changes in order to discover the combinations that work best.  While simply going about your normal business on the Internet or your network may be a good way to attempt to judge performance benefits, NetBooster provides a much more reliable method called a Relative Speed Test.  A Relative Speed Test keeps as many of the elements as possible of the test constant, such as the file downloaded, the location downloaded from, and the exact amount of data downloaded.  Although various network or Internet conditions may skew the results of any test when you are not in total control, we feel that this is the most reliable method of attempting to judge a real download transfer speed.

To access the Relative Internet Speed Test functions, select the tab labeled “Relative Speed Test” from the NetBooster main screen.  The functions and results of the test are outlined below.

Test to perform

Standard measured tests

When attempting to compare improvements in download performance (or lack thereof), it is important to perform the same test with the same amount of data each time.  NetBooster offers three standard amounts of data, all downloaded from the same source site, to enable you perform speed test.  It also offers a custom download option where you may specify your own file (which must be in http:// format) if you so desire.

To select one of the preset download tests, select either the 100k, 500k, or 1 megabyte options at the top of the screen.

Manually specifying a file to download

To specify your own file, select the option labeled “Manually specify a file to download”, and then enter a file location in http format (e.g. http://www.website.com/filename.exe) in the box labeled “HTTP file URL”.

Results in Bytes vs. Kilobytes

The results of the download tests may be displayed in bytes or kilobytes, where applicable.  Select the type of display you wish to view from these two options.  You will notice that the displayed test data changes as you change the selection.

Using speed test results to further enhance connection speed

There are a number of test results that are displayed during and at the end of the data download.  They are utilized as follows:

Elapsed Time

This is the time that had elapsed since the download has started.  NetBooster does not increment this value until the first physical byte of data has arrived, thereby providing timing real results of physical data transfer.

Data Received

This area displays the total amount of data that has been received by your computer directly related to this download (other network activity is ignored during these tests).  This number is displayed in either bytes or kilobytes, depending on the option selected (see above).

Current Speed

The current speed reflects the actual amount of data (shown in bytes or kilobytes depending on the option selected) that has been received over the last second.  This area is an excellent way to see what is happening during the transfer as it takes place.  You’ll be able to note certain troughs and peaks of performance as they occur by watching this value change.

Average Speed

The average speed representation is probably the best reflection of your physical throughput capabilities.  This value is computed by averaging the data received every second over the elapsed time of the download.  If you notice this value increase or decrease reliably, after modifying network settings you can be fairly certain that it reflects a general effect of the modifications.

Peak Speed

Peak speed is the fastest recorded amount of data that has come through to your computer over a period of one second.  This value is a good indication of the total “burst” potential of your connection.  Peak speeds are usually quite a bit higher than average speeds due to the fact that your connection most likely cannot maintain the reflected peak transmission speed for very long without slowing back down to “catch up with itself”.

Remember to use the logs as well

You can use all of this information collectively to make educated decisions when testing new configurations for effectiveness.  Remember to utilize NetBooster’s logging features to review a historical report of the configurations used, tests performed, and results achieved for added research into maximizing your connections.

Return to NetBooster Help Topics


NetBooster:  Logs

One of the most useful functions in NetBooster is the historical tracking of the actions and tests you perform.  Every time you perform a Relative Internet Speed Test, all of the information pertinent to the test is saved so that you can go back and review it later in order to determine which configuration tested worked the best for your system.  NetBooster’s logging information is organized and arranged in the Logs tab of the main screen.

A sample log of a download speed test follows:

Start Test: 10/29/99 12:00:28 PM

  Test Type: Download 100 kilobytes

  Operating System: Windows 98

  -------------Settings Used------------

  Maximum Transfer Unit: Not specified

  Tcp Receive Window: Not specified

  Time To Live: Not specified

  Black Hole Detection: False

  Auto-Detect Maximum Transfer Unit: False

  Tcp Options: 3 - Window Scaling and Timestamp Options

  Fast Retransmission and Recovery support value: 3

  Support for Selective Acknowledgements: True

  ----------------------------------------------

  Data Transfer Start: 10/29/99 12:00:29 PM

  Data Transfer Complete: 10/29/99 12:00:38 PM

  --->Total Data Received: 102400 bytes

  --->Time to Complete Transfer: 00:00:09:364

  --->Average Speed: 10499 bytes per second

  --->Peak Speed: 18672 bytes per second

Clearing (resetting) the log file information

Over time, the information in the log will begin to age and lose its importance.  At this point, you may decide to reset the information and start afresh..  You may do this in the following manner:

1. 	Select the button labeled "Clear Log" from the “Logs” tab on the NetBooster main screen.

2. 	Confirm your decision to permanently erase the information in the log by selecting "Yes" to the prompt that appears.  If you would like to cancel the removal process select "No".

Viewing, printing, or modifying the log files

In order to make it easy to view, modify, and print log information NetBooster provides you with the ability to view log information in your default text editor (usually Windows Notepad).  Using your text editor you can view the contents of the file flexibly, print it, or edit the contents of the file and resave it.  To open the log file in your text editor use the following steps:

1. 	Select the button labeled “View in Text Editor”.

2. 	Your default text editing application will open with the log information loaded.  Once the information is displayed in your text editor you may print it or modify it and resave it.  If you modify the information in a log, you will need to close down and restart NetBooster in order to view the changes.

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NetBooster:  Introduction

NetBooster is a tool designed to optimize an important group of Windows configuration settings that directly affect your network and Internet connection speed.  When Windows is installed, these settings are in most cases not optimized for the Internet or for your particular network connection and actually prevent you from reaching potential download and upload speeds due to information "fragmentation" and other redundant delays.  Previously, there was no simple way to edit these settings manually without dangerously exploring and modifying the Windows registry by hand, however NetBooster now makes it easy for anyone to reach maximum performance with a few clicks.

Many people experience increases in throughput speed of over 200% when using NetBooster's optimizations.  NetBooster does not allow your modem (or other connection device) to establish a connection at a faster rate than it did before,  it allows it to transfer more data at once over that connection.  This results in faster, more reliable downloads, uploads, e-mail, web-browsing, on-line gaming, and more.  NetBooster's effects will benefit all applications that use an Internet connection such as all web browsers, e-mail programs, all versions of America Online and any other on-line service such as CompuServe and MSN.

NetBooster works with more than just modem connections as well.  Whether you are connected via a DSL, cable modem, ISDN, or other LAN connection, NetBooster can maximize your performance.  For example, while testing NetBooster on systems with DSL and cable-modem connections, we frequently witnessed an increase in download speeds of up to 300%.  Non-Internet related LAN connections are also streamlined by using this tool.

Although NetBooster has the ability to automatically set all of the configuration data to the optimum values for your particular connection and system, it also allows provides an easy way to manually view and edit these settings individually.  Additionally, it provides tools such as a real-time graphical network/Internet analyzer, and a tool that allows you to test your relative download speed in order to give you accurate reports of your true performance so that you can tweak and adjust NetBooster's settings until you reach absolute efficiency.  Sometimes, a certain set of configuration values will work well with a certain application (for example, an on-line game), and another set works better with another application (for example, downloading large files).  For these types of situations, NetBooster makes it easy to switch back and forth between optimization sets by allowing you to save and load an unlimited number of configuration "profiles".

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Securely deleting files and folders

Incinerator Help Topics

 Incinerator Introduction

 Installing and uninstalling Incinerator

 Securely deleting files and folders

•	Sending items to the Incinerator holding tank

•	Restoring items from the Incinerator holding tank

•	Performing the Incineration

 Adjusting the way Incinerator works

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 Incinerator Introduction

Sooner or later, we all create, view, use, or otherwise come across something while using our computers that we would prefer no one else sees  -- or knows that we saw.  The standard Windows Recycle Bin allows you to delete files and folders, presumably removing them from prying eyes, however, unbeknownst to most of us there are very simple ways to retrieve and view files and folders which have been removed in this manner – even months after they have been “deleted”.  The reason items can be so easily retrieved intact even long after being supposedly deleted is because Windows does not actually erase the physical data on your drive that makes up the item – it only marks the very first byte of it as “available space” so that the operating system can use it if necessary.  With simple, and in most cases free software, anyone can view a list of all of the files, folders, pictures, and documents you have attempted to delete recently, as well as easily restore and view them.  This is where System Mechanic’s Incinerator tool comes in.

