what are some useful CD's for diagnosing and repairing computers

[lockmac]

Hi guys.

I am going to create myself a cd pouch that has CD's that would become in useful when trying to fix a computer or diagnose problems, as I hate going to someones house to fix a computer and realise i have left the needed CD at home!

Just wandering if i can have some input in which CD's to put in their!

Just after CD's such as those that can diagnose problems, test certain aspects etc.

So far i think i have the following:

- Memtest
- Some different Linux OS boots
- Windows XP
- Office
- Not sure the name- that XP password tool for resettings passwords

Theres heaps more i know of but i cant remember the names as I havn't used them in ages.

Any input appreciated.

 

[theAnimal]

Ultimate Boot CD.

 

[mc866]

BartPE?


Edit:
How about DBAN, great cd to have around too

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

Spinrite

 

[Zepper]

I keep up several of the boot CDs:

Ultimate Boot CD for DOS
Ultimate Boot CD for Windows (this one you have to partially assemble yourself and requires a Windows XP installation CD in the process). There is at least one guy in PA who mails a pre-assembled disc of this one for just a blank disc and postage. He also does some of the others similarly. If you have it preassembled, you lose the opportunity to add your own updated versions of some of the files or portable apps to it.

Hiren's Boot CD
A "Live" Linux CD or several... (some newer ones have become quite popular - check DistroWatch.com for it/their name(s)).

Several of the above contain some of the titles mentioned in the OP, plus a multitude of others.

.bh.

PS: Hiren's contains some "unlicensed" commercial programs, so the .ISO is not widely available from the popular DL sites. However, you can find it out there with a bit of effort - this is just informational, not a call to action, so don't bother asking for a link... .bh.

PPS: SpinRite is an excellent program, but with today's gigundous hard drives, it can take a my excellent compatriot's age to complete on any but the most basic levels (or smallest hard drives). It was developed when drives were sized in MB not GB, much less TB :shocked: ... The latest version is hardly any faster. .bh.