Publisher's Description
From Support.com:
ARO is an advanced repair and optimization utility designed to help improve and maintain computers running the Windows operating system (both 32- and 64-bit). ARO focuses on finding errors that hide out in the Windows registry, identifying PC and web browser clutter that may be hindering PC performance and ensuring computers have adequate security solutions installed and up to date. With its advanced scanning engine, ARO provides deep scanning capabilities to identify and repair registry errors. ARO also searches for and removes "junk" files that accumulate over time and can put a damper on PC performance.
ARO categories scans into 3 main areas: Registry, Junk and Security. The registry scan analyzes 13 areas of the Windows registry for errors and indentifies possible registry tweaks that can help improve PC performance. The junk scan checks ten areas of the PC for clutter, freeing up disk space by identifying and removing extraneous files that can clutter and slow down a system. It also scans and removes junk accumulated from web browsers. The baseline security scan confirms a user has up-to-date security software including antivirus, antispyware, firewall and now also checks the Windows operating system update process to confirm it is properly configured.
What's new in this version:
- Ability to clean accumulated junk from the internet browsers: Internet Explorer, Chrome and Firefox
- Scans and removes Windows log files and error reporting files
- Reveals the number of junk files and the size of the files
- Newly enhanced "settings" section enables users to customize their scan
More Popular Diagnostic Software downloads
- Advanced SystemCare
189,374 downloads
- ARO 2012
129,393 downloads
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- Everest Ultimate Edition
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All versions:
2.4 starsout of 447 votes
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Current version:
1.4 starsout of 26 votes
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My rating:
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"This software is okey, as a standard version"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0
Pros
It is bettern then the "Uniblue's" version. And lesser then the "Glary Ultilites 2012". It is okey. But faraway from these softwarez. But.., I like its "Clean-Up" part. Faster then my written softwarez, as I recently writhe.
Cons
I meant it could have more of a real "powerful engine". It should need of brand-new power-up. Sometimes it will freeze-up. That means I have to wait. All until it is back to the track!
Summary
This is one strong-working softwarez, as a good point. The "Old Reliable One". All along the tracks. Looking forward to its next following version. This "A-train" needs of lot's more power!
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"No quality software...I use Winoptimizer FREE instead"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0
Pros
poor interface, complicated
Cons
why should I use this piece of software?...not useful for cleaning up my vista64
Summary
there are full suites for free serving more tools than I need...try glary or ashampoo winoptimizer free
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"This is a joke, right?"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0
Pros
Absolutely none whatsoever.
Cons
Oh boy, where do I start...
-Won't uninstall without being forcibly removed with another antivirus program
-Constantly pops up even after closing it
-Sets off all my other antivirus scanners as adware and a trojan
-Not even sure if it actually finds any registry errors, as I scanned with CCleaner, and found about 200, this program only found about 150
-After removing errors with CCleaner, ARO still says there is more, although the number almost seems to be random, because it fluctuates up and down every time ARO opens.
-Like mentioned before, it is rougue, and will not let you uninstall.
_After fixing registry errorsSummary
100% adware. There are so many other free (and better) registry cleaner programs to choose from. How this even made it on to cnet in the first place is beyond me. 100% spyware/adware free my ass.
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"Junk Bloatware!"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0
Pros
it supposedly fixed 100 registry errors?
Cons
Bloatware
Scamware
Only Fixes first 100 errors
I doubt if it actually finds real errors/problems
Locks you into either buying software or keeping errorsSummary
I am familiar with Support.com and they have great tech support and excellent technicians however I am unsure why they would put their name on such a colossal piece of crap!
Because of the poor reviews, I decided to create a BRAND NEW fresh install of Windows on a Virtual Machine. I installed Win7 Ultimate x64 on a VM. Right after install I downloaded flash player, java, shockware, silverlight and chrome. Then I downloaded ARO 2012.
Upon it's first scan ARO 2012 found 112 registry errors and 480 junk files. I question the truth in this because at this moment it was a fresh install and only had 17 minutes on up time since the very first login of Windows.
So I ran the "Optimization" and it said it may need to reboot to fix problems if needed. it fixed problems, re-scanned and found 111 registry errors then rebooted automatically. After the reboot it said ARO fixed 100 errors and tweaks and ARO only had 2 options. Either buy the full version of the software, or keep the remaining errors. I chose to keep errors and re-scanned and it now found 32 registry errors. Will not let you fix any more registry errors without purchasing.
Upon every reboot ARO then pop-ups up wanting you to purchase or keep errors. I consider this bloatware/scamware. This program reminds me a lot of PC Performer by PerformerSoft. It performs the same way and locks you into paying.
ARO 2012 should be removed from CNET. I'm surprised with the horrid reviews on here that it is still on this site.
The only thing I can say and stick up for ARO 2012 is that the users that have said it will not let them uninstall it must have had something else wrong with their OS. I was able to uninstall ARO perfectly fine on 3 machines. Otherwise, this program sucks, don't even download it. There are a ton of better, TOTALLY FREE programs out there for cleaning up a system. -
"AR0 2011 runs great !"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0
Pros
Yes I did pay for this product. I keep reading "...I had to pay..." Well do you expect everything to be free? Get a life and read the small print.
Product worked in very well with the ARO 2011 edition .I wanted to see what the ARO 2012 had to offer in upgrades. I won't buy the new edition though not after reading all these negative reviews. I'm curious why ARO hasn't addressed these issues? You would think the CEO has the sense to respond to your complaints and why CNET hasn't done the same.Cons
I didn't see any issues, and works better than some I've tried
Summary
CNET, how about a response ?
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"This sucks!"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0
Pros
None whatsoever
Cons
Crashed my system, caused instability, gosh, I almost had to return my computer.
Summary
For your own good, don't even try this! Why does cnet put put this up?!?!?
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"Not good, it's no good, it's no good"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0
Pros
Can't think of any.
Cons
It fixed my pc alright wiped out about 30 incons, wallpaper and tha's as far as I got now can't find contact info. to let them know what a sorry piece of crap they have.
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"Virus-installs unauthorized Adware-slows computer down"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0
Pros
None, it's Adware.
Cons
Sammsoft ARO is Adware, and advertising it is a violation of CNET's own policies. I just went through hell getting it uninstalled from my computer (it conveniently installs itself unauthorized, and does not have an uninstall feature). Stop advertising for this horrible product. It's Adware, plain and simple. Even MalWareBytes labels this program as a Trojan horse. I repeat, it is IMPOSSIBLE TO UNINSTALL WITHOUT A VIRUS SCANNER.
Summary
Very disappointed in CNET for posting this virus on their supposedly "100% Virus Free Tested" database. I'm never trusting CNET again.
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"from bad to worse"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0
Pros
it installs and un installs
Cons
It made a customers Windows 7 machine unusable, so they called me. Made it impossible to start SQL Server even from the management console, had a long list of errors in Event Viewer. Had to do a restore point to get control of the computer.
Summary
Like most "cleaners" it breaks more than it fixes
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"Terrible Product"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0
Pros
Nice interface?
Cons
Crashed my system, makes me pay, will not uninstall. Had to do a complete reinstall of Windows.
Summary
Don't get this product, there are better ones out there.
Free alternatives: Toolwiz Care, Kingsoft PC Doctor, Advanced Systemcare, CCleaner, many more.
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