Appearing as a secondary Recycle-bin type icon in your desktop, Incinerator is designed to seamlessly integrate with your operating system, extending it in all areas where secure file removal is applicable.  You can drag single or multiple files and folders to the Incinerator icon on the desktop or any of the corresponding locations in Windows Explorer, or select any number of items and right click with your mouse to access a quick and convenient “Send to Incinerator” option.

When Incinerator deletes items, it’s permanent, and beyond any means of retrieval, whether software based, mechanical, or electronic.  Incinerator uses higher than Government-strength security when “incinerating” items, so you can be sure that what you remove is safe from anyone’s prying eyes.  In order to ensure such security, Incinerator uses a variety of time-tested and Government-accepted security methods including renaming the item to a random value, overwriting it with random data multiple times (in Incinerator’s case, you can overwrite a total of 10 times!), and truncating the item’s length to zero (this makes it impossible to tell where a file’s data starts and stops on your system, thereby preventing manual retrieval via electromagnetic means).

Incinerator’s applications are numerous.  Companies can use it to protect secret and valuable information from would-be competitors or sabotage, home users can protect their privacy from other family members, and employees can use it to prevent associates from “spying” on their work.

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Incinerator:  Securely deleting files and folders

The first thing that ought to be said about the Incinerator tool is that it operates in all applicable ways like the existing Recycle Bin tool that is included with Windows.  Incinerator was designed in this manner so as to allow new users to comfortably use its functions with a minimum learning curve.  If you are comfortable with the Windows Recycle Bin, you should feel right at home with System Mechanic’s Incinerator.

Sending items to the Incinerator holding tank

There are two main methods of sending files and folders to the Incinerator for holding (until actual incineration is performed).  When the Incinerator holding tank has items within, its icon changes into a “glowing” tank to indicate that it contains sensitive data.  The methods of sending items to the tank are outlined below:

Dragging items to the Incinerator desktop icon

One way to send files and folders to the Incinerator is to drag them into the Incinerator icon that is located on your Windows desktop.  To do this use the following method:

1. 	Select the items you would like to place within the Incinerator holding tank with your mouse

2. 	Drag them to the desktop Incinerator icon using your left mouse button.

3. 	Once over the Incinerator icon, release the left mouse button and confirm the action.

Using the “Send to Incinerator” menu option

Another convenient method of sending items to the Incinerator holding tank is to use the menu that appears when you click on an item or group of items with your right mouse button.  To utilize this method, follow these steps:

1. 	Select the items you would like to place within the Incinerator holding tank with your mouse

2. 	Click on any of the selected items with your right mouse button.

3. 	A menu will appear with an option labeled “Send to Incinerator”.  Select this option and confirm the action.

Restoring items from the Incinerator holding tank

When you send items to the Incinerator, they are initially held within a “holding tank”, where they sit until actually incinerated (similar to the Recycle Bin’s method of holding items until deletion is executed). Items in Incinerator’s holding tank can still be restored to their original location, they have not been physically “incinerated” yet.  To restore items that are residing within this holding area use the following methods:

Automatically restoring items to their original location

To restore any of the items held within the Incinerator to their location before being sent to the Incinerator use the following steps:

1.	Open the Incinerator holding tank by double-clicking on the Incinerator icon on your desktop or selecting its corresponding icon from within Windows Explorer.

2.	Select the items you would like to restore from within the Incinerator holding tank with your mouse

3.	Using your mouse, select the highlighted items with the right mouse button.

4.	A menu will appear with an option labeled “Restore”.  Select this option to complete the restoration process.

Dragging the file out of the Incinerator

1.	Open the Incinerator holding tank by double-clicking on the Incinerator icon on your desktop or selecting its corresponding icon from within Windows Explorer.

2.	Select the items you would like to restore from within the Incinerator holding tank with your mouse

3.	Drag them out of Incinerator to another location on your system such as your desktop or another folder.

4.	The items will be restored from the Incinerator to the location specified.

Performing the Incineration

Once you have moved items to the Incinerator holding tank, they are kept within until you perform the actual “incineration”.  Incineration executes the physical process of securely deleting the items within Incinerator from your system.

Incinerating all items

To incinerate all of the items within the Incinerator holding tank use the following method:

1.	Select the Incinerator icon with your right mouse button.

2.	A menu will appear with an option labeled “Incinerate all”.  Select this option.

3.	Confirm your action (this is your last chance – please be careful!) to complete the incineration process.

Incinerating items selectively

To incinerate items held within the Incinerator tank selectively (not all at once) use the following method:

1.	Double click the Incinerator icon on your desktop to open the holding tank window.

2.	You will see a list of items held within Incinerator, waiting to be incinerated.  Select the items you wish to permanently destroy using your mouse.  To select more than one item, hold down the Ctrl key while clicking each item.

3.	Once all of the items you wish to incinerate are highlighted, select any of the items with your right mouse button.

4.	A menu will appear with an option labeled “Incinerate selected”.  Select this option and confirm your action.  Alternatively, you can press the Del key once all desired items are selected.

Moving Items from the Recycle Bin  to the Incinerator and vice versa

If you would like to move items from the Incinerator to the Recycle Bin it is recommended that you move them to a standard folder location on your computer first, and then to the Recycle Bin, as files that are moved from the Incinerator holding tank to the Recycle Bin will lose their original filenames.  Moving files from the Recycle Bin to the Incinerator does, however, preserve the original filenames.

Return to Incinerator Help Topics


Incinerator:  Installing and uninstalling Incinerator

When Incinerator is installed, it appears as an icon on your desktop that resembles a hazardous waste bin and operates in much the same manner as the Windows Recycle Bin.

To install Incinerator use the following steps:

1.	Start the main System Mechanic program

2.	Under the “Files” section, select “Securely delete files and folders”

3.	A window will appear entitled “Incinerator”.

4.	If Incinerator is not installed, a button labeled “Install Incinerator” will be available.  Select this button to install Incinerator.

To uninstall Incinerator use the following steps:

1.	Start the main System Mechanic program

2.	Under the “Files” section, select “Securely delete files and folders”

3.	A window will appear entitled “Incinerator”.

4.	If Incinerator is installed, a button labeled “Uninstall Incinerator” will be available.  Select this button to uninstall Incinerator.

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Incinerator:  Adjusting the way Incinerator works

Accessing Incinerator’s Properties

There are several elements of Incinerator that may be adjusted to your personal requirements. To access Incinerator’s configuration settings, you may use one of the following methods:

First, make sure that the Incinerator is installed.

•	Right-click with your mouse on the Incinerator icon located on your Windows desktop.  A menu will appear with an option labeled “Properties”.  Select this option.

Or...

•	Double-click with your left mouse button on the Incinerator icon located on your desktop.  The main Incinerator file holding area will appear.  From the “File” menu, select the option labeled “Incinerator properties”.

The settings available are described below:

Security Level

Use the slider in the Incinerator properties dialog to specify how many times Incinerator will overwrite incinerated files with random data before truncating and deleting them.  The greater the value the more secure (but slower) the process.  A value of 7 (i.e. overwriting items with random data seven times before truncating and deleting them) meets government and military requirements for secure data disposal.

Show progress indicator while incinerating

If this box is checked, a status window will appear when you incinerate items held within Incinerator’s holding tank.  This is helpful when incinerating large amounts of data so as to provide you with a rough estimate of completion time.

Add “Send to Incinerator” option to right-click context menus

If this box is checked, you can access a convenient menu that will allow you to send any file, folder, or combination thereof to the Incinerator.  When this option is enabled, you can send items to the Incinerator by simply selecting them, clicking on them with your right mouse button, and then selecting the menu option that appears labeled “Send to Incinerator”.

