Every geek has one: a collection of portable applications for fixing PCs. Most carry them around on a USB key, ready in case some computer problem comes up.

The trouble is, such kits take quite a while to build up. If you want such a kit, but don’t want to build it yourself, check out the IObit Toolbox. You’ll have a bunch of computer repair and optimization tools in a single download, ready to be used.

The amount of tools included in this IObit freeware app is truly staggering; keep reading to see what you can find.

Cleaning Tools

Registry Cleaner looks for stuff left behind in the registry – Window’s monolithic configuration document for everything – and removes anything unneeded. Like all such tools, use at your own risk: many techies feel the benefits of such software are outweighed by the potential damage (eg., unbootable machine). We’ve profiled other registry cleaners before, but I’m not sure we’ve done this one. It didn’t break my machine but I can’t say I noticed a difference.

Privacy Sweeper can wipe all information left behind by your browsers, including history and cookies. Supports IE, Firefox, Chrome and Opera.

IObit Uninstaller is an alternative uninstaller. When the default Windows program manager fails, try this one out. More about IObit Uninstaller here.

Disk Cleaner (above) is a CCleaner-like app that looks at your computer’s hard drive and deletes files you don’t need. It won’t delete anything without your permission, which is good, and it’s got a very simple interface.

File Shredder deletes a file to the point where it cannot be restored. Find similar tools here.

Optimization Tools

Smart RAM is an alternative tool for managing your system RAM, similar to the Autoruns-like tool that manages your startup scripts. It’s not as complete as autoruns, but it’s good to have in a kit like this.

Registry Defrag does what it says: defragments the registry. This is only useful if you clean your registry frequently, and like registry cleaners is not without risk.

Game Booster (above) disables many system components so that you can play a game. Useful when you really want to play, but be aware that some aspects of your system might not work anymore until you click the “back to normal” button. Mentioned in this article.

Smart Defrag is a defragmentation program, mentioned in our top 8 defragmenters list. Good to have around.

Repair Tools

Undelete recovers files you’ve deleted. Find similar file recovery tools here.

Shortcut Fixer points out shortcuts on your computer that point to nothing, and gives you the option of deleting them.

Disk Check (above) gives you information about the state of your hard drives.

Win Fix can solve a variety of Windows problems. Check its list to see if your problem is included!

Security Tools

Security Holes Scanner scans your computer to look for common problems and suggest corrections.

Process Manager (above) shows you the currently running programs, and gives you control over them. Find similar tools here.

Driver Manager scans your computer and tells you if any drivers are out of date.

IObit Security 360 is a malware scanning tool, similar to Malwarebytes. Some sort of scan is essential to every kit, so see how this one works for you, though be warned: this one’s not actually included in the kit. Clicking it will bring you to a website to download it from.

Control Tools

Cloned Files Scanner looks for files you have more than once. This could save you a lot of hard drive space.

Disk Explorer gives you a graphical way to explore the contents of your hard drive, and is a great way to see large files.

System Information outputs some information about your system, including the hardware used. Similar to Speccy.

Empty Folder Scanner does exactly what it says: points out empty folders on your computer. Kind of useful, I guess.

System Control (above) gives you access to various system settings, similar to TweakUI. Check it out and you’ll be able to change quite a bit about your Windows system.

Conclusion

These IObit freeware tools aren’t necessarily the best, but if you want a complete toolkit in one download this is your best bet. Stick this on your USB drive and it just might come in handy.

Is there a better toolkit out there? Point it out in the comments below. Also feel free to share any custom toolkits you’ve built yourself, and what tools make them up.