Essential software to have if PC breaks down?

TheSwede

TheSwede

TheSwede

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Hi all,

I have got my hands on two USB Flash Drives, one 8Gb and one 16GB. They are both Ready Boost Enable (not sure if that is of importance but thought I mention it).

On one of them I want essential programs that you might need if your PC/laptop crashes and you need them accessible.

So, what programs would you suggest? Such as Spyboot Search and Destroy, any AV programs, etc etc... What do you have for emergencies on your USB Drives?

One the second one I was thinking of maybe have Win7 on so I could use it for re-installations.. think I read somewhere that you can do that from a USB Flash Drive? If I can, could someone please point me in the right direction for more information? And should I use the 16GB or 8GB for it?

Thank you all for any and all suggestions and advice that you can give me, much appreciated! :)
 
TheSwede said:
One the second one I was thinking of maybe have Win7 on so I could use it for re-installations.. think I read somewhere that you can do that from a USB Flash Drive? If I can, could someone please point me in the right direction for more information? And should I use the 16GB or 8GB for it?
Click to expand...

Look here Microsoft tool to create USB Windows 7!
Microsoft have created an official tool to create a W7 installation USB drive. All you need is a USB drive, a Windows 7 iso and the tool in that link :). If you don't have an .ISO of Windows 7 simply create one using your installation CD and IMGBurn. I would use your 8Gb flash drive for this.

TheSwede said:
On one of them I want essential programs that you might need if your PC/laptop crashes and you need them accessible.

So, what programs would you suggest? Such as Spyboot Search and Destroy, any AV programs, etc etc... What do you have for emergencies on your USB Drives?
Click to expand...

I would have the following on a USB flash drive for emergenices:
1) NOD32 anti-virus 30 day trial installation. Brilliant anti-virus
2) Spybot/Malwarebytes
3) Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsofts own free anti-virus which seems to get positive reviews. I would have this just in case I was fixing a computer which had no/rubbish anti-virus
4) Recuva by Piriform for recovering deleted files.
5) Hijackthis!
 
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I prefer read-only media such as CDs and DVDs when having to "deal with" computers including a Linux live CD.

Anyway the whole Sysinternals suite should make it on there imo.
 
I always have a linux live CD/bootable USB flash drive (always good for ruling out a hardware problem, or for getting on line to do some research on your fault). The "Ultimate Boot CD" (do a google for it) is also a nice useful tool that could come in handy.
 
If you are having trouble with your flash drive, reformat the drive. I know you are looking for software for fixing the PC, but this issue can also come up in the process.
 
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For hardware issues:

- Ultimate Boot CD (with Memtest & HDD diags)
- Windows 98 boot floppy / CD
- Bootable version of Ubuntu on CD
- Spinrite for (possible) data recovery
- Eurosoft PC Check

For software issues:

- MBAM
- Spybot S&D
- Hijack-This
- Javacool's Spyware Blaster
- Modified HOSTS file
- Virus definitions for 5 or 6 of the most popular AVs
- Auslogics Disk Defrag
- Ccleaner
 
Thank you for all your suggestions guys, going to start searching for the programs I don't already have! :D

Skyfall said:
I have the ultimate boot cd, ubuntu and W7 on a memory stick in my laptop bag for emergencies.
Click to expand...

Monserrat said:
For hardware issues:

- Ultimate Boot CD (with Memtest & HDD diags)
- Windows 98 boot floppy / CD
- Bootable version of Ubuntu on CD
- Spinrite for (possible) data recovery
- Eurosoft PC Check

For software issues:

- MBAM
- Spybot S&D
- Hijack-This
- Javacool's Spyware Blaster
- Modified HOSTS file
- Virus definitions for 5 or 6 of the most popular AVs
- Auslogics Disk Defrag
- Ccleaner
Click to expand...

Hmm ok, never used Ubuntu but since some of you are recommending it, what exactly does it do and why is it so good? I am guessing if I have to use it I have to install it first, if so, would it install over my Win7 installation if I do have a problem and have to use it?

Also, the Ultimate Boot CD I am guessing you mean the Ultimate Boot CD for Windows? Yes, since I am using Win7 I mean.. or do you use the Linux version if you got seriouse problems with your computers?

Sorry if it is noob questions, but thought I ask before I ahve to use them and maybe muck things up even worse! :o
 
TheSwede said:
Hmm ok, never used Ubuntu but since some of you are recommending it, what exactly does it do and why is it so good? I am guessing if I have to use it I have to install it first, if so, would it install over my Win7 installation if I do have a problem and have to use it?
Click to expand...

No, providing you can boot from the disc just pop it in the machine and Ubuntu will load itself into memory and be usable without touching the hard disk. You then have the option to install it but you dont have to.
 
None. OS and programs get cloned to a another hard drive using Acronis every 2 or 3 weeks. If anything bad happens i just boot off it and clone back to velociraptor

All my media is backed up to external 1tb.

I do have a load of programs in drivers/cleanup folder and a 2gb flash drive with hi-jack this, spybot and a couple of other things on
 
Saves making a new thread. Just wondering what the best way to go about backing up date before reformatting and installing a new OS. Most programs I could just download and install again, was curious more about games. Can you copy and paste save files onto a new install and they'll work fine?

Also, when backing up files. Would copying + pasting them onto an external HDD be fine, or is there certain programs that do this more effectively?

Hope that all makes sense :p
 
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