Add Incinerator option under “Send To…” context menu

If this box is checked, you can send selected files and folders to the Incinerator by using the Windows “Send To…” menu function.  To use this option, select the file(s) and or folder(s) you wish to send to the Incinerator and then click on one of them with your right mouse button.  Next, select the menu option that appears labeled “Send To…”, and finally select the menu option labeled “Incinerator”.

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System Mechanic Mobile Toolkit

System Mechanic is available in a special Mobile Toolkit edition that is tailor-made for consultants, VAR’s, MIS / IT managers, and anyone who wants the power of System Mechanic Industrial edition in a clean portable package.

Essentially, System Mechanic Mobile Toolkit provides you with the following:

•	A special CD-ROM that allows you to run System Mechanic directly from the CD, eliminating the need for “installation”.

•	An unlimited license for one concurrent/simultaneous user to use System Mechanic Mobile Toolkit on any number of computers

•	The ability to perform maintenance directly on any computer by simply inserting the Mobile Toolkit CD, without leaving any files or residual installation behind.

•	The ability to run System Mechanic Mobile Toolkit on any workstation from a shared network CD drive.

Benefits:

•	Technicians can maintain a number of computers using System Mechanic’s powerful tools without the need to install a separate license on each machine.

•	Eliminates the opportunity for inexperienced users to misuse the software, as it is run directly from CD and never permanently installed.

•	Extremely cost effective for those maintaining multiple machines on a regular basis, when System Mechanic’s tools are never required for more than one concurrent/simultaneous user.

Pricing:

•	System Mechanic Mobile Toolkit CD-ROM:  $299.95

•	Each Additional CD-ROM:  $99.95

System Mechanic Mobile Toolkit can be ordered directly from iolo technologies using the following methods:

Secure Online Web Ordering:

Toll-Free US Sales:  1-877-239-4656

Non US Sales:  1-626-793-3993

Fax:  1-626-793-1554 (Click here to print a faxable order form) .

Click here for more information on accepted payment methods.


Customizing Windows Settings

System Customizer Help Topics

 System Customizer Introduction

 Start Menu

 CD-ROM

 Network

 System

 Windows Explorer

 Appearance

 Internet Explorer

 Boot/Shutdown

 Printing

 Performance

 Windows NT/2000

 Security

 Returning to Previous Configuration States

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Automatically Updating System Mechanic using the Internet

System Mechanic WebUpdate Help Topics

 WebUpdate Introduction

 Using the WebUpdate Tool

•	Checking for updates

•	Downloading updates

•	Installing Updates

•	Completing the Update and restarting

 Options

•	Update Schedule

•	Using a Proxy Server

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Consolidating Maintenance using the Maintenance Wizard

Maintenance Wizard Help Topics

 Introduction

•	Using the Maintenance Wizard Interface

 Available Maintenance Options

•	Find and remove junk and obsolete files

•	Scan for and remove invalid information from the Registry

•	Clean up Internet browser cookies and cache files

 Performing the Operation

•	Canceling the process if necessary

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Adjusting System Mechanic's Global Options
Adjusting System Mechanic’s Global Options

System Mechanic General Options Help Topics

 Hints and Tips

•	Enable tips and hints

•	Display all tips and hints

 WebUpdate

•	Access and modify WebUpdate Options

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Customizing Windows Settings:  System Customizer Introduction

System Mechanic’s System Customizer tool provides an easy way to tweak and fine-tune hidden or unknown features in Windows according your preferences.  System Customizer features almost 100 adjustable items ranging from Windows’ general appearance, to the boot screens that are displayed when starting and shutting down the computer, to security settings helpful for system administrators, and more.  These adjustable items are intelligently categorized together in relevant groups for easy access as well.

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Customizing Windows Settings:  Start Menu

The options under the Start Menu category will affect elements of the Windows Start Menu, which is accessed by selecting the button labeled Start normally located in the lower left portion of your screen.  The options are described below.

Alphabetize Start Menu Programs

Over time, the entries in your Start Menu may become listed out of alphabetical order.  This option will sort the items and program groups located in the Start Menu and list them in ascending alphabetical order.  Reboot is required for changes to be reflected.

Make Control Panel applets accessible directly from Start Menu

If checked, this option will create a program group directly accessible from the Start Button that allows direct access to all of the icons and applets located in the Windows Control Panel.

Make Printer Folder accessible directly from Start Menu

If checked, this option will create a program group directly accessible from the Start Button that allows direct access to the Windows Printers Folder.

Show Favorites folder

If checked, this option will create a program group directly accessible from the Start Button that allows direct access to the Windows Favorites Folder.  This option is not available under Windows NT and 2000. Reboot is required for changes to be reflected.

Show Documents folder

If checked, this option will create a program group directly accessible from the Start Button that allows direct access to the Windows Documents Folder.  This option is not available under Windows NT and 2000. Reboot is required for changes to be reflected.

Show Log Off option

If checked, this option will show the Windows Log Off option directly accessible from the Start Button.  This option is not available under Windows NT and 2000.  Reboot is required for changes to be reflected.

Enable Intellimenus

This option is available under Windows 2000, Windows Millennium, and later.  If checked, it will instruct Windows to utilize “intellimenus”, which prioritize the display of the items shown under the Start Menu and elsewhere according to the frequency in which they are accessed.  Reboot is required for changes to be reflected.

Start Menu Reaction Speed

Use this option to adjust the delay that the Start Menu uses to pause before expanding a new branch when your mouse pointer is positioned over an expandable item. Reboot is required for changes to be reflected.

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Customizing Windows Settings:  CD-ROM

The options under the CD-ROM category affect the way your CD-ROM behaves.  They are described below.

Automatically start data CD-ROM’s when they are inserted

If this option is checked, Windows will automatically run a data CD-ROM’s default program (usually setup.exe) when CD-ROM’s are inserted in the drive. Reboot is required for changes to be reflected.

Automatically start playing audio CD’s when they are inserted

If this option is checked, Windows will automatically begin playing music CD’s when they are inserted into the drive.  Reboot is required for changes to be reflected.

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Customizing Windows Settings:  Network

The options under the Network category affect items related to your computer as they pertain to the network you are a member of (if any).  They are described below.

Enable Automatic Logon

If this option is enabled, Windows will attempt to log the computer on to the network using the information specified in the Username, Password, and Domain boxes.

Warning:  This option completely compromises the network security inherent in logon requirements.  Please only use this option if this type of security is not of concern to you or your organization.

Additionally: Please remember that this function is only accessible and changeable while logged on as an administrator, therefore, if this function is used to automatically log on to an account without administrator rights, there will be no way to re-log on as an administrator in order to disable it.

Suppress last username display on next login prompt

Normally, Windows will automatically display the last successfully logged-in user’s name when starting.  If this option is checked, it will clear this information the next time the Windows login prompt is displayed.

Allow desktop to load while login script is running

If you or your administrator have created a login script that runs when you log into Windows, checking this option will allow the boot process (including loading and displaying the desktop) to continue as this script runs.

Maintain remote access connections when logging off

If this option is checked, other computers on the network can continue to access your system even as the logoff process is taking place.  Uncheck this option to immediately terminate all network connections when the logoff process begins.

Enable remote access to the registry for all

Normally, only administrators can gain access to your registry remotely.  By checking this option, you can allow non administrator-class users to access your registry via a network connection as well.  Reboot is required for changes to be reflected.

Enable print sever notification messages

If this option is checked and your machine acts as a print server, Windows will display confirmation messages for each print job it handles.  Unchecking this box suppresses these messages.  Reboot is required for changes to be reflected.

Broadcast new shared printer availability over the network

If this option is checked, your system will broadcast a message to everyone on your network when you share a new printer.  This may be helpful for people attempting to attach to and use a new printer that has recently been installed on your machine.  To suppress the broadcast, uncheck this option.  Reboot is required for changes to be reflected.

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Customizing Windows Settings:  System

There are two main sections under the System category:  Registration Details, and Windows Paths.  Registration Details allows you to modify the name and company that your computer lists itself as being registered to.  Windows Paths allows you to inspect and modify the standard Windows directory paths that it uses, such as the “Program Files”, “System”, and “Cache” paths, among others.

