Antivirus Uninstallers
Link to EverythingMediaFire (I like Mega better but it seems fine)
Google
To BIOS
Admin CMD shutdown /r /fw /f /t 0 (I don't know if this works with legacy BIOS)
Safe Mode Windows
1. MSConfig (I never think of this . . . for years F8 was so easy)
2. Win 7 F8 during boot up. Win 10 Shift +F8 during boot up. (Good Luck)
3.
Press Shift and Restart on menu page Troubleshoot - Advanced Options
4. Shut down by holding power button 3 times. (Yikes)5. Enable F8 Safe Mode With CMD "bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy"
6. UVK (repair, search "safe" press F3 three times) WiFi may not work depending on hardware. There is no one simple fix for no WiFi. Try log out and connect. Try starting WLan Auto Config service. Or plug in a USB dongle. Make sure the USB dongle's driver is installed. It still may not work. If you are booting to safe mode, I assume you have trouble so wired LAN usually works.
Testing
Qemu Simple Boot (USB, ISO, etc)
MobaliveCD (Run as admin)
(cntl + alt releases mouse)
Virtual Machine USB Boot for Virtual Box (has not been working for me lately, maybe only Ventoy)
VMware 17 boots USB. Start as admin, make new blank Win10 or 11 no OS install. Go to settings, add HD scsi, choose physical drive # and start.
Blogging Blogger
Place text in a box - use html view
Browser Extensions
Behind The Overlay
Dark Reader
Extensity
Google Voice (Less useful as time goes)
LastPass (alt + w = page of sites if on lastpass.com)(accounts>fix>clear cash if problems)
uBlockOrigin (Total Must Have)
SaveToPocket
TheCamelizer
Or the mother load of online calculators Omni Calculators
CD Ripping - DVD Burning
CDex Portable (Can give data base info without hassle)
Is your video too large for a DVD disc? None of these need installation.
Handbreak (To Compress Video If Necessary)
AVStoDVD (No Install Version to build the DVD)
IMGBurn (Burn To Disk)
ClipboardNada
Desktop
Keep desktop clean. Windows needs to keep track of all that crap. It eats memory and slows things down. Make a folder somewhere on the hard drive for stuff you would keep on your desktop. Place one shortcut to that folder on the desktop.
Download Manager
SumatraPDF reads epub
Encryption
VeraCrypt
(I have found little use for this but some. It is totally cool.) I use portable version and drop an exe shortcut in the folder where I keep the vault file.
7Zip
(One file or a bunch - encrypt and password. This is probably the most convenient. I love portable but I install 7zip to get the context menu.
Hint: To access the encryption choose "add to archive")
I have used this for years. Stand alone exe file that encrypts/passwd a single note. The program is the note. It just works. If you want a 2nd note, copy-paste-rename the exe file. No clue as to what encryption is used.
Fax
Fax Zero
File
Compression
7zip (Yes, Windows can compress but no other functionality.)
Cleaning
CCleaner*
Wise Disk Cleaner*
WizTree* (Populates very fast) (Graphically shows what is taking space on the drive.)
Copy
Fast Copy*
Rich Copy (Fast over network.)
SyncBackFree (For monster files on local network. Takes time but preserves bandwidth.)
Defrag
UltraDefrag* (Not for SSD of course.)
Wise Cleaner has an optimization function that I may like as well or better.
Duplicate Finder
Awesome Duplicate Photo Finder
Encryption / Password
7zipSteganos LockNote (drop text file on the exe file) (Some say no save bug but I have not had it)
fSekrit is like LockNote if worried about reliability
Listing Do this (works on folder and or file names)
... dir /A:D /B > "filename.txt"
... A activates switch mode
... D restricts to display current path only
... B restricts to name of folder only
List of installed programs use CCleaner
Printing
Snap2HTML (to print a directory copy contents to notepad or Excel)
Recover Files
GetDataBack (Not free but fantastic. Recovered 100's GB of formatted data - all of it.)
