ASUS N53SV Fresh Install - Utility Recommendations

Through a series of unfortunate events I had to do a fresh install of Windows 7. The AI Restore DVDs did not work, so I don't have to mess with the ASUS bloatware. I installed all the essential drivers and my computer is humming.

My question is, what are your go to (preferably free) utilities for Windows 7? I used some of the bloatware utilities (and I may still download some, such as FASTBOOT) but now my computer is a blank slate...which is kind of cool. All recommendations appreciated.

 

Nothing. A clean install is about the best thing you can have. Such programs are of dubious value. As long as your system is "humming" as you say, don't mess with it. You'll potentially create much bigger problems than any you perceive you might have now.

 

Cool, I recalled that when I bought the laptop that some of the ASUS utils were nifty, but if none improve performance than that is that.

This may not be the right forum, but is there a list of top free utilities and applications (e.g. webcam, photo viewing/storing, etc.)?

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...-ever-growing-free-windows-software-list.html

I would recommend this: HWiNFO, HWiNFO32 & HWiNFO64 - Hardware Information and Analysis Tools
Choose hwinfo32 or 64 depending on what version of win 7 you have.
Also get a good imaging program such a Paragon Free 2011 and create an image to an external hard drive so recovery will be very easy if needed.