ID Harddisk Cleaner

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET Staff on February 27, 2009

Don't let first impressions keep you from trying this easily operated trio of cleaners that gracefully removes system clutter. ID Harddisk Cleaner's multipaned, multitabbed interface would benefit from a simpler layout. The over-and-under information boxes don't match the flow of program operation. Help is online and more a FAQ than manual.

Novices could stumble when first using ID Harddisk Cleaner. Following the interface from top to bottom isn't the optimal operation order. The three cleaners are arranged in tabs, and many users would obviously think that's the first step. The beauty of the app is that both methods work. Users will soon learn to follow cleaning procedures that feel comfortable. The program's three cleaners respectively find duplicates, junk, and unneeded DLL files. All search hard drives quickly and thoroughly. Each has easily set search options and simple methods to exclude files, extensions, and directories. Search results are listed in a spreadsheet format, but the columns can't be sorted. It's easy to delete all or individual problems, but there is no wildcard option to delete a large subset of files. A Restore button easily brings back accidentally-deleted files.

A redesign and expanded user guidance would make this a top-notch cleaning application, but ID Harddisk Cleaner hits it where it matters. The short 14-day trial should give intermediate to advanced users a good feel for this effective cleaning tool.