TestDisk Is free and seems strong but I have not used
Rename Batch
Advanced Renamer (These are all a pain but this one is easier than most)
Search
Everything (Still indispensable)
Windows 10 Index (Shockingly good - leave it on.) OK, maybe not shocking
Sharing
Mega, Dropbox, Mediafire
Wormhole New and easy peasy self deletes 24 hrs
Onionshare (Slow, better sources exist but I like the idea)
qBittorrent*
hfs* (Great http server for local network for file access if noting else works)
Or this one
Xlight (Simple portable FTP server works Win7-10)
WinSCP* - ftp client available in Symenu
Splitting Files
Gsplit (Symenu)
Synchronize Folders - Files
FreeFileSync
SyncFolders* (very quick, easy portable
Unlocking
Unlocker* (Seldom used but when you need it.)
FirewallSimplewall Install it - great firewall no bloat but it can drive you crazy.
Gaming
Steam
Hard Drive
Clone, ImageMacrium Reflect This is my go to for cloning now. Bypass the email code crap. May be dropping support for free version.
... AOMEI Backupper (Win7 to explore image run as admin) (Be careful to get the free version) I always have AOMEI to do system images so usually just use it. I may replace with Macrium Reflect
... MiniTool will clone with old version 10. I keep a copy
here. (It gives a drive letter that needs removal but works great)
... Macrium Reflect This is my go to for cloning now. Bypass the email a code crap.
DiskGenius might be a good option I have not tried.
AS SSD Benchmark (Easy check if offset alignment is correct) (MiniTool can fix if not)
Surface Test
MiniTool Partition Wizard (Portable version through Symenu or Choco) Old free version can clone, v10 I think.
Wiping - Deleting
Virtual Disks
ImDisk Toolkit (Totally Outstanding Utility) (Can create virtual flash drive) Choco
Hot Key
AutoHotkey (Great for automating frequently used keyboard combination.)
AutoCorrect
Images / Pictures
Developing
On1 Photo Raw (I actually bought it!)
Icons
Quick Any2ico (Just works)
IcoFX* is also great
Manipulation
GIMP I have started installing it and use my own "preferences" folder. (Could use
Partha's portable. It has many best addons already) (
SamJ can be good) either one is fine. Partha needs to be started once to create the folders.
Scripts (I always copy fonts, scripts, plugins from old to new preferences)
layerfx.scm (a must have not in Partha's) (Place it here: Gimp-2.10.10\gimp\lib\gimp\2.0
Other v2.10 scripts (mostly not useful but . . .)
Liquid Rescale (use installer but may need to manually find Gimp install folder)
Resize Batch
Photo Resizer (crazy fast)
Viewer
IrfanView from Choco
(To open pdf files
download this and copy dll file to IrfanView plugin folder.)
(You may also need to options/properties/plugins/pdf . . . don't change anything. Just accessing the option seems to do it.)
Install
Package Managers (sadly install on C: only)
Chocolatey
Winget I'm liking this more as I use it. I use both.
WingetUI is interesting . . . I use it regularly now
PatchMyPC has popular installs and portables. Grab it on Symenu.
Internet
Browser
Brave (I use now)
Chrome of course
Firefox
(On some PC's you need to start it in Firefox safe mode and turn off hardware acceleration in settings. Hold down shift key when starting Firefox.) If you need to be in two different Google accounts simultaneously it is easier with two different browsers.
Extensity (turn extensions on and off must have)
LastPass
Right to Copy (Turn on/off as needed)
Save to Pocket
The Camelizer
uBlock Origin
MobaLiveCD Symenu
Easy2Boot has it's own boot test
Sergei Strelec's WinPE
USB Boot Creator Multiboot
WinSetupFromUSB
(Easily make multiple Windows installs, Linux distros, etc. on one flash drive.)
,,,Two More Options
......
Easy2boot (My favorite for flexibility & invincibility) hint: /ISO/nodelay.txt
Edit E2B background
......
Ventoy (easy and simple) Symenu or Choco (
Theme Download) Now the go to multiboot
Useful ISO Burner / Creator
ImgBurn* but AnyBurn may be better
Video Editing
VideoProc Vlogger
Where To Find ISO Files
...
Sardu has a list and links
...
FC Portables has a list and links (Now has irritating aggressive anti-adblock message)
Versions to consider
...
Sergei Strelec has buckets of software (it can be tricky to boot and have everything working)
... Bob.Omb appears not to be an active project.
...
Medicat Tons of stuff now with installer. You need virus protection off before you touch it.
