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You can access the PC TuneUp Maestro Fix & Clean page by selecting "Fix & Clean" in the navigation bar of the Main Menu. There are several tools to choose from. The following list outlines the tools that are available to select (in a similar order as they are presented):
Registry Repair:
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To scan for registry issues and fix them.
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Internet Explorer Repair:
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To fix Internet Explorer problems and improve its performance.
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Hard Drive CleanUp:
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To analyze whether your computer has any hard drive space that can be cleaned up and reclaimed.
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Backup & Restore
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To create and manage system restore points.
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Executable File Association Repair
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Some malware or careless modifications to system files may corrupt file associations for various executable files including: .exe, .com, .pif, .lnk, .scr, .vbs, .js., .cmd, and .bat files. This may halt your PC from launching an application. The Executable File Association Repair tool repairs the system default settings for all of these executable file types and restores the ability for your PC to launch applications. If you need to use this tool frequently, you can choose to "Create a Desktop Shortcut" to make the launch of the tool easier. We also recommend that you scan your PC with anti-virus software when viruses or malware threaten to alter the functioning of your executable and file type associations.
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BKF File Opener
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BKF files (.bfk) are backup files generated by Windows File Backup tools starting with Windows XP. Due to compatibility issues, BKF files can not be shared across different Windows OS. The BKF File Opener tool fixes this problem and thus enables you to open BKF files in all existing Windows platform from Windows XP to Windows 8.
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Browser Bookmark Repair
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The Browser Bookmarks Repair provides the following functions related to bookmarks for either Firefox or Chrome web browsers: i) recover your deleted bookmarks; ii) restore bookmarks displays. Functions may vary between the two types of browsers.
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CRDownload File Repair
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CRDownload files are partially downloaded files created by the Google Chrome web browser. This tool analyzes the content of a .crdownload file, extracts the download link URL, and provides you with a choice to restart the download process.
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Windows Systems Tools
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To get easy and quick access to Windows System tools.
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Windows Update Tool
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An easy and quick method of checking for and getting updates such as PC security and driver updates.
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Questions and Answers
The following are some Knowledge Base questions and corresponding answers relevant to the topics in this section.
Registry Repair
 What is the registry?
The registry of your PC is an essential system component that stores information about your user profiles, hardware configurations, software installations, and so on. The registry can contain tens of thousands of entries and your operating system is constantly referencing this information while it is running. In fact, the registry is the most frequently accessed component of your computer system and is also considered one of the most vital. It is a single point of failure: if the registry fails, the whole system is compromised.
Maintaining peak levels of performance is fundamental to a healthy system. By maintaining a clean system registry, your PC remains stable and free of common issues. PC TuneUp Maestro is equipped with advanced analysis and resolution technology. It can: identify and fix erroneous registry data; discover and eliminate obsolete registry entries; and guarantee safety by performing a complete system file backup.
For instructions on how to scan and repair your registry, see: Registry Repair.
For instructions on how to defrag your registry, see: Registry Defrag.
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When does my registry need to be repaired?
Over time, your registry can contain many erroneous or obsolete entries. When your PC experiences a high number of errors many consequential results can occur. These include potential system errors, computer crashes, and slow PC performance including longer startup times when booting your system and when launching programs.
As to how often your registry should be scanned and repaired, there is no single answer for all types of users. Much of the answer depends on your frequency of use and how often you make changes such as installing and uninstall components and programs. We recommend running a scan once a week using the automated Smart TuneUp Schedule. If repairs are necessary you will be notified.
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Hard Drive CleanUp
What tasks can be performed using the Hard Drive CleanUp tool?
From the Disk Cleanup tab:
| • | Delete temporary Internet files. |
| • | Delete downloaded program files. In some cases there are certain items downloading from the Internet (like ActiveX controls and Java applets), that are not required. |
| • | Empty the contents of the Recycle Bin. |
| • | Delete Windows temporary files that are no longer required. |
From the More Options tab:
| • | Clean up optional Windows components you are not using. |
| • | Clean up installed programs you no longer use. |
| • | Clean up System Restore points. |
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BackUp & Restore
What is a System Restore point?
The System Restore feature is built into recent Windows operating systems (Windows® XP, Windows Vista®, Windows® 7, and Windows® 8). It is in place to restore your system to an earlier state should you encounter a serious system error, major issue, or unwanted behaviour. In some cases the cause of an issue can be easily detected (for example, you install something, unwanted behaviours are exhibited, and you can uninstall the item). In other situations you may not be entirely certain how the change came about or you may not be able to easily remedy it (such as in the case of malware being installed to your system).
The System Restore feature creates restore points which are like a snapshot of your computer. In some cases, system restore points are created automatically and in other situations you may want to create one yourself. You can revert to this point, signified by a date the restore point was created, very easily without losing any personal data. Word documents, e-mails and email settings, Internet favorites and any data you have stored in My Documents, My Pictures, or My Music folders are all saved.
 The Microsoft system automatically creates restore points when it performs system checkpoints. Microsoft allows a 90 days to live expiry period for restore points. When they expire, they are automatically deleted by the system.
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When should I use the System Restore feature?
While it is true that the System Restore feature will not result in the loss of personal data, it should only be used after trying or, at least, ruling out other methods of troubleshooting. The reason is that System Restore reverts many files and registry entries, and can in some situations replace more files than you want restored. Microsoft recommends that when first running into a computer problem, try rebooting your computer. If your computer cannot start in normal mode, reboot your system, press the F8 key during the boot process, then use the arrow keys to highlight the "Last Known Good Configuration" option, and then press ENTER.
PC TuneUp Maestro automatically generates System Restore points for the following events: any repair, cleanup, tune-up or defrag that is performed by PC TuneUp Maestro. We recommend that you manually create a System Restore point prior to:
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