Registration Details

Name

The information is this box corresponds to the details listed by your computer under the “Registered To:” information under the properties of your computer.

Company

The information is this box corresponds to the details listed by your computer under the “Registered To:” information under the properties of your computer.

Windows Paths

Windows Install

The Windows Install path corresponds to the location that Windows was originally installed from.  In most cases this will be your CD-ROM drive, however it may be any valid path on your system that contains the Windows setup files.  Setting this path to a folder that has the standard Windows setup files will allow Windows to automatically install drivers and components without needing to ask you to select a location to find this information.

Program Files

The “Program Files” folder is the standard location that application will attempt to install themselves under.  Normally, this path is located on the same drive that Windows is installed on – for example: c:\program files.  Adjusting this location is helpful if you do not want to alter the default choice that applications will list when installing themselves to your system.

Common Files

The Common Files folder is generally used by Microsoft applications such as Office to store data that may be used by more than one application such as contact lists, address books, custom dictionary entries, etc.  Normally, this folder is located in c:\program files\common files.

Media

The Media path contains standard sounds and pictures that Windows may use globally in desktop themes, etc.  Normally, this folder is located in c:\windows\media.

Cache

The Cache folder is where Windows stores files and information retrieved generally while browsing the internet.  The path is normally c:\windows\temporary internet files\.

Cookies

The Cookies folder corresponds to the location that Windows stores “cookies” collected while on the internet.  Cookies are small files that store information that may be read by a remote computer while you are browsing the web.  This path is normally located in c:\windows\cookies\.

History

The History folder is the location Windows uses to store information about the places you have been on the web.  This location is normally located in c:\windows\history\.

Personal

The Personal folder is also sometimes called the “My Documents” folder, and corresponds to the location that Windows uses and lists as “My Documents”.  This folder is usually the default location that word processing software will suggest when saving new documents.  It is normally located in c:\my documents.

Recent Files

By default, Windows stores a group of shortcuts that correspond to the last 10-20 files and documents you have accessed in a specific folder called “Recent Files”.  This folder is normally located in c:\windows\recent.

Send To

If you right-click with the mouse on many files in Windows, you will have access to a “send to” menu option.  This option allows you to send the highlighted item to a list of objects such as certain applications, locations on your system, removable media, etc.  The list of available items to send objects to is represented by a group of shortcuts contained in a specific folder usually located in c:\windows\sendto.

Start Up Folder

When Windows starts, it looks for applications or shortcuts to applications located in a special “StartUp” folder, and immediately launches them at the beginning of each Windows session.  This folder is normally located in c:\windows\startup.

Fonts

The various fonts that are available to you in Windows are all kept in a global location, usually c:\windows\fonts.  Use this options to modify this location.

Caution:  By changing any of the above locations you are altering important system-wide information.  Please use caution when modifying this information as incorrect settings may cause unpredictable results.

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Customizing Windows Settings:  Windows Explorer

The options located in the Windows Explorer category pertain to the Explorer application native to all Windows operating systems.  The options affect the way Explorer appears and behaves and are explained in detail below.

Use Explorer when opening “My Computer”

If this option is checked, Windows will open Explorer (in dual-pane mode as opposed to single-folder display mode) when the “My Computer” icon is accessed.  This is helpful for those who prefer the interface of Explorer over the single-windowed standard My Computer display.

Display thumbnails for bitmap files

A Windows bitmap file is a file that contains a picture and is denoted by a “.bmp” extension (e.g. mypicture.bmp).  If this option is checked, Windows will display a small “thumbnail” of the picture contained in the bitmap file as its icon when viewed in Explorer.  Reboot is required for changes to be reflected.

Show animated “click here to begin” on taskbar

Normally, when Windows starts up it displays an animated message on the taskbar that directs you to the Start Button.  This message is displayed on the task bar (the gray bar normally located on the bottom of your screen).  If this option is checked it instructs Windows to continue to display this message each time it starts up.

Show animated windows effects

In Windows 95 when you maximized or minimized a Window, it could be “seen” moving to and from the task bar (the gray bar normally located on the bottom of your screen).  In Windows 98 this animation is turned off by default.  If this option is checked, these animated effects will be enabled.  If it is unchecked, Windows will not use animation when minimizing or maximizing windows.  Reboot is required for changes to be reflected.

Enable Smooth scrolling

When scrolling items up or down in Windows Explorer, they normally move all at once without any noticeable up or down motion.  If the Enable Smooth Scrolling option is checked, Explorer will use smooth animation when scrolling items up or down within its window.  Reboot is required for changes to be reflected.

Place “Open with...” on explorer right click menu

Normally, when you right-click with your mouse on an item within Explorer or your desktop, a helpful set of menu options appear.  If this option is checked Explorer displays an addition item called “Open with...” which if selected allows you to choose which application will open and handle the currently selected item during that instance only.

When Windows is shut down, restore all open windows upon restart

If Windows is shut down while there are open applications present, they will not normally be displayed when your computer starts up again.  If this option is checked, any visible items will be opened once again when Windows starts up.

Automatically refresh open explorer windows when changes occur

Sometimes when Windows Explorer is open and displaying a set of files that you may be performing operations on using another application, the changes made (e.g. name, date, or size modifications) are not immediately reflected within Explorer.  If this option is checked, Explorer will automatically refresh its window(s) immediately whenever any changes take place on the files that are being currently displayed.  Reboot is required for changes to be reflected.

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Customizing Windows Settings:  Appearance

The options located under the Windows Appearance Category are related to the general appearance of the Windows operating system.  The modifications available are as follows.

Automatically focus windows when mouse passes over them

If this option is checked, each window that your mouse hovers over will be brought into focus and made ready for input such as typing or clicking.  Reboot is required for changes to be reflected.

Display arrows on shortcut icons

If this option is checked, icons that represent shortcuts in Windows will display a small arrow in the lower left corner of their corresponding icon.  If this option is unchecked, these arrows will be hidden.  Reboot is required for changes to be reflected.

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Customizing Windows Settings:  Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer Title Bar caption

Please note that this option is only available under Windows 95, 98, or Me.  This option provides a box that displays the current Internet Explorer title bar (the upper area of the window that displays the name of the application).  You may make changes to this text by modifying the text that is displayed.

Enable smooth web page scrolling

When scrolling pages up or down in Internet Explorer, their surfaces normally move all at once without any noticeable motion.  If this option is checked, Internet Explorer will use smooth animation when scrolling web pages up or down within its window.

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Customizing Windows Settings:  Printing

The options located under the Printing category are related to the way Windows handles printers and print jobs.  The options are as follows.

Print Spool Folder

Please note that this option is only available under Windows NT or 2000.

A “Spool” folder is a location on your hard drive or your network where documents are stored temporarily while being printed so that you can move on to other work during the printing process.  This option has a corresponding box with the location that Windows will use as your default printer spool location.  You may modify this information in either of the following ways:

•	Type the new location into the corresponding box and select the button labeled Apply.

or...

•	Select the folder icon located to the right of the spool folder location box and browse for a new location.  Once you have selected a new location to use, select the button labeled OK.

Increase application performance during print jobs

If this option is checked, Windows will consider the work being performed within foreground applications a more important priority than any printing jobs currently being performed simultaneously, and will allocate slightly more memory and processor time to foreground processes, thereby increasing their performance while slightly increasing the time it takes to complete print jobs.

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Customizing Windows Settings:  Performance

Improve system performance in Windows NT/2000 by minimizing pagefile use

If this option is checked, Windows NT/2000 will keep core elements of the operating system in memory rather than storing these more often used items in the operating system’s virtual memory page file.  This normally increases performance in foreground applications if Windows NT has ample physical RAM available.

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Customizing Windows Settings:  Windows NT/2000

The options under the Windows NT/2000 category are only applicable and available to the Windows NT and Windows 2000 operating systems.  They are as follows.

Automatically shutdown applications that are not responding

If this option is checked, the operating system will automatically close an application that has stopped responding due to an error.  This is helpful for systems that are left unattended for long periods of time, as an application that is not responding may lock up system resources or leak memory if it is not closed down immediately.