... Naturally you want a Linux version (Manjaro or Mint or my favorite MX)
... I backup system with AOMEI Backupper so I always need that (or us Macrium Reflect)
... Lazesoft Recovery Suite can override Win password sometimes and does great job of rebuilding broken Windows boot. Strelec or Bob Omb probably have it also
... PC-Unlocker also in Strelec or Bob
You should be able to fix almost anything with the above ISO versions
Hiren will remove Windows password and restore AOMEI image
Some of these things drive Windows security crazy so turn that off or use a Linux PC to add ISOs to drive.
Launchers
Launchy*
Rocket Dock*
(
Chrome debug.log quirk)
Stacks (Rocket Dock is not being updated and stacks can be hard to find)
I like portable and keep icons in Rocket Dock directory. Copy to another PC is easy.
Links
Linux
Sharing With Python
... python -m http.server (open terminal inside the directory) (if python2, python -m SimpleHTTPServer)
Network
IP Scanner
Wireless Network Watcher*
Win 10 / Win 7 Mix (I'm all Win 10 & 11 now)
Good luck again. I have one Win 10 machine that refuses to accept a log on for Wind 7. This keeps me from having any Win 10's in the office. (I also have 10/7 setups that works well so . . .)
My Windows 10 - Windows 7 Network AdventureMy advice? If you can't see a network PC just use Nirsoft Network Watcher to get the IP and access the share.
Messenger
Lan Messenger Little network messenger. Open Source, Portable, File Transfer, Just works
Speed Test
Iperf (most reliable - use command prompt)
...commands = On Server "iPerf3.exe -s" . . . On Client "iPerf3.exe -c 0.0.0.0 (e.g. iperf3.exe -c 192.168.0.2)"
Office
LibreOffice
(I use MS Office but if you don't have it . . .)
Office10 (
Torrent) (Will still need kmspico, use portable Frost Rose)
QuickBooks
(Sadly, a must, but hunt for pricing) and QB is why I need an Excel version
Password
Handler
Lastpass (I'm ignoring all the hate and still use it) Might go to Bitwarden at some point.
Reset Windows
Hiren'sBootCD (has Lazesoft included among other reset programs)
Lazesoft Recovery Suite (Easiest way to clear password. Use installed Lazesoft to create a bootable USB drive for the version of windows you need to fix.) May be easier to just use Hiren's
Other solutions exist
The above solutions work with local user setups. Microsoft log ins can not be reset but a new admin account can be added as local user setup and the files moved to that account.
PDF
Browser
Most internet browsers will open PDF files for reading.
Editor
PDF XChange Editor (I have an old version 6 found in an alley somewhere)
PDFXChange Viewer is my favorite but has "Ask" option so bypass during install.
(Unregistered versions leave watermarks when saving if certain features are used. Try printing as PDF instead of saving. Free version blocks too many features)
Both XChange products handle page imports and removals brilliantly.
*I might stick with these . . .
Foxit Reader - I have started using this for filling out and signing but lacks page delete and insert.
PDF Arranger is a great little portable app that works great for inserting and deleting pages. (Symenu)
Printer
Bullzip PDF Printer
(Windows 10+ has it's own pdf printer so no longer needed)
Portable Applications
Creator / Packager
Cameyo (Choose capture installation) This is seldom needed.
Suite / Launcher
SyMenu (This is a must have on every PC)
Recovery Partition
Create Your Own
AOMEI OneKey Recovery (I prefer to use standard AOMEI image)
Tutorial
My Experience So Far (Not Positive) Keep a backup image instead
Register Windows
Buy Cheap Key
(You can use Win10 without registration. If needed by a $12 key)
Remote PC Access/Control
AnyDesk ( My favorite, It just works) (cut/paste works fine on Windows. Linux use AnyDesk file browser) For unattended check the never display option.
When AnyDesk installs, a service is installed. Be sure it is set to automatic. AnyDesk itself should not need to start for availability.
RustDesk (Good in a pinch) File transfer through a file browser. Winget Open Source
DWService (No Install and simple cut/paste file transfer works ok) 2factor
... Install runs as a service and works when the PC is on.
Team Viewer (This thing has been a pain every time I tried it)
Distant Desk (No install but poor in file transfer. Does work.)
