[drmoneejd]

I know of and appreciate the pinned free software topic, however I would like ideas on some essential programs to carry on an external HDD or boot disks. I am what I would consider a decently advanced user and try to help family and friends with computer problems.Some things (new to me) I have recently seen are anti-virus boot disks, and some linux boot disk for changing/deleting windows passwords. I was wondering if anyone who did this as a hobby or for a living could recommend programs they use the most and ones that work the best(and preferably free). Thanks!

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I keep Hiren's Boot CD in my kit, as well as bootable-cd (DOS) versions of the most popular disk maker's diagnostic software (each on a separate CD for simplicity).

Hiren's Boot CD: http://www.hiren.info/pages/bootcd

Links to most popular hard drive manufacturer's diagnostic software: http://www.tacktech....ay.cfm?ttid=287

[phillipcorcoran]

I keep Hiren's Boot CD in my kit, as well as bootable-cd (DOS) versions of the most popular disk maker's diagnostic software (each on a separate CD for simplicity).

Hiren's Boot CD: http://www.hiren.info/pages/bootcd

Links to most popular hard drive manufacturer's diagnostic software: http://www.tacktech....ay.cfm?ttid=287

[drmoneejd]

This is great! Thanks! Only one question, do I have to download them all individually, or is there a Hiren's boot disk image somewhere that has it all? Sorry I looked up and down the page, but didn't see one.

[underscor3]

Hiren's is okay, but I like to use Ultimate Boot CD. We use it at my shop all the time; it's an invaluable tool.

There's also a Windows live CD that runs in a Windows pre-boot environment- very help if you're used to GUIs and the Windows interface. Check it out here: UBCD4Win.

[drmoneejd]

Thanks I'm downloading that now!