Advanced SystemCare Free Review

Written by: Donna Buenaventura • Edited by: Bill Bunter
Updated May 18, 2011 • Related Guides: Reviews | Windows | Yahoo

Advanced SystemCare from IObit promises a one-click maintenance and cleanup solution. But does it work? read this SystemCare Free review to find out!

What is Advanced SystemCare?

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dvanced SystemCare was formerly known as formerly Advanced WindowsCare Personal. It provides set of system utilities for Windows, such as Spyware Scan and Removal, Registry Fix, StartUp Manager, Junk Files Clean and Privacy Sweep.

The program offer diagnostics too with a system log (similar to HijackThis log), defrag, backup, immunization from bad ActiveX components and tracking cookies.

Installation
Rating

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The installer of Advanced SystemCare is bundled with Yahoo! Toolbar

. We often see programs that are bundled with unwanted components - and, when they are bundled with security programs - this really saddens most members of the security community.

Installing Advanced SystemCare is quite fast. So fast, in fact, that the program made me scratch my head because it was doing two tasks without my consent after installation.

Latest news of Iobit is Yahoo! search results

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First, it started to check for updates and displayed that there are program updates. As you see in the image at the left, there are 3 available updates. I allow the download of the program updates and it asked to reboot the computer to finish updating. I wanted to reboot already but the program prompted me to create a restore point because it detected that it was my first use of Advanced SystemCare . Since I do not plan to quickly scan the test system using the program and knowing there are program updates that is being installed, I clicked “no” for the creation of restore point. To my surprised the program started scanning the system even though I did not ask it to! And it’s quite odd that the program will auto-scan the system while it is suggesting rebooting the computer after the update.

Strange also that the Iobit News and Latest News (see the both screenshot) are not news at all but links to popular or recent keywords search result in Yahoo! This is maybe happening because their installer is bundled with Yahoo! Toolbar.

Performance and Usage
Rating

Advanced SystemCare program update required me to reboot the system and when I did, the test computer suddenly slowed in loading the startup items. Prior installing the program, I have Outpost Firewall, NOD32 Antivirus, WinPatrol, KeyScrambler Pro, Dell Dock and OneNote on the startup folder. 4 of the startup items did not display their notification icons: NOD32, WinPatrol Plus, KeyScrambler Pro and OneNote. I restarted the system again but the same incident occurred. Those 4 startup items are now in the "Past startup items "

I allowed Advanced SystemCare to scan the system and it detected that my IE is not immunized against bad ActiveX components and tracking cookies. It also detected that there are running Windows Services that should not be running. I do not think it’s best for any system utilities to suggest disabling any Windows Services that can cause Windows not to function properly.

I noticed that there is Startup Manager in Advanced SystemCare and when I try to check the online database for the startup items, it opened a browser to display the database result from sysinfo.org .

The options of Advanced SystemCare is lacking the setting for the Spyware scanner (what to do if a spyware is found, disable scanning for spyware etc).

While I’m navigating with the program, Advanced SystemCare informed me that a Hijack log report was ready to be submitted to Iobit server. I’m surprised that it will send a report or it created a Hijack or System log without my knowledge or permission. There is no option to not to send the report to iobit server unless I will block the connection using my firewall or if I will disconnect my internet connection but since I’m doing this test, I clicked OK. Sure enough, it connected to Iobit server and opened IE browser with information of my Hijack log. This analysis of Advanced SystemCare's security analyzer is not recommended to follow. Advanced SystemCare has the option to handle Hijack Log and I’m afraid many beginners will fall into this type of wrong suggestion to fix a computer based on a wrong or incomplete analysis by Iobit.

Price to Value
Rating

Advanced SystemCare is free. The Pro edition cost $29.95 (offer price at the time of this review $19.95) 1-year license for 1 PC. I wouldn't recommend either version.

Conclusion

Advanced SystemCare does not live up to its name and could, if used incautiously, cause more problems than it would fix. The automatic tasks that it performs are unacceptable because the program does not request permission from the user. The poor startup performance of the system is another point to note and to the program's suggestion that NOD32, WinPatrol and Outpost processes are questionable is another unacceptable aspect of Advanced SystemCare. Users who want this kind of system utlility would be well advised to look elsewhere.

More Reviews!

Would you like to read more reviews? Look around Bright Hub and you’ll find reviews of numerous other leading security solutions including ioSafe External Hard Drive, jv16 PowerTools, CCleaner, Comodo System Cleaner, Norton Internet Security , Kaspersky Internet Security, ESET Smart Security, McAfee Total Protection, Blink Professional and ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite.

