Hello everyone,

In the past year and a half or so I’ve repaired over 300 computers. In this series I’m describing the very repair tools that I use daily. If you would like, you can see the entire series by following these links: part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7, part 8, part 9, part 10.

Part 10.1: Continuing what I started in part 10, in the next few posts I’ll show you the repair tools that I have on my USB flash drives and tell you what they are used for. At the moment I carry around six USB drives so let’s take a look at some more programs that I have on flash drive #1:

1) RAMMap 1.11: This is an awesome Sysinternals tool that will tell you what is eating all of your memory! RAMMap gives you a detailed overview of how your computer’s main memory is used. For instance, you can easily identify the amount of memory being taken up by processes (programs and services) or from device drivers. Even more importantly, RAMMap shows you all of the files that Windows has currently loaded into RAM. However, please note that RAMMap is for Windows Vista, 7, and Server 2008 only. No installation required. An absolutely great tool to diagnose PC hang-ups by indicating what programs are hogging resources.

2) Task Manager Fix: Task Manager Fix is a freeware system utility to fix a task manager disabled by spyware, trojans and other malicious software. The error message: “Task Manager has been disabled by your administrator“, tells you that these “bugs” have blocked access to Windows Task Manager. This error message appears due to restriction placed in the Windows Registry. Task Manager Fix will go into the registry and enable a disabled task manager. A very useful tool!

3) Unhide.exe: I cannot tell you how many times I have used this small program in the past few months. Many of the current “rogue” infections will hide your files and folders and make you think that they are gone! Not so, the unscrupulous, phony antivirus rogue has simply made them invisible so that you will panic! The little program Unhide.exe makes your files and folders visible again after you have cleaned out the rouge antivirus. Great stuff!

4) Ultra Virus Killer (UVK): This is a relatively new tool that looks promising! The application can be set to scan with MalwareBytes, SUPERAntiSpyware, and Hitman Pro (these applications will be automatically downloaded and installed, if not already on your system). Additionally, you may choose to run Kaspersky TDSS Killer and ComboFix. The real strength of the application however lies in the repair tools which have been designed to repair Windows (if necessary), after the disinfection. On top of that – users may create and run scripts that perform complete system repair and maintenance. UVK has a very simple and intuitive interface and comes in a portable version also.

5) Windows XP EXE Registry Fix: Many viruses will attack a computer and remove the .exe file association. The end result is when you attempt to open an executable file the “Open With Dialog” box will appear every time and you will not be able to open these files. Executable Files Will Not Load! You could go into your Windows Registry and edit it, but there is an easier way. Just download the above file, unzip it, and double click on the file. You will get an “Are you sure dialog box”. Click yes and this should fix your problem.

Professor Randy says: A computer repair technician without great tools is like milk without cookies! Pointless! Fill your flash drive up with great tools and you’ll have the solution to the problem in the palm of your hand!