What is a good, free "system optimizer" that noticeably works?

win7user2010 · 24 Apr 2012

Hi
I used to have Advanced System Care, but their latest free version removed some features. I am wondering if there are any similar programs for free that can optimize my system in a way that is actually noticeable (fast boot time, snappier response, etc.)

I am running Windows 7 64 bit on a quad-core intel i-7 laptop. I think I've noticed my laptop does not reboot as fast as it used to so this is why I'm asking.

Thank you

flemur13013 · 24 Apr 2012

I don't know that there are any one-button automatic pgms that'll help much, but:

puran defrag: this can noticeably decrease boot time if your disk is very fragmented. It puts the boot files bear each other at the beginning of the disk and boot is very slightly faster than with other defraggers. (I did a test with an almost completely fragmented disk = 58 sec reboot, down to 44 sec after defrag.)

AnVir or "autoruns" and others: check for start-up programs you might not want. Nowadays lots of software installs extraneous items you might not know about.

Perhaps CCleaner, etc.

Check for extraneous services - but be careful, you can break everything if you turn off the wrong ones!

seavixen32 · 24 Apr 2012

Check out this tutorial: Optimize Windows 7

pparks1 · 24 Apr 2012

I don't believe in these 3rd party optimization tools. If it's not booting as fast as it once did, it's most likely caused by the fact that a variety of things have been installed and configured and these components are just taking extra time loading up.

This is the primary reason that I run VM's for everything that I test. I keep my host OS as clean as can be, and don't install things that won't be used day-in and day-out on my host computer. This practice has worked wonders at keeping my PC fast.

whs · 24 Apr 2012

I would avoid those wonder programs. At best they are useless, but many times they make a lot of damage.

DeaconFrost · 25 Apr 2012

CCleaner can clean out a bunch of junk and leftover files, and also includes a nice tool to shut off unneccessary start-up items. Aside from that, and defragging your hard drives (assuming you don't have an SSD), there is little you need to do. Windows 7 will handle the rest.