Allow system to power down when shutting down Windows

If your computer’s case and power-supply can accommodate this request, Windows will automatically power-down your computer when it is shut down when this option is checked.

Clear page file at shutdown

If this option is checked, Windows will clear its virtual-memory pagefile each time Windows is shut down.  This option is helpful for those concerned with security, as the pagefile may contain information that may be used to discover what the system’s actions were before shutting down.  On the other hand, Windows must recreate its pagefile (normally quite large) each time it starts if this option is checked, which can slow startup time considerably.

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Customizing Windows Settings:  Security

All of the options under the Security tab pertain to various adjustable elements in Windows that relate to the way Windows are usable, visible, and accessible.  The options are grouped among several tabs as outlined below.

Warning: Please use caution when working with the security elements in this tool.  Before exiting and saving any changes, make sure that you are completely sure about all of the options selected in order to prevent any accidental problems accessing critical elements of Windows.  Please also note that the only way to change or reset these settings is by accessing this tool, so make sure that you do not restrict your own access thereof.

Start Menu | Explorer | Network | Printer | Control Panel | Misc | NT/2000

Start Menu

Hide Taskbar in Start Menu under Settings

If this option is checked Windows will not allow users to access the properties of the taskbar (normally located at the bottom of the screen) by selecting the Start Button and then “Settings”.

Hide Control Panel and Printers folders in Start Menu under Settings

If this option is checked Windows will not allow users to access the Control Panel or the Printers folder by selecting the Start Button and then “Settings”.

Hide “Run...” command under Start Menu

If this option is checked, users will not be able to access the “Run...” command normally accessible on the Start Menu by selecting the Start Button.

Hide “Find” command under Start Menu

If this option is checked, users will not be able to access the “Find” command normally accessible on the Start Menu by selecting the Start Button.

Hide “Shut Down” Command under Start Menu

If this option is checked, users will not be able to access the “Shut Down...” command normally accessible on the Start Menu by selecting the Start Button.

Note:  If this option is selected, the only proper way to shut down the system will be by selecting the desktop and the pressing the Alt and F4 keys at once.

Hide "All Users" section of Start Menu

Only applicable to Windows NT and 2000.  If this option is checked, users will not be able to access the shortcuts on the Start Menu that are intended to be accessible to all users, regardless of who logs on to the machine.

Warning:  Please use caution when enabling this option.  In order to access or use any application or document normally located under this section of the Start Menu, you must now know its physical location on your hard drive.

Start Menu | Explorer | Network | Printer | Control Panel | Misc | NT/2000

Explorer

Hide File menu in Explorer

If this option is checked, the “File” menu in Windows Explorer will be made inaccessible (invisible).

Hide all drives but c:\

If this option is checked, Windows will only display the c: drive when exploring your computer using Windows Explorer or via the “My Computer” desktop icon.

Start Menu | Explorer | Network | Printer | Control Panel | Misc | NT/2000

Network

Hide the Map/Disconnect Network drive command

If this option is checked, the command that allows you to map and/or connect to a network drive will not be accessible under Windows Network Properties.

Hide Dial-Up Networking icon in "My computer"

If this option is checked and Dial-Up-Networking is installed on your computer, Windows will hide its corresponding icon if the “My Computer” desktop icon is opened or accessed via Windows Explorer.

Hide “Network Neighborhood” icon

If this option is checked, the “Network Neighborhood” icon will be hidden from view on both your desktop and Windows Explorer.

Hide “Entire Network” in “Network Neighborhood”

If this option is checked, the icon that allows you to open the “Entire Network” will not be displayed when Network Neighborhood is open.

Hide “Workgroup Contents” in “Network Neighborhood”

If this option is checked, the icon that allows you to open the “Workgroup Contents” will not be displayed when Network Neighborhood is open.

Disable remote administrator access to floppy drives

If this option is checked, administrators using remote computers on a network will not be able to access disks located in the floppy drives on your system.

Disable remote administrator access to CDROM drives

If this option is checked, administrators using remote computers on a network will not be able to access CD-ROM drives located on your system.

Disable file sharing

If this option is checked, file sharing via your network will be disabled.  This means that no one accessing your system via a network will be able to access or use files located on your local computer.

Disable printer sharing

If this option is checked, printer sharing via your network will be disabled.  This means that no one accessing your system via a network will be able to access or use the printer(s) located on your local computer.

Start Menu | Explorer | Network | Printer | Control Panel | Misc | NT/2000

Printer

Prevent users from adding new printers

If this option is checked, it will restrict the ability of users who are logged into the computer from adding any additional printers, whether via the network or locally.

Prevent users from removing printers

If this option is checked, users logged on to the computer will not be able to remove any existing network or local printers currently attached to the system.

Please note: The options under the Printer category are not available under Windows NT or 2000

Start Menu | Explorer | Network | Printer | Control Panel | Misc | NT/2000

Control Panel

All of the options located under this tab pertain to the Windows Control Panel and the icons located therein.

Disable “Display Settings” icon

If this option is checked, the icon labeled “Display Settings” will not be visible when accessing the Control Panel.

Disable “Network” icon

This option is only available under Windows 95, 98, or Me.  If this option is checked, the icon labeled “Enable Network” will not be accessible when using the Control Panel.

Disable “Printers” icon

This option is only available under Windows 95, 98, or Me.  If this option is checked, the icon labeled “Printers” will not be accessible when using the Control Panel.

Disable “Passwords” icon

This option is only available under Windows 95, 98, or Me.  If this option is checked, the icon labeled “Passwords” will not be accessible when using the Control Panel.

Start Menu | Explorer | Network | Printer | Control Panel | Misc | NT/2000

Misc

Hide all desktop icons

Warning:  Please use caution when enabling this option.

If this option is checked, Windows will completely hide all icons normally located on the desktop.  These icons will not be accessible until this option is unchecked.

Disable right-click context menus from the Taskbar

If this option is checked, Windows will not display a menu when the Taskbar (normally located as a gray bar at the bottom of your screen) is right-clicked with the mouse.

Disable Explorer’s default right-click context menu

Warning:  Please use caution when enabling this option.

If this option is checked, Windows will not display a menu when any icon is right-clicked with the mouse.

Hide Scheduled Tasks in “My Computer”

This option is only available under Windows 95, 98, or Me.  If this option is checked and the Windows Task Scheduler is installed on your computer, Windows will hide its corresponding icon if the “My Computer” desktop icon is opened or accessed via Windows Explorer.

Hide Web Folders in “My Computer”

This option is only available under Windows 95, 98, or Me.  If this option is checked and the “Web Folders” feature of Windows has been installed, Windows will hide its corresponding icon if the “My Computer” desktop icon is opened or accessed via Windows Explorer.

Disable registry editing tools (Regedit, etc.)

If this option is checked, Windows will prevent access to any tool that edits or modifies the Registry, including the Microsoft Regedit tool (regedit.exe).

Start Menu | Explorer | Network | Printer | Control Panel | Misc | NT/2000

NT/2000

The options contained under the NT/2000 tab correspond to features only available under Windows NT and 2000.

Prevent users from starting Task Manager

If this option is checked, users of Windows will be prevented from starting the Windows NT/2000 Task Manager application.

Disable “Change Password” button

If this option is enabled, users of Windows will disable the button labeled “Change Password” which is located on the Windows NT/2000 Task Manager application.

Disable “Lock Workstation” button

If this option is enabled, users of Windows will disable the button labeled “Lock Workstation” which is located on the Windows NT/2000 Task Manager application.

Start Menu | Explorer | Network | Printer | Control Panel | Misc | NT/2000

Return to System Customizer Help Topics


Customizing Windows Settings:  Boot/Shutdown

The options contained under the Bootup/Shutdown category are all related to the actions that your computer performs when starting up or shutting down.  The options are divided into three main groups:  Boot Menu, Boot Parameters, and The Boot Screens.  They are explained below.