Johan Jan 9, 2012 2:45 PM

RE: Advanced SystemCare Free Review

ASC 5 Pro screwed up my Windows XP SP3 totally. Fortunately I could save it with a restore point from a couple of weeks ago. ASC3.6 seemed to work OK, but when I start using it it forces me into upgrading to ACS 5 and does not let me use the 3.6 at all.<br>IOBit malwafe-fighting software blew up Windows so totally that it took 3 days for a seasoned expert to get access to the hard disk start at all! After that, complete reinstallation of Windows on another partition and of all the applications (50 + in number) was necessary. <br>I have used CCleaner a lot. Terrific!<br>

Cathypuddles1 Jan 4, 2012 7:49 PM

mine works fine so i dont know

Josh Aug 29, 2011 2:10 PM

They are not all they seem...

Richard L, I wouldn't place too much trust in IObit after all they did get caught with their pants down stealing Malwarebytes' intellectual properties ;)

I have no IObit products free or paying on my PC and will never in the future.

Richard L Aug 24, 2011 8:47 AM

ASC Pro and Free version

I like the ASC suite.
It includes Iobit Malware which I think is possibly the best on the mrkt.
Because it ASC is a System and not labelled Antivirus does not mean it does not work or stop malware.
Check the Passive Defence page it lists absolutely every malicious site that is hazardous and contains Malware.
Should the user make sure ALL the boxes are ticked then Advanced System Care stops forms a block and they never reach your pc.
And should malware break thru then it is thru the Users persistance to visit the site.
It is up to date fast and efficient and full of good Tools.
Should the User take the time to work it out the ASC is one great programme.
I have the Pro version.
For my personal peace of mind Vipre free is my antivirus scan might buy the Pro version soon.
I don't consider Gaming much to do with using the Computer for productive use so no comment except that Game Sites are Hackers paradise.
And yes the ASC Pro version is more complete than the Free version with access to Tools functions Settings that are not in the Free one.
Ta.
:-)

Susan Symthe May 26, 2011 8:14 AM

ACS Professional 4

The paid version works just fine. The assumption that it is worthless, because it does not request permission from the user is crap. If you do not want it to perform certain tasks you program it not to perform those takes which include cleaning up junk, defragmenting and getting rid of temp files. If you don't want it to run at startup you program it not to along with other programs you really do not need at startup like printers, scanners, adobe and quicktime plus many many more.

Harsh Oct 23, 2010 2:30 PM

Pro version Works well

I m having Vista 64 bit.
I saw ASC program on Cnet. And downloaded it. My system was getting so many problems that time. So i decided to buy the Pro version. It showed more than 100 problems when i did an optimization scan. Since, i repaired all of them,it always shows 'No Problems'. And my Windows stopped crashing and freezing which was the main cause of my stress.

PS: The Disk Doctor and Registry Defrag programs don't work well. When i told about this to the ASC support,they apologized and assured me to solve it in next versions. So i use Microsoft's Onecare for Registry cleanup and Windows inbuilt Disk check option for my hard disk errors.

Sharon Sep 20, 2010 9:34 PM

Sparks on Vista

I've used it for two yrs-Pro and used the freeware for several months. it seemed the only freeware optimizer I had used that didnt rip my OS apart once I removed it. they seem to not "punish" u for not keeping it, for free or even some "trial" v I have used too (requiring a complete reinstall may I add)

many peeps complain about how "slow" and problems with vista (even on new systems) and i was expecting the same. the registry on vista are not so great. But with this optimizer (and I am a gamer) has this bus slinging spit! No body believes me when I say I have Vista, and say "no reason to change back to XP"

no complaints, except I dont like the yahoo thing, but remember some of this is freeware, if u elect that option, and they always have some exploits to keep it free (except maybe spybot...a notable exception)

Bob the Blob Sep 1, 2010 10:15 PM

Does not function

I got this program on the recommendation of my mom, who is in love with it. But it doesn't work correctly on my netbook. I open it and half the buttons don't work and it doesn't scan. I reinstalled it and it finally worked--once. It's not working again now. The one time I used it I noticed no speeding up in my system. So, it's pretty much useless. I only hope it will let me uninstall it.

Josh Jul 17, 2010 12:31 PM

Why use sysyem optimizing tools anyway?

I used to have ASC and I got fed up with the nag screen urging me to shell out for the Pro version claiming it can improve my computer by 300%. I wonder how miraculously this program can say how much my computer can improve by using the Pro version just like that eh.

I agree with you about ASC automatic scanning as soon as the program is up and running after installing - I always click 'Stop'. Another thing which wasn't mentioned in your article is when downloading the new version, there would be some new features popping out of nowhere - remember Software Informer?

Ever since I ditched ASC, I don't use similar programs like these anymore not even ccleaner. Windows got its own tools that many people tend to overlook these days.

Babara Jul 15, 2010 11:41 PM

ASC runs perfectly

As a user of ASC for almost 2 years, I would like to say that all the problems you got is just because you are not familiar with it.

