CNET Editors' note: The Download Now link will download a small installer file to your desktop. Remain online and double-click the installer to proceed with the actual 27.31MB download.
CNET Editors' review
As with any machine, your PC needs regular tune-ups to maintain peak performance. This virtual toolbox can enhance the speed, safety, and power of your computer with a wide range of functions and an extensive help system.
System Mechanic performs cleanup, optimization, and privacy protection with equal agility. As with similar tune-up utilities, it enables you to clean up your registry, remove junk files, and customize hidden settings to improve performance. Novice users can get all of that done at once or automatically taken care of via the software's ActiveCare feature. The app has additional tools for removing spyware and for defragmenting your hard drive, eliminating the need for multiple utility programs. For example, the Configure Windows Startup tool shows the list of applications and services that automatically start with the computer and allows for disabling or removing them individually. This is a handy tool that replaces the "Software Explorer" part that Microsoft has taken out of the Windows Defender in Windows 7. The program is 32-bit, but it will work with Windows 7 64-bit.
There is an undo function that restores your system to its previous state, but it's hidden in the SafetyNet tab and doesn't allow you to bring back one item at a time. The program also lacks a system profiler, and has problems recognizing some antivirus programs such as AVG and ZoneAlarm. Also, when you do a "Deep System analysis," which can take a while, the process can't be canceled. These problems aside, System Mechanic is one of the most complete, effective, and easy-to-use tune-up utilities we've seen to date.
Publisher's Description
From iolo technologies:
System Mechanic Free keeps your PC running at peak performance and stability with advanced PC optimization, repair and maintenance features. Using 7 safe and effective tools, its exclusive patented technology fixes registry problems, defrags hard drives, cleans up junk files, accelerates downloads, boosts Windows speed and ensures maximum ongoing system stability. Consistently top-rated since 1998, this award-winning performance solution has been used to keep over 75 million PCs worldwide problem-free and running like new.
System Mechanic Free delivers essential features that automatically resolve errors, slowdowns and crashes: Registry Tuner: A safe, effective, and highly advanced problem solver and error repair tool, Registry Tuner can diagnose and resolve many common root causes of mysterious freezes, slowdowns, and crashes. Startup Optimizer: Automatically eliminates startup bottlenecks that can choke the life out of a PC and make Windows take ages to start. Supercharges boot-times and frees up resources for improved overall performance. Memory Mechanic: Reclaims system RAM orphaned by memory leaks and sloppy programs for improved system responsiveness. Optimizes and defragments memory for snappier programs, downloads, and gaming experience. PC Cleanup: Performs a system-wide scan for junk and obsolete files left over from messy apps and unexpected restarts. Safely cleans out hazardous system-clogging clutter that accumulates over time through everyday use. Drive Accelerator: Performs advanced hard drive defragmentation for accelerated Windows load times, program startup, and overall system speed. Shortcut Repair: Finds and automatically fixes broken or corrupted Windows shortcut icons that can represent the root of frustrating problems on an otherwise stable PC. Internet Connection Repair: Automatically heals broken and chronically unstable internet connections to get you back online and keep you connected when you most need to be.
What's new in this version: Version 10.8.5 offers 100% automatic PC tuneup and newly expanded Tune-up Definitions with weekly updates from iolo Labs, plus a comprehensive set of significant speed improvements.
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All versions:
3.0 starsout of 715 votes
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Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
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"seems good, easy to use"
Version: System Mechanic Free 10.8.1
Pros
has tools needed for speeding up PC, managing/setting properties, etc
Cons
None really noted
Summary
Chose to use Glary Utilities for my needs
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"SECURITY SOFTWARE WARNING!"
Version: System Mechanic Free 10.8.1
Pros
I'm unable to analyze.
Cons
I may have run System Mechanic upon download, but I don't recall using since. This morning when I turned on the monitor I had an !ATTENTION warning from Symantec (I use Norton 360 Premier Edition) that I had conflicting products on my computer and ACTION: Uninstall System Mechanic. It's gone.
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"Be careful with this software"
Version: System Mechanic Free 10.8.1
Pros
Seems to clean up system clutter
Cons
2 weeks after using is, my windows installer service did not work anymore. I had to run System Restore and go back to the date before I installed this software.
Summary
Be very careful using the fix registry option. This software did more tharm than good for me.
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"Careful To Use"
Version: System Mechanic Free 10.8.1
Pros
Scans all right.Have to use your own judgement.
Cons
Not for a Novice!
Summary
Can be useful.
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"Works for me."
Version: System Mechanic Free 10.8.1
Pros
Keeps everything running smoothly. Self updates. Easy to use.
Cons
It doesn't make coffee.
Summary
I've been using System Mechanic now for 7-8 years or so. It's as good as it gets for the job it does.
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"RUN BY INCOMPOTENTS"
Version: System Mechanic Free 10.8.1
Pros
Program is fair
Cons
If you have any problems these people don't have clue 1 your on your own
Summary
better to stay away from this
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"Messed up my computer/no refund"
Version: System Mechanic Free 10.8.1
Pros
It looks for registry errors and cleans your computer.
Cons
After going through all registry errors it messed up my bluetooth, most of my applications stopped working. Had to format my computer twice with Dell assistance. Until i discovered after putting back System Mechanic my computer gets messed up again!! And the worse, they wont give your money back!!
Summary
System Mechanic might work for some computers but not on my Dell. They said they would fix it but never answered back. Customer service is one of the worse!! And lastly, NO REFUND!!
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"OK but not all that great"
Version: System Mechanic Free 10.8.1
Pros
great BASIC maintenance tool
Cons
freezes when checking for system clutter
Summary
IF it would work 100%, it would get much higher praise, but when something just does not work, then it doesn't meet expectations nor live up to the promises or claims that it will do the job. Normally this would have caused the LOWEST rating possible, but the functions that DO WORK, work extremely well. Had this portion worked it would have earned a full five stars, and recommendations to PURCHASE the full version
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"The Best You Can Get - Highly Recommended"
Version: System Mechanic Free 10.8.1
Pros
Excellent, fast, reliable and genuine
Cons
There are no cons that I could notice
Summary
I have tried all manner of system optimisation software programs and this is simply the best. I would also recommend Auslogics BoostSpeed and Driver Detective
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"Absolutely great!"
Version: System Mechanic Free 10.8.1
Pros
It does everything I need, and does it well - so well, in fact, that I actually BOUGHT the subscription-based PAID version!!!
Cons
None, aside from therbligs that I attribute to my dinosaur laptop NOT the software "System Mechanic" hehehe
Summary
This program utterly rocks, it does so much and does it so well - I nave NEVER found a utility like this before in many years of computer use (and I started on an IMB mainframe using punch cards and paper tape, mind you!) - it is SO WORTH GETTING!!!
Regarding the neg reviews, all I can say is that they must have teensy weensy memory capacity, or are basically dolts. My system is as follows:
HP Compaq nc6000
Pentuim M (x86 Family 6 Model 9 Stepping 5 GenuineIntel ~1395 Mhz)
Windows XP Service Pack 3 Build 2600
Total Physical Memory 513.00 MB
...as I said, I ponied up and bought the paid version subscription, and consider it money well spent!
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