Boot Menu

Boot Parameters

The Boot Screens

Boot Menu

The items under the Boot Menu tab have to do with the menu that is normally accessed by pressing the F8 key when Windows 95, 98, or Me starts up and initially displays the text “Starting Windows xx...”.

Delay for X seconds when Windows is booting

When Windows 95 first starts up, it gives you a small window of opportunity to access a DOS-based boot menu by pressing the F8 key (when the message “Starting Windows 9x...” is displayed).  This window of opportunity is normally about 2 seconds, but can be modified using this option.  Please note that this option is only available under Windows 95.

Pause for X seconds when boot menu is shown

When the Windows 95, 98, or Me boot menu is displayed (see above option) it normally allows you a certain number of seconds to make a choice before automatically selecting an option and continuing with the boot process.  Using this option, you can adjust this timeframe.

Default boot option number

When the Windows 95, 98, or Me boot menu is displayed (see above) it pre-selects an option as the default to be selected if no other options are chosen in an allotted amount of time (see above option).  Using this option you can direct Windows to select a specific option number when the boot menu is displayed.

Enable F4, F5, F6, F8 as boot keys

The function keys described above can be pressed during the window of opportunity that Windows gives you when starting up initially (when the message “Starting Windows 9x...” is displayed).  These keys correspond to various options displayed on the boot menu, and can be used as shortcuts to access those boot modes instead of actually displaying the menu and selecting their corresponding number.  If this options is checked, Windows makes these options available.  If it is unchecked, these options are suppressed during boot up.

Automatically show boot menu at startup

If this option is checked, Windows will always automatically display the DOS-based boot menu that allows you to select from a group of startup modes, including Safe Mode, DOS-prompt, etc.

Boot Menu

Boot Parameters

The Boot Screens

Boot Parameters

The options under the Boot Parameters tab tell Windows how to start the next time your computer is rebooted.  All of these options may not be available in all operating systems.  They are discussed below.

Mode for next reboot

These options correspond to the items that are displayed in the boot menu that may be access when Windows starts up and displays the “Starting Windows 9x...”.

Normal Mode

Select this option if you would like Windows to start up normally the next time you start your computer.

DOS Mode

Select this option if you would like Windows to start up with a command line DOS prompt the next time you start your computer.

Safe Mode

Select this option if you would like Windows to start up in Safe Mode the next time you start your computer.  “Safe Mode”  is a minimalistic troubleshooting mode that is useful if your system is encountering errors when attempting to start normally, as it will bypass virtually all items that are normally loaded into memory when Windows starts, such as drivers, initialization files, etc.

Please Note:	1. When in safe mode, you may not have access to many common elements of Windows such as your CDROM drive or internet access.

2.  You will not have access to System Mechanic when running in safe mode.

Enable dual booting

Windows 95, 98, and Me allow you to set up the choice to boot between two operating systems.  By unchecking this option you can disable this ability.

Warn if booting in safe mode

When Windows is shut down improperly or abruptly, it will start up in Safe Mode the next time your computer is booted.  If this option is checked, Windows will warn you by displaying a message when it is intending to start in Safe Mode.  If it is unchecked, Windows will automatically start up in Safe Mode without requesting confirmation.

Display animated boot logo when starting Windows

When Windows is starting it normally displays a full-screen logo with animation at the bottom to provide you with positive feedback that the startup process is proceeding properly.  By unchecking this option, this screen animation will not be displayed.

Enabled Password Caching

 By default, Windows stores the passwords that you enter on your hard drive so that it can conveniently refer back to them if necessary.  This creates security concerns for some people, and by unchecking this option Windows will not store entered passwords as cache on your system.

Turn on Numlock key at reboot

The Numlock key, usually located on the upper left corner of the numeric keypad on your keyboard, ensures that all keys used on the numeric keypad area of your keyboard will send their corresponding number, rather than their alternate function (usually printed on the key underneath the actual number).  When the Numlock key is toggled “on”, most keyboards will alert you of this turning on a light in the upper left corner of the keyboard next to the corresponding “Num Lock” label.  If this option is checked, Windows NT/2000 will automatically start with the Numlock key in the “on” state.

Boot Menu

Boot Parameters

The Boot Screens

The Boot Screens

Please note:  These options are not available under Windows 2000.

The options under this tab allow you to view and modify the screens that are shown when Windows is starting or shutting down.

Under Windows 95, 98, Me, and NT the process of changing from one boot screen to another is as follows:

1.  Select the screen you would like to replace by clicking its corresponding button (located in the middle-upper left area of the Boot Screen tabs) with your mouse.  The existing image will be displayed for you to preview.

2.  Select the Change Screen button to open the Windows browse-for-a-file dialog.  Use this dialog to find the file that you would like to use as a replacement picture for the selected boot screen.

3.  Select Open once you have chosen a replacement picture.  This new picture will be displayed in the corresponding box located in the Boot Screens tab.

Please note:  When selecting replacements for the boot screens, images consisting of 256 colors or less usually yield better results.

If you would like to prevent Windows from displaying some or all of it’s boot screens, uncheck the boxes next to the corresponding boot screen label.

The various boot screens are described as follows.

Those running Windows 95/98/Me

Startup Screen

The Startup screen is displayed while Windows initially starts up.

 “Please Wait...” Screen

The “Please Wait” screen is displayed while Windows writes all unsaved information to disk and prepares for shutdown.

Shutdown Screen

The Shutdown screen is displayed when Windows has completed preparation for shutdown and is ready for your to turn off your system.

Those running Windows NT

High-Color Screen

The High-Color screen is displayed upon startup of Windows NT or 2000 if you have your video options configured to support more than 16 colors.

Low-Color Screen

The Low-Color screen is displayed upon startup of Windows NT or 2000 if VGA-mode is selected or if your video options do not support 256 colors or more under your current resolution.

Boot Menu

Boot Parameters

The Boot Screens

Return to System Customizer Help Topics


WebUpdate:  WebUpdate Introduction

One of the best ways to keep your software investment in top shape is to regularly check for and install available product updates.  Software updates address incompatibility issues, add features, and expand existing functions and are an important responsibility of owning a computer.  Unfortunately, the process of checking for and obtaining updates to your favorite software is often plagued with inconvenience and time-consuming searching, thus most people subscribe to an “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” mentality with regards to keeping their software up to date.

To combat the problems normally associated with keeping a software product up to date, iolo technologies has developed an extremely convenient and easy to use tool called iolo WebUpdate™.  WebUpdate was created in order to provide owners of iolo products with an extremely easy to use and convenient solution when it comes to product updates.  WebUpdate can automatically connect to an iolo update server using the Internet and check for the existence of available product updates based on the version of the product you are currently using.  If updates are found, WebUpdate lists them with descriptions, and allows you to automatically download them to and install them on your computer, seamlessly and painlessly replacing your existing version with the very latest available.  Additionally, WebUpdate always remembers how long it’s been since it last checked for available updates and can be set to remind you when (and even automatically perform the update process) every specified amount of time.  With iolo WebUpdate, the process of staying up-to-date becomes as simple as clicking a few buttons!

Using the WebUpdate Tool

Return to WebUpdate Help Topics


WebUpdate:  Using the WebUpdate Tool

Checking for Updates

The WebUpdate tool is accessed by selecting the button labeled “WebUpdate”, located on System Mechanic’s main screen.

Once the main WebUpdate Wizard appears, you must select the button labeled “Next” to connect to an iolo update server and check for any available updates.  WebUpdate will then list any available updates and their description.

Downloading Updates

If updates are available, select the button labeled “Next” to begin downloading them.  You will be presented with a status gauge as well as the estimated time it will take to complete the download process.

Installing Updates

Once all of the updates are downloaded, select the button labeled “Install Updates” to replace your existing version of System Mechanic with the newly downloaded update files.

Completing the Update

Once System Mechanic has been successfully updated, select the button labeled “Exit and Restart” to close down the currently running version of System Mechanic and restart with the newly updated version.

Please note:  This process may take up to a minute and your computer may appear to have stopped responding during this time.  Please be patient and do not interrupt this process.

