Ashampoo WinOptimizer 7

Note: This review addresses v7 of the software. The provided links download v8.05..

If you're looking for an all-in-one cleanup and tuneup tool, you'll be pleased with Ashampoo WinOptimizer 7. It performs just about every task you might want, including cleaning your Registry, clearing out unnecessary programs that run on startup, undeleting files, defragmenting your hard disk, tweaking the way Windows works, and plenty more. There's also a very useful one-click optimization tool.

What sets WinOptimizer apart from similar programs is the depth of its features, and how deeply each module peers into your system. So it includes not just a Registry optimizer, a drive cleaner, and similar tools, but also a comprehensive set of file tools such as an undeleter and file encrypter and decrypter. It also digs deeper than the competition in weeding out programs that don't need to be loaded on startup.

Although there are many different modules, they're well integrated in a single, easy-to-use interface. A handy backup feature lets you restore the state of your system if you make a change you'd like to roll back.

Version 7 introduces a number of new features, including a niftier interface, a hard disk maintenance tool, an improved startup tuner that includes the ability to view and delete Internet Explorer plug-ins, and more. It's more feature-rich than the free CCleaner, and simpler to use and better organized than Fix-It Professional 10. WinOptimizer is an excellent tool for anyone looking for a comprehensive system optimizer. Those willing to spend money to keep their system in tip-top shape would do well to consider it.

Note: The program comes as a ten-day trial, but you can turn it into a 30-day trial via e-mail contact. When you install the program, it will install an Ashampoo toolbar, make Ashampoo your default search, and make Ashampoo your default home page. Make sure to uncheck those boxes if you don't want to allow that.

--Preston Gralla