Awesun (One can never have too many Remote PC Access options :)
Veyon is great for servicing and monitoring multiple PCs on a local network.
(When I updated the Master none of the PCs would connect. I updated their Veyon then in Configurator I stopped and started the service. Maybe starting and stopping service without update would have worked.) Caution: Windows 10-11 can be hopeless at retaining static IP, which Veyon needs long term.
Ram Disk
SoftPerfect RAM Disk (if you have huge RAM)
ImDisk Toolkit (I prefer this)
Repair Windows
sfc /Scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Windows Repair Toolbox (This is very handy and portable) It will run the above commands for you
TronScript (Why not if you can't fix it any other way)
Right Click Context Menu
Nilesoft Shell
Screen / Monitor
Capture
ShareX (This dang thing is great. Captures video, creates gifs, OCR a screen shot, etc
- set OCR hotkey (hotkey settings>Add>Task>Tools>OCR) I use ctl+alt+o
Dimming Desktop
Ginger (Just trying and seems great) Gimp for example does not spell check. Highlight crl + c + c
Startup
Win10 has creative places to store startup shortcuts . . . here is one:
C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
I keep a link handy. Or Winkey + R shell:startup
System Analysis
HWiNFO
CPU-Z*
Speccy*
What's My Computer Doing (Easy to see most resent activity in real time.)
System Monitor
Rainmeter
Rainmeter Skins (hint: USMN0017 and USFL0043 are my weather codes)
Find yours here
Enigma (weather does not work)
CircuitousTwo (the core temp and volume circles)
Simplony Weather (Load Simplony settings for changes.
Weather codes example 34135:4:US (use zip code))
Simple Weather is also good
VisualSkins good site for Rainmeter Skins
In notes
will keep text below from showing.
Change Notes editor to notepad++ in main Rainmeter Manage Settings
Ironically, weather is tough for Rainmeter - weather sites keep changing their sites.
Text Editor
Notepad++* (Installed version is easy to add spell checking)
Winget (Win10 get AppInstaller from store. Win11 has it already)
WingetUI (I use all the time now) (Handles Chocolatey also)
winget install -e --id SomePythonThings.WingetUIStore
PatchMyPC (Great for updating installed programs.)
Sumo (free version will identify what others miss)
Symenu (install portable and update)
Windows Update MiniTool (Through PatchMyPC great little portable program)
Unintsalling
Revo Uninstaller* (I turn of make restore point and auto check files for removal)
Run appwiz.cpl to get the old Windows uninstall
USB Identification
FTDI Chip
USBView best I've seen but usb id can be a pain
USB Flash Drive
Boot From USB
UEFI BIOS may need to turn off Secure Boot and or switch to legacy BIOS.
(Just worked on Acer laptop and had to set BIOS password before able to access Secure Boot options.)
Boot Testing
Qemu Simple Boot (USB, ISO, etc)
Format
Large Drive to FAT32 (
Here)
Image / Clone / Backup
ImageUSB (
My Experience)
USB Imager
Repair
Bootice
USB Boot Creator Multiboot
Easy2Boot (Is the Mother Ship for iso files) hint: nodelay.txt
Ventoy (Simple just drop this files in)
Want the Make Computers Great Again theme?
WinSetupFromUSB (Can handle multiple ISO files and Windows Versions)
*** The jury is in - Easy2Boot wins for handling all kinds of iso files. Strelec loads in Ventoy but not with all the programs. For standard iso files Ventoy works fine.
***See "Where To Find ISO Files above
Video
Virus
Autoruns (add VirusTotal to the options)
Windows Repair Toolbox has good easy access to virus tools
*** If you have been hit by a virus you should do a clean install of the OS ***
This is where that image you made will come in handy.
Running Win Defender offline:
VPN
Private Internet Access
NordVPN (If I didn't use PIA . . . think 14 eyes)
Ultrasurf is a great portable program for quick VPN. It may leak but if encrypted tunnel is what you want it should be enough for public connections.