Return to WebUpdate Help Topics


WebUpdate:  Options

If you would like to modify the options related to the way WebUpdate operates, select the button labeled “Options” while within the WebUpdate wizard.  This will display a dialog with WebUpdate’s modifiable preferences which are discussed below.

Automatically Check for Updates Every X Days

Using this option you can modify two elements of the WebUpdate tool:

1)  To toggle WebUpdate’s automatic checking and reminder system, uncheck the box labeled “Automatically check for updates every...”.  If this box is unchecked, WebUpdate will no longer remind you when it has been a certain amount of time since you have last checked for product updates.

2)  To adjust the amount of days WebUpdate waits before checking for new updates, enter a new value in the box labeled “Automatically check for updates every...”.  The minimum amount of days WebUpdate will wait is one day, and the maximum it will is 360 days.

Connect using a Proxy Server

If you or your company uses a proxy server to access the internet you will need to specify this before using WebUpdate.  Use the following steps to set up WebUpdate for use via a proxy server:

1)  Select the button labeled “Options” from the main WebUpdate wizard

2)  Check the box labeled “Connect using a Proxy Server”.

3)  In the box labeled Proxy Server, specify the server name or address

4)  In the box labeled Proxy username, specify your username for use with the proxy server

5)  In the box labeled Password, specify your password for the proxy server

6)  Select the button labeled “OK”.

Return to WebUpdate Help Topics


Adjusting System Mechanic's Global Options:  Hints and Tips

System Mechanic’s Global preferences may be accessed and modified by selecting the button labeled “Options” from the main System Mechanic screen.  The first set of options, entitled “Hints and Tips” is discussed below.

By default, System Mechanic will display miscellaneous hints and tip messages  when certain portions of the product are accessed.  These messages should be considered important and read thoroughly at least once, as they contain important and relevant information about the tool you are using which may include specific warnings, caveats, or suggestions for proper use.

System Mechanic’s hint system also allows you to suppress individual hints once you have read them by unchecking the box labeled “Show hints on this subject again”.  It also allows you to suppress all hint windows by unchecking the box labeled “Show hints”.

•	You may enable or disable System Mechanic’s hint system by either unchecking or checking (respectively) the box labeled “Enable tips and hints”

•	If you have instructed System Mechanic to suppress some or all hints, you may collectively re-enable them by checking the box labeled “Display all tips and hints”.

Return to System Mechanic Global Options Help Topics


Adjusting System Mechanic's Global Options:  WebUpdate

System Mechanic’s Global preferences may be accessed and modified by selecting the button labeled “Options” from the main System Mechanic screen.  The second set of options, entitled “Hints and Tips” is discussed here.

Return to System Mechanic Global Options Help Topics


Maintenance Wizard:  Introduction

System Mechanic’s Maintenance Wizard is a tool that conveniently consolidates several of System Mechanic’s features into one collective interface for quick access and operation.  Maintenance Wizard will allow you to easily configure and run a variety of system maintenance procedures on your PC in just a few easy steps.

Using the Maintenance Wizard, you can perform the quickly following critical system maintenance operations:

•	Automatically search for and remove junk and obsolete files and other system debris from your hard drive(s).

•	Find and clean invalid information and references in the Windows Registry.

•	Clean up Internet browser cache, cookies, and other related buildup created while surfing the Internet.

To access the Maintenance Wizard, select the button labeled “Maintenance Wizard” from the System Mechanic main screen.

Using the Maintenance Wizard Interface

The Maintenance Wizard is designed with an easy to understand wizard-based Interface.  Moving from step to step is accomplished by adjusting the options visible and then selecting the button labeled “Next”.  If you wish to go back at any time to make changes to previous steps, select the button labeled “Back”.

Return to Maintenance Wizard Help Topics


Maintenance Wizard:  Available Maintenance Options

The Maintenance Wizard includes the ability to perform the following forms of critical system maintenance.  Select any of the following items for more information on that tool:

•	Automatically search for and remove junk and obsolete files and other system debris from your hard drive(s).

•	Find and clean invalid information and references in the Windows Registry.

•	Clean up Internet browser cache, cookies, and other various file buildup created while surfing the Internet.

Return to Maintenance Wizard Help Topics


Maintenance Wizard:  Performing the Operation

The Maintenance Wizard is designed with an easy to understand wizard-based Interface.  Moving from step to step is accomplished by adjusting the options visible and then selecting the button labeled “Next”.  If you wish to go back at any time to make changes to previous steps, select the button labeled “Back”.

Step 1:  Select the type of maintenance to perform

In this step of the Maintenance Wizard you are presented with the various maintenance options available to you.  They are as follows (click any of the below descriptions for more detailed information):

•	Automatically search for and remove junk and obsolete files and other system debris from your hard drive(s).

•	Find and clean invalid information and references in the Windows Registry.

•	Clean up Internet browser cache, cookies, and other various file buildup created while surfing the Internet.

To instruct the Maintenance Wizard to perform any of these functions, check the box next to the corresponding maintenance description.  To skip any of these maintenance options, uncheck their corresponding box.

When you have completed your selections, click the button labeled “Next”.

Steps 2 through 4:  Junk File Options

For more information on the options available in these steps, please review the documentation for the Junk and Obsolete files tool here.

When you have completed your selections, click the button labeled “Next”.

Step 5:  Clean Registry Options

For more information on the options available which pertain to Registry maintenance, please review the documentation for the Registry Cleaner tool here.

When you have completed your selections, click the button labeled “Next”.

Step 6:  Internet Debris Options

For more information on the options available which pertain to finding and removing Internet Debris, please review the documentation for the Internet Privacy tool here.

When you have completed your selections, click the button labeled “Next”.

Step 7:  Ready to Begin

When all of the necessary options have been reviewed, the Maintenance Wizard will be ready to begin performing the maintenance operations.  The procedures that have been selected will be listed at this step, and a button labeled “Begin” will be visible in the lower right area of the screen.

1)  To start the maintenance operations, select the button labeled “Begin”.  At this point this button’s caption will change from “Begin” to “Cancel”.

2)  To cancel the operations during their activity, select the button labeled “Cancel” at any time when the Maintenance Wizard is actively performing its functions.

3)  When all maintenance is complete, the title of this step will change to “Maintenance Complete”.  You may now select the button labeled “Exit” to close the Maintenance Wizard.

Return to Maintenance Wizard Help Topics


StartUp Manager:  Connecting to a remote computer's startup via a network
StartUp Manager:  Connecting to a remote computer’s startup via a network

Using the StartUp Manager you can connect to a remote computer on a network and examine and modify its startup items.  In order to connect, you must have administrator privileges and proper rights to access the registry on the target computer.

Please note:  StartUp Manager is restricted to accessing items only located under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE section of a remotely connected computer’s registry.

Connecting to a Network Computer

Use the following steps to connect to a computer on the network:

1. 	Select the button labeled “Network” from the main StartUp Manager screen and choose the option labeled “Connect to a Network Computer”.

2. 	A dialog entitled “Browse for Computer” will appear.  Use this dialog to select the computer that you would like to access and then select the button labeled “OK”.

3. 	A list of all of the applicable startup items will be displayed within the StartUp Manager window.

Disconnecting from a Network Computer

To disconnect from a connected computer and re-list the startup items local to your own machine, select the button labeled “Network” from the StartUp Manager’s main screen and then select the “Disconnect from network computer” option.

Return to Startup Manager Help Topics


StartUp Manager:  Saving and loading StartUp Profiles

StartUp Profiles are entire groups of startup item settings that can be collectively saved and loaded at once.  StartUp Profiles are extremely helpful for administrators or support personnel who wish to make widespread changes to a computer’s startup items, while retaining the ability to re-enable old settings on one step.  Profiles are also an excellent way of restarting your machine with “nothing running” in order to maximize performance for a certain application such as a resource intensive game or graphics program.  There are also times when certain applications need groups of items to be pre-loaded during the Windows startup process that you may normally find inconvenient to “wait” for.  The process of saving and loading StartUp Profiles is described below:

Saving a StartUp Profile

To save the current list of startup items to a profile, use the following steps:

1. 	Select the button labeled “Profiles” from the StartUp Manager’s main screen and then select the “Save StartUp Profile” option.  A dialog entitled “Choose a filename” will appear.

