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ARO 2012 is the latest version of a longstanding Registry cleaner and optimizer. The look is familiar, but ARO 2012 offers several upgrades over previous versions, such as improved browser cleaning and user-friendlier settings as well as new tweaks that can yield better NTFS performance, faster startups, and improved CPU utilization. ARO 2012 also backs up and optimizes the Registry. You can schedule automatic cleanings, too.
ARO 2012's installer informed us that it would scan our PC as soon as it closed. The first scan is always important with software like ARO since it establishes a baseline, and ours took a while, though subsequent scans took less time. You can customize what ARO targets in the Settings tab, which also includes a Schedule tool and an Exclusion List. ARO scanned our Registry for invalid or unnecessary entries and our PC for temporary files and other junk files, finishing by making sure our system was adequately protected by antivirus, antispyware, and firewall software. Clicking the Fix button took out the trash. We ran the Registry Backup tool before we tried the Registry Optimizer, but ARO automatically creates a system restore point, too. The Registry Optimizer also takes a while on the first run, and it's not uncommon for PCs to become unresponsive. Be patient: ARO 2012 reboots your PC when it's done; a critical step to optimizing your Registry. ARO 2012 scanned more deeply and thoroughly than some popular free tools, too (which don't reboot and so miss errors that ARO fixes). Subsequent runs were much quicker. We tried both the full (paid) version and the free trial of ARO 2012, which removes the trial version's reminders to buy the full version and cleans all errors. The free trial gave us a good look at ARO 2012, and the upgrade went smoothly. Both versions have the same exemplary Help file, but support is only provided with the full version.
ARO 2012's One-Click Optimization is the way to go for regular cleaning and optimizing. Once your PC is cleaned and optimized, running ARO 2012 regularly keeps it that way.
Editors' note: This is a review of the full version of ARO 2012 8.0.12.0. The trial version fixes only the first 100 detected errors.
ARO 2012 - Detect errors and fix registries - Download Video Previews: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.
To learn how to uninstall ARO 2012, read these instructions.
What's new in this version: Version 8.0.12.0 is a maintenance release.
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All versions:
2.3 starsout of 489 votes
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Current version:
1.4 starsout of 22 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Sneaky software installs with weather.com update"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0.12.0
Pros
None at all.
Cons
Downloaded with another program, guess it pays to read the fine print sometimes. Others have said it was with a weather.com update. That could be, it was around the same time.
It did seem to remove itself with the uninstaller, which is better than web posts would suggest.
It ran a scan, supposedly identified >2000 errors and offered to fix 100 for free, otherwise you get to pay. -
"DONT Download!"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0.12.0
Pros
There are NONE!
Cons
You can't remove the program and there is no one to call to help you remove. It wont turn off! Now some of my prograns arent working correctly! What could be worst?
Summary
Give it a MINUS 5*
Thank goodness I was able to delete the program. I had to download it a second time. Evedently there was amn error in the first deletion.
Updated on Feb 14, 2013 -
"Update Weather Channel application, get this crap free."
Version: ARO 2012 8.0.12.0
Pros
No good can come from this software or a company that has shady install practices.
Cons
Everything. Helped my father update his Weather Channel Desktop App and this software was installed with the update. This program disables Avast and other antivirus programs from running. It does not allow them to be turned on for monitoring. Even after uninstalling from the program menu, there are still registry entries that keep your antivirus off and you exposed to infections.
Summary
Stay away from Support.com because they obviously have no honest way to make money, they simply commandeer your PC and force you to pay for their software unless you take extra measures to remove their product. Thank you Weather Channel for dealing with scumbag programmers who can't cut it in the real world.
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"So great they have to trick you into installing it"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0.12.0
Pros
None noted.
Cons
Tries to trick you into installing it. That's the behavior of spyware. If this was a legitimate app it would not need to conceal itself behind another program.
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"Hidden inside Weather Channel Desktop App"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0.12.0
Pros
Never evaluated
Cons
Automatically attached itself and started to run after I was notified that an update to The Weather Channel Desktop was available, then it expected me to spend time removing it. Did a System Restore instead.
Summary
After seeing that CNet recommends this crap, I have decided that this is the last straw with CNet for me, and I will be looking into closing my CNet account as soon as I send off this review. See ya!
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"I prefer a money back guarantee product"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0.12.0
Pros
not effective, read the reviews
Cons
where's the guarantee
Summary
Try a 30 day money back guarantee product. Saves time and money. Repost for others if you find helpful
http://www.ascentive.com/run/click/@1821205472202/products/SP/select_finallyfast_download.html?theme=select_finallyfast_partner_download&plan1id=&orderpackage1id=SSCN1YEAR29&plan1c=&upsell_code=&popuppage=&display=&referredby=@1821205472202&c1=178245-223272&loadlink=&c1=178245-223272 -
"Really bad product"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0.12.0
Pros
The product scans your hard drive, then tells you how many issues need to be fixed, which is always good to know.
Cons
The trial will only clean up 100 issues found. Considering it "found" 2,143 issues, the 100 certainly isn't enough to let you know if the product actually helps or not.
Summary
After the trial, I have no idea how well this product works. With only 100 issues out of over 2,000 fixed, it's impossible to tell if the product does what it says it does. I will not purchase or recommend this product to anyone.
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"Seriously dissapointed that CNET promote junk like this"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0.12.0
Pros
ABSOLUTELY NONE
Cons
Comes hidden when you download other programs - which tells you all you need to know about it.
Summary
Fills your computer with junk, hijacks browsers, completely unnecessary software - AVOID. Shame on you CNET for promoting this.
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"I didn't want this, it just took over my computer."
Version: ARO 2012 8.0.12.0
Pros
None. None. None. (Says here I have to use at least 10 characters. OK now?
Cons
Keeps scanning and telling me I have a terrible problem, and I should pay them $30 to fix it. B.S. I'm not going to buy it. Now I read here that it is hard to uninstall. I can't get Babylon Search off of my computer. I'm VERY ticked-off.
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"Don't Trust CNET Eval"
Version: ARO 2012 8.0.12.0
Pros
Got rid if it easily, I hope. Learned not to trust the evaluations from CNET.
Cons
Got a warning from WOT, Web of Trust, on my browser that the site for ARO 2012 to upgrade was very suspect. I am surprised that the initial eval from CNET was so positive, without any warning that there were potential problems. Other evaluations on this product are very negative.
Summary
You learn quickly that "free" is a very relative term. However, I had built up some trust in CNET. I guess I just learned that trust and CNET is a relative phrase. Be careful with CNET evaluation. Go check from other sources before believing them.
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