Web Sites
https://win10rescue.com/ (Seems neglected now but keeping link anyway)
Windows
Activation PID Key Checker FrostRose Password 2016 (Use portable, turn off "real time protection". Run kelsi and activate, exclude folder from security, then turn security back on)
Security Exclusions
C:\Windows\SECOH-QAD.dll
C:\Windows\SECOH-QAD.exe
D:\Portable Programs\KMSpico Portable (or other portable location)
Exclude:
%ProgramFiles%\KMSpico\KMSELDI.exe
%ProgramFiles%\KMSpico\Service_KMS.exe
%ProgramFiles%\KMSpico\Autopico.exe
%WinDir%\SECOH-QAD.exe
%WinDir%\SECOH-QAD.dll
KMS_VL_ALL (have not used but is currently recommended)
SIW64 reads the key if you have a copy
Nirsoft ProductKey works but turn off security and/or exclude file and folder. (UVK system info also reads the correct key)
Disable Defender One click on/off. You will still need to do several "allow" steps to run it but far fewer than without it. Defender is hard to turn off without group policy. If you have Pro just use Winaero.
Bandwidth
Boot
(I think RAID has AHCI in it but changed it anyway)
Checkup
Rufus will download Windows ISO files
HeiDoc ... For previous versions try Rufus
God Mode (seems to no longer work in Win10)
Make Folder and Name
GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
Fix Windows
Crashing Windows
Power Settings
Ultimate Performance if not shown CMD powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61
To Deactivate slmgr /upk (never use this unless you want uninstall if you do don't panic. Run troubleshooter.) If retail key can be used again. Check version with slmgr /dlv
UVK's System Info will read the correct Windows key
User Folders Move
Tree Copy (Copy empty folders . . . call me lazy) (You need existing folders when moving originals.)
User Account Delete
Use this link ( lusrmgr.msc and sysdm.cpl)
User Account Rename
Use this link Transfer User Profile
I think UVK moves user folders. I leave them on C: now with large SSD drives. Back up to D:
Tweaking
O and O Shutup 10 (I have stopped using other "debloat" scripts for now)
O and O AppBuster (Selectively remove Windows included apps.) (I just Debloat)
Winaero TweakerTaskbarX
explorer.exe shell:RecycleBinFolder (make shortcut to)
explorer shell:::{3080F90E-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257} (task view shortcut)
Windows UpdateReset Windows Update Tool WSUS Offline Update (Because you said Windows Update couldn't get worse . . . and it did.)
Tweaking.com (I had Win10 refused to turn on update. This fixed it.)
Windows Update MiniTool (Good alternative to check what is going on)
ABC-Update (Interesting way to receive and control updates. Win update needs to be working.)
Update Stuck Fix
CMD net stop wuauserv
Delete Folder = Windows - SoftwareDistribution
CMD net stop wuauserv
Tips
Search (Windows Button)
Does not show anything or freezes. Several possibilities.
1. Task Manager / Windows processes / Windows Explorer / Right Click / Restart
Speed Up Windows Interface
Control Panel\System and Security\System\Advanced system settings\Performance = Turn off anything that animates, fades or slides.
Startup Folder Windows 10 - Where the heck is it?
(C:\Users\your profile name\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup)
(I make a link in Rocket Dock) Crazy Win10 uses other locations also.
Find path Winkey + R shell:startup
Windows Indexing
Windows 10 just leave it on. Win7 is pathetic so turn it off.
Rainmeter + RocketDock
..Essential Programs (Check my Chocolatey page)
If availability is flaky check Choco or Majorgeeks.
Chrome
..UserBenchmards
..BrowserBenchmark
...Install
7Zip
AOMEI Backupper (Macrium Reflect may be better)
AutoHotKey
Everything Search
Irfanview
LibreOffice
Notepad++
qBittorrent (Limit up speed to 10 KB on both settings if it trashes your internet)
...Portable (I install some of these now this PatchMyPC
ShareX
Snappy Driver
Gimp (Samj creations)
+Preferences (fonts, plugins, scripts)
WinAero
Symenu
..CCleaner
..CPU-Z
..CoreTemp
..Crystal Diskinfo
..Crystal Diskmark
..MiniTool Partition Wizard
..QuickSetDNS Nirsoft
..Rainmeter (Enigma)
..RevoUninstaller
..Rocket Dock (need stacks)
..ShareX
..Unlocker
..Wise Disk Cleaner
