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ExamDiff is a freeware text file comparison software for Microsoft Windows. It is an easy to use tool with a clear display of differences between files. ExamDiff also has command line capabilities.

http://www.prestosoft.com/ps.asp?page=edp_examdiff

Unlocker is a free, closed-source, Microsoft Windows application for regaining control over locked files. There are many ways that files can be locked in Windows such as sharing violations, permission errors, or system usage. This program unlocks these files so that they may be altered or deleted and works great when manually removing spyware or viruses from infected Windows computers. Unlocker has won many web awards from various shareware and freeware websites. The home page provides a convenient chart comparing Unlocker to its’ competitors showing why it is the best in the market.

http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/

SpyBot Search & Destroy is an application for Microsoft Windows that is used to detect and remove spyware, keyloggers, trojan viruses and more. It is a free program that is constantly updated for new threats. This is a powerful program that is easy to use. Spybot can be used in conjunction with your standard anti-virus software to help ensure a clean Windows system.

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

Rootkit Revealer is a program for Microsoft Windows to help determine if a computer has been infected with a rootkit. If you suspect your computer may be infected with a virus but your standard anti-virus scanner is not detecting anything this may be the program you need.

For more information about rootkits, how this program works, and the download go here:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897445.aspx

If you are using Windows XP it is important to have the Recovery Console installed on your computer in the event that your Windows installation becomes corrupt and you cannot boot into Windows any more. After installation the Recovery Console briefly appears before loading Windows and gives you the option to log in to a basic command prompt to try and repair any issues that are preventing Windows from loading.

Recovery console installation procedure:

1. Insert the Windows XP CD into the CD-ROM drive.
2. Click Start, and then click Run.
3. In the Open box, type “d:\i386\winnt32.exe /cmdcons” where d is the drive letter for the CD-ROM drive.
4. A Windows Setup Dialog Box appears. The Windows Setup Dialog Box describes the Recovery Console option. To confirm the installation, click Yes.
5. Restart the computer. The next time that you start your computer, “Microsoft Windows Recovery Console” appears on the startup menu.

For complete details on the Recovery Console and a list of supported commands see Microsoft Knowledge Base article 307654 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307654).