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Need Opinions - What software should a tech carry on a 128 meg USB 'disk' to be able to perform tune-up for client?

I would like to have on a CD (or even on one of the small USB 'disks') some basic software enabling me to diagnose computer problems and even tune-up a computer.

This would be one way for me to gain new customers.
If I can, for free, run some diagnostic test that can speed up one of their computers then maybe
I can earn their business (diagnosing/tuning-up their other computers).

Can you list software that I might want to include on the disk?

Might want software to be where I don't have to install it on their system but be able to run directly from the CD or USB device.

There is no one right answer. One complete and thorough answer from each expert would suffice.

I will distribute the points as fairly as I can.

I am an EE expert in the Database/Access area.

Thanks,

Robert

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r-k

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giandem

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SysExpert

I would definitely carry a few bootable CD's with all the diagnostics and repair SW you can find.

This should also include backup and artitioning software.

Additionally, I would look at an external USB drive, since many repairs are hard drive related, and you need to backup data to something.

I hope this helps !

rgcole

ASKER

To Experts.

Feel free to include duplicate information in your answer.

Just want to see what a good diag/tuneup kit might contain.

Robert

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davorin

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dxf224

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SysExpert

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dxf224

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ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

mimicsu

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rgcole

ASKER

My first question. My first ACCEPTING of answers.

I messed up.

I meant to accept one answer and give assists to all others. I will have to remedy this.

Robert

r-k

>I meant to accept one answer and give assists to all others. I will have to remedy this.

Personally I learnt a lot from mimicsu's answer, so I don't care if he gets
my points :)

mimicsu

(Disk cleaners that wipe out the hdd to 0 bits)
wipe out http://www.lurkhere.com/~nicefiles/
killdisk http://www.killdisk.com/
delpart
http://www.russelltexas.com/delpart.htm
http://www.russelltexas.com/delpart.exe
http://www.coxpc.com/delpart.zip

Also for CD
download msjet, mdac, & .net
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.aspx?displaylang=en

rgcole

ASKER

Thanks to the moderator I was able to reassign points.

Thanks to all for your contributions.

Robert

davorin

I have found another interesting piece of SW, but I haven't tested it yet - ERD Commander

http://www.winternals.com/products/repairandrecovery/erdcommander2002.asp

"Key features:
Boots dead systems directly from CD
Easy, familiar Windows-like interface
Includes the Locksmith utility to reset lost Administrator passwords
Includes FileRestore so that you can quickly find and recover deleted files
Provides access to XP Restore Points on unbootable Windows XP systems
Compares key info on unbootable system with that of a working system for diagnosis and trouble-shooting
Allows for formatting and partitioning of disks
Built-in network access to safely copy data to/from dead systems
Repair and diagnostic tools located on Start menu
Repair tools include Service and Driver Manager, Locksmith, FileRestore, Registry Editor, Explorer, Disk Management, and Command Prompt
Diagnostic tools include the System Compare, Event Log Viewer, System Information, TCP/IP Configuration, and Logical volumes utilities
Compatible with Windows NT, 2000, XP, and Server 2003"

Regards, Davorin

mimicsu

Unknown Devices, looks up devices & tries reading their info - complete pkg zip file no install just extract & run.
(unknown devices)      http://www.halfdone.com/Development/UnknownDevices/

(hijackthis)      http://www.tomcoyote.org/hjt/#introduction

(win installer)      http://www.litepc.com/98lite.html

(9x/me drv letters)      http://www.v72735.f2s.com/LetAssig/index.html

(dos panasonsic usb)      http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=10215
                  ftp://ftp.dars.com.ru/support/dos_usb/mhairudos.zip