My computer is 4 years old and it works like new one with the care of ASC. I have recommended it to my friends and they also have no problem with it. I think I will renew it after the expiration.

Mashill Niki Jul 15, 2010 3:40 AM

it's works well in my PC

I have used advanced systemcare pro one for over one year. However, I did not find the problems like your review mentioned. it works perfectly in my PC, and makes my PC faster than before. I think it values its price about 20 USD. I have also recommened the free one to my friends. From their favorable replies, I am sure it is a good software for us.

Steve Jun 17, 2010 12:58 PM

Advanced System Care

I tried this program BEFORE reading this review. The registry repair option in the program left my system with 4919 registry errors that were found by my regular registry fixing program. So I can believe that many systems over time would become very messed up, is this done so that the person will pay for the full version to get the problems fixed?

Charles R Cloninger Jun 10, 2010 10:54 PM

Advanced Systems Care

Well, if this isn't the "one" what is?

Chris May 17, 2010 1:41 PM

Windows 7 starter 2gb ram intel atom n450

I am not a pc gamer however I consider myself an advanced pc user. With the current configuration aforementioned in the subject line I can say with confidence that for the average user it would be advisable to uncheck the additional add-ons during the installation process. For an advanced user this is an ok program and I have had no issues while reviewing this program. Game booster add-on gave me only a slight improvement in video performance and I dont recommend installing it just because it seems to add nothing to the average experience. I thought the advanced uninstaller was nice for general users as it gives the option to delete leftover files with "Powerful Scan" however there are some files that it leaves behind on some programs that I found manually. Overall with my netbook's configuration it did what it claimed it would.

BigJoeRice Mar 20, 2010 2:18 PM

ACS Professional

I have the full version of ACS and it works like a charm with none of the issues that you describe. I am not an IT type just use the computer for writing, so I want a program that just does it's thing without constant intervention from me; ACS has filled that requirement admirably. I will be renewing my subscription.

lisa Feb 4, 2010 1:58 PM

Advanced SystemCare is junk

After using this tool for over a year, proudly thinking I'd found a great freeby, I decided just to try another cleaner today - as Advanced SystemCare was not removing my .sol file (supercookie from Flash) and I wondered if another program would.

I downloaded CCleaner (another freeby) and cautiously ran it. Much to my amazement, CCleaner removed the .sol cookie but ALSO found literally 5,000+ cookies on my system that I have clearly checked off using Advanced SystemCare to remove.

No wonder my computer has been so slow! I hate to think whatever else junk it's promised and not delivering on. I am simply astounded at the pure waste of time Advanced SystemCare is!!!!

Another product by Iobit Smart Defrag - same issue!! After downloading CCleaner's defrag program, it found my drive to be 43% defragmented! After Smart Defrag said it was totally defragged!! Don't be fooled by this product, I got suspicious when Iobit kept pushing the "Pro" version on me. Getting rid of it now!

mike Jan 30, 2010 5:34 PM

asc

it works great no problems what so ever windows xp all video streams great everything is much quicker no more crashes or lockups it has replaced four other programs that i had thought were good ones .great!!

Dennis Nov 18, 2009 6:22 PM

Questionable

Advance Sysem Care works well until you update to 4.xx. That is when problems pop up. Each boot will now give you an update box on the screen even if you are updated. You have to "X" it off to work further with your PC. A customer of mine began to have PC shut off problems for having it on the PC. After removal, everything ran normal.
If using, do not update until IOBIT corrects their problems.

Brian Oct 27, 2009 1:12 PM

Just to let you know

I like to test new products so I will try it only because it came in a U.K computer magazine I bought and the full program is free. I just wanted to let people know that when you install a program and they try to bundle software)say a yahoo toolbar and default page) un-check all of the buttons even if it says accept licence agreement (whatever bundled add on) and install, and hit next without anything checked. every program will still install. It may sound stupid to some, but my dad and others have not installed software(some paid for) because they thought they had to except the toolbar or whatever with the license agreement, hope it helps someone.

Joe Oct 20, 2009 1:55 PM

it's not perfect

It's true there are some problems in the beginning if you still don't know how to use it, but once you use it many times and change some of the settings it is a very reliable product. Just disable the updates and don't install the add-ons if you have problems with them and you'll be fine.

Donna Buenaventura Oct 5, 2009 3:36 AM

Removing Advanced SystemCare

Guys,
If you have problem removing Advanced SystemCare, please try Revo:http://www.brighthub.com/computing/smb-security/reviews/31499.aspx in removing it.

Steve Oct 5, 2009 2:02 AM

ASC problems

Like John, I can't uninstall the program, and it no longer functions...cannot install newer copy as it recommends...help!