2. 	Browse to a location on your system where you would like to save the profile.

3. 	Using the “Choose a filename” dialog, type a name for the profile in the box labeled “File name” and select the button labeled “Save”.

Loading a StartUp Profile

To load a previously saved StartUp Profile, use the following steps:

1. 	Select the button labeled “Profiles” from the StartUp Manager’s main screen and then select the “Load StartUp Profile” option.  A dialog entitled “Choose a filename” will appear.

2. 	Browse to a location on your system where the previously saved profile is located and select the button labeled “OK”.

Warning:  All of the current startup items will be disregarded when you load a new profile, so please exercise caution before loading a new profile.  It is generally a good idea to make sure you have a saved profile of your existing startup items before undertaking this process.

Return to Startup Manager Help Topics


Privacy:  Explanation of Other options

The Other tab contains various items which are explained below.

Recently opened document lists from Office 97 and 2000

Whenever you open a file in any Microsoft Office application, it is stored in a “most recently used” list, which makes the last several documents you have accessed available from a menu within the Office application.  Although this list is useful for quickly accessing documents and files that you may commonly open, it also exposes information to prying eyes about what you have been doing in MS Office.  Check this box to have these “most recently used” lists erased when you use the Privacy Tool in System Mechanic.

Windows Media Player file history

The Windows Media Player stores information about the last several media files that you have played.  Check this option to have the Privacy Tool erase this list.

Real Audio Player’s file history

Real Audio stores information and lists about the last several files it has played.  Check this option to have these references erased.

WinZip’s recent file and history lists

Winzip stores information and lists about the last several files it has opened or created.  Check this option to have these references erased.

Outlook Express deleted emails

When you delete an email message in Microsoft Outlook Express, the message is sent to a “deleted items” folder, and remains there until it is actually permanently deleted.  Check this option to have your “deleted items” that are present in this file removed permanently.

Opera’s Internet cookies and cache

The Opera web browser stores cookies and cache information on your hard drive as you browse the Internet.  For more information about cookies and cache, please click here.  Check this option to have Opera’s cookies and cache files erased when this tool is used.

Please note:  All products mentioned above are trademarks of their respective companies. Iolo technologies, LLC is not affiliated with the above products or companies in any way.

Return to Privacy Help Topics


Registry Cleaner:  Saving and restoring undo information

The tab in System Mechanic’s Registry Tool labeled “Undo Information” contains options that allow you to adjust the way this tool saves the changes made to the registry in order to allow you to “undo” them if necessary at a later date.  The Registry Tool can hold a maximum of 99 total undo items.  One undo item represents the ability to reverse all of the changes made during one “removal action”.  A removal action is made up of the total number of items that were selected and removed at one time.

Adjusting the number of undo levels

By default, ten levels of undo are stored, which means that System Mechanic keeps information which allows you to reverse the changes made for the last ten times items in the Registry Tool were selected and removed.  You can adjust the number of undo levels by either typing a number between 1 and 99 in the box labeled “Automatically save undo information for the last X changes made”, or by using your mouse to select the up or down arrows in the same box.  Please note that as you adjust the number of undo levels available, some of your existing undo information may be discarded if you set the level lower than the total number of items currently displayed.

Restoring changes made to the registry

If you would like to undo or reverse any changes made with the Registry Tool, you may do so using the following method:

1. 	Select the “Undo Information” tab from the Registry Tool’s window.

2. 	Select the item listed in the box labeled “Date and Time of Changes” that corresponds to the instance of changes you would like to reverse.

3. 	Select the button labeled “Undo Selected Changes”.

4. 	You will be prompted to confirm your decision to undo these changes.  Select “Yes” to this question.

5. 	After the changes have been undone, a confirmation window will be displayed.

Discarding undo items

If you would like to permanently remove an undo item (thereby preventing you from using it to undo the changes it represents in the future), select it from the box labeled “Date and Time of Changes” and then select the button labeled “Remove Selected Item”.

Return to Registry Cleaner Help Topics


Customizing Windows Settings:  Returning to Previous Configuration States

If during the use of the System Customizer Tool you decide you would like to return to a default configuration, or load the settings your PC held before this tool was used, you may do so using one of the two buttons labeled “Load Original Settings” or “Load Section Defaults”, located at the bottom of this tool’s interface.  These options are described below:

Restoring your PC to its original configuration state

If you would like to undo all of the collective changes you have made using this tool and reload the settings your PC held before System Mechanic was installed and this tool used, select the button labeled “Load Original Settings”.  Please note that your original configuration is simply loaded into the System Customizer at this point, and in order to save this configuration to your PC you will need to “apply” it by selecting the button labeled “Apply”.

Loading defaults for a specific section

If you would like to load the default settings for the specific section you are currently viewing in this tool, select the button labeled “Load Section Defaults”.  Please note that this default configuration is simply loaded into the System Customizer at this point, and in order to save this configuration to your PC you will need to “apply” it by selecting the button labeled “Apply”.

Return to System Customizer Help Topics


Privacy:  Managing Cookies

Some Internet Cookies contain helpful information that certain websites use to present and more customized and convenient interface for their users.  Such information can range from user data and passwords (thus alleviating the need to type them each time you log in), to special preferences and customized layouts that deliver a specifically constructed view of a myriad of information.  If all cookies are removed, this potentially helpful information can be eliminated as well (requiring you to rebuild it as necessary).  The solution to this dilemma is to utilize System Mechanic’s Cookie Manager tool in order to “protect” the cookies that you need, and remove the ones you don’t.

To access the Cookie Manager, open the Privacy Tool, select the tab labeled Internet History, and select the button labeled Manage Cookies.

The various elements of this tool are described as follows.

Information Displayed in Cookie Manager

The Cookie Manager contains several columns which correspond to various information about the displayed cookies.

Status

The Status column indicates whether the listed cookie is to be preserved or removed the next time the Privacy Tool is run with the corresponding options.

•	A green check mark means that the cookie will be saved.

•	A red X means the cookie will be removed.

Originating Web Domain

This column contains information about the website that instructed your browser to save the listed cookie on your PC.

Path

The Path column represents information within the cookie file that instructs your browser where to send requested information back to the requesting site.

Name

The Name column indicates the name of the cookie, as designated by its originating website.

Cookie Contents

This column contains the information that is physically stored within the corresponding cookie file.  This is the information that is sent to a requesting website.  Most commonly, this contains unique identifying elements about your browsing habits, demographics, preferences, previous web location, etc., so that websites can effectively monitor (for a variety of reasons) the different aspects of the people who visit their site.

Options available to you within the Cookie Manager

The following options are available from the toolbar located at the top of the Cookie Manager screen, as from a menu displayed by clicking within the list of cookies with your right mouse button.

Mark to Delete

By selecting this option, all marked cookies will be permanently removed the next time the Privacy Tool is run with the corresponding option.  Cookies marked for deletion are represented by a red X.

Mark to Keep

By selecting this option, all marked cookies will be preserved the next time the Privacy Tool is run with the corresponding option.  Cookies marked for preservation are represented by a green check mark.

Invert Selection

This option inverts the selection of cookies.  For example, if only the top cookie is highlighted, selecting this option will unmark the top item, and highlight the rest of the listed cookies.  This option is useful if you have a large list of cookies and would like to select all but a few of them.

Select All

This option highlights all of the listed cookie items, so that the “Mark to Delete” and “Mark to Keep” options affect everything listed.

Return to Privacy Help Topics


StartUp Manager: Toggling Expert Mode

By default, the StartUp Manager tool hides certain startup entries that may be dangerous to tamper with if you are inexperienced with such procedures.  If you are comfortable viewing and modifying these items, you may instruct the StartUp Manager to reveal them by selecting the button labeled “Expert” from main toolbar.  When this button is depressed, the StartUp manager will not hide the entries that should only be modified by someone with a working technical knowledge of the operating system.

Return to Startup Manager Help Topics