Anthony Sep 10, 2009 2:59 PM

What a find - and free too!

My computer operates under the Windows 2000 Professional operating system and previously, I had a "suite" of protection that expired and I finally removed. I had my bank information hijacked and decided that I'd better defend the computer. I installed a firewall, virus protection, spyware protection, keyscrambler and other things. I downloaded the Advanced SystemCare and it found and fixed a multitude of items that worked perfectly. The scan found an Infostealer.Bzup, 2 - Backdoor.Trojan infestations, Trojan-clincher.Win32.VBiJ, and 2 - Data Miners and removed them all. My other scanners had no clue that they were even there. It was fast, extremely easy and painless. I would recommend this application/utility to everyone I know.

richard Sep 5, 2009 3:15 PM

works great for me

I have used ASC for over a year and absolutely no troubles with it. I like its speed of operation

Pamela Sep 1, 2009 10:51 PM

mixed results

I had mixed results. I did not have many of the issues mentioned in this review. Perhaps this is because I did not install the Yahoo tool bar. However I did install the game booster add on which after running gave me a blue screen while playing one of my games. I had to restore my system to do fix. Also I loaded the software informer add on. It told me a had all kinds of outdated software but when I looked at the verisons on the actually software itself it was the current version. Also at some point my driver for my touch pad got messed up. And I had to reinstall the entire driver. So far all the other components have worked well. My computer is running a little smother.

L Ruppert Aug 5, 2009 2:49 PM

Great program

I love Advanced System Care. It has performs flawlessly for me (on several computers) and the utilities are a nice extra. However, it would be prudent to read about problems a few have had, and to pay attention during the download and installation.

martin g Jul 29, 2009 5:39 PM

advanced system care

It got my old Dell XP running like new & cleared out all the crap! So I am a 100% fan.
It's in my Freeware top 10.
If you don't want Yahoo Home page or toolbar
simple, just say no during installation.
Most reviews for asc. either 100% pro or 100% anti
Perhaps there are problems with particular
operating systems? & I hope some "bright spark" will explain the problems that a few seem to have with this product.

George Jul 16, 2009 6:29 PM

I think it's geat

I used it on my Win XP Pro and it did a lot to speed it up. Now I installed it on Vista x64 and it works just fine - caught a lot of registry problems from the start. McAfee never detected Iobit as a trojan, however McAfee has a tendency to misread many legit programs as trojans. Downloading the update should be seamless - I've never had any problems with that. Overall I have been very pleased with this freeware program - I was told that the paid version is only slightly different than the freeware - the same basic features are the same.

Charles Jul 11, 2009 7:47 PM

Advanced System Care problem

I had the same experience as Drew upon downloading an updated version of ASC 3Pro. After the download and reinstallation of the newer version I checked McAfee Security Center and found out that the name of the trojan was Exploit-Obscured Html. I contacted IoBit by email and requested a refund to which they have not responded. I am more than a little upset.

Jacky Jul 11, 2009 10:07 AM

works for me

Used it on my very slow XP. Wow! what a difference. They have made a believer out of me.
Installed on desktop vista that was not running slow. It found numerous errors, I was shocked.

Fire Jul 9, 2009 9:52 AM

I use it and like it

The author bring up some good points. However I have used Advanced Systemcare on several of our unts and I really like. I had a shut down logoff problem on a few computer and after running the software the problem was resolved. I ran it on some computers that were running slow and sluggish now they run fine.

john sadowsky Jul 5, 2009 3:58 PM

uninstalling Advanced systemcare

I don't seem to be able to uninstall ASC. It is malfunctioning and I wanted to install a newer copy over but when I tried, I got an error message and not the program doesn't work and I cant get rid of it.
Suggestions please.

John tmsadowsky@hotmail.com

drew Jul 2, 2009 2:42 AM

I Like It

Ive used the program on several computers, all (except for my brand new laptop) showed very visible speed increases. I believe the program does not ask questions to maintain that one click approach. The program is very reliable, and Ive never had any problems with it.
However, there is one major thing that scared me:
I had used the program on one of my desktops, and it worked great, sped up the computer alot, and was fine. However, tonight it asked me to update. I allowed it to and it reinstalled with the new version. I than got a McAfee note that a trojan had been removed from the C:\Program Files\Iobit\ folder. However, the ASC still ran fine. Im assuming McAfee mistook it for a trojan.
Overall I would recommend this program to everyone know. It is free, extremely easy to use, and does a good job.

Michael Jun 13, 2009 2:01 AM

Ran it on Vista

I was having some issues with Media Player in Vista.
Based on a recommendation, I installed and ran the program, did seem to fix the problem.
however, I've not seen many reviews of the program either.

Advanced SystemCare Free Review

What is Advanced SystemCare?

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Performance and UsageRating

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Conclusion

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