Asus Utility and Bloatware Guide

***Special thanks to GenTechPC for allowing me to use their server to upload the images (my photobucket account was WAY past the bandwidth limititations due to the popularity of this thread)***

Last check and update: 3/3/2011

Below is a list of Asus utilities/bloatware that may come with your new Asus notebook. If you're unsure about which utilities are useful or safe to uninstall, this list should give you some insight.



Wireless Console Utility - Also known as Wireless Console 2 or 3. A program that helps to toggle between wifi and bluetooth. Not essential for wifi and bluetooth to work but is possibly needed when you do not have dedicated WLAN or BT on/off buttons on your
notebook. In such a case, the only comfortable (w.r.t. number of keypresses) way to cycle through WLAN--BT on--off, on--on, off--on, off--off states is with this utility.




Virtual Camera Utility - Allows multi-Window Video Conferencing Live video conference with up to 4 contacts worldwide simultaneously. The ASUS virtual camera feature allows multi-window net meeting with customization of resolution, filter & frames according to personal preference. Not essential for webcam to work.




Splendid - The exclusive feature integrates different multimedia data sources to reduce noise and conversion rate for a sharp display. Users can enjoy vivid images with better contrast, brightness, skin tone and color saturation for all video applications. Click here to view flash intro of this feature. Personally, I'd uninstall it since Nvidia's control panel can pretty much do the same.




LifeFrame - Imaging software for recording/capturing audio and video. Serves as a security software with motion triggered image capture when set to the Monitor mode. Not essential for webcam to work.




Multi Frame- A utility which helps divide and organize opened windows. Potentially useful, but non-essential utility




Smart Logon - Substitute your windows login password with face recognition. A niffty but non-essential feature. This utility is actually not so smart, people can logon with a picture of you. Recommend not using and instead, use a strong password.




Direct Console/Direct Console 2 - A utility for controlling Direct Message on your OLED display and Direct Flash (flashing lights) for the ASUS G series notebooks. Depending on the notebook and software version you have, Direct Console also allows your Asus to run at different power states. I'd recommend keeping this utility installed.




ExpressGate - Based on Linux, this utility features a graphical user interface, web browser, Skype, and a chat client based on Pidgin. It allows users to fully utilize these features without having to boot into Windows. Using ExpressGate instead of Windows does not help conserve battery life. A fun feature, but not necessary.




NB Probe - A utility that shows your system information such as CPU and HDD temperatures and how many RPMs your notebook fan is spinning. This program is not pre-installed on most Asus notebooks, but is available on the Asus website and on your recovery disk. Useful for those whom likes to monitor their hardware.




Live Update - A utility that automatically downloads and installed the latest drivers and BIOS for your notebook. This program is known to be extremely buggy and rarely works. I'd highly recommend you to uninstall this.




WinFlash - A program that allows you to update/flash your notebook BIOS. Does not come pre-installed. For more detailed instructions using WinFlash, please see the following website:
http://support.asus.com/technicaldocuments/technicaldocuments_content.aspx?no=195&SLanguage=en-us
I would recommend using the EasyFlash utility integrated in the BIOS to update the BIOS instead, rather than the Windows utility, which can be buggy -- or can be interrupted by an unrelated error in Windows. For more information regarding EasyFlash, please see EBE's Asus BIOS update Guide.




CopyProtect - A program that prevents the unauthorized reproduction of data in notebooks. When locked, the contents in the notebook will not be reproduced by burning a CD/DVD, transferred to a floppy disc, an external storage or network drive. A nice tool to have if you're carrying sensitive data on your notebook.




Data Security Manager - Designed to improve system security and productivity by consolidating your passwords and network accounts within a single data unit called User Identity. With multi-factor authentication, all private data is available only to its owner, ensuring end-to-end security built on consistent, solid and manageable ASUS platforms. Click here to view flash intro of this feature




Power4 Gear - A power management utility that allows you to toggle between different power settings. Can be user-customizable. This program is not essential, but I personally find it convenient to have.




Power4Phone - A telephone terminal emulation utility which can handle phone calls from Skype or through a modem in your notebook system. Must install ATK Driver, Modem and Voice function Driver and Skype program before using ASUS Power 4 Phone.




FancyStart - A utility that allows users to edit the the start-up/boot spash screen. This utility is not necessary for your notebook to fully function.




ControlDeck/Configuration Utility - A 3D application for adjusting screen brightness, speaker volume and other system settings. Uninstall optional.




Net4Switch/IP Switch Utility - A network management utility that provides different network auto detecting & configurations. This program is not needed for your network or wifi to work properly and can safely be uninstalled. You can find the Net4Switch user guide here.




FastBoot - A program that helps accelerate boot up times in Windows 7 64-bit operating systems by tuning the BIOS and delaying the time of specified startup programs. Uninstall is optional, but is I'd recommended keeping it.




InterVideo WinDVD 8 - A video playback software that allows your to watch DVDs and Bluray movies. This OEM version only supports 2 channel audio, so if you have a 5.1 or 7.1 audio setup, you'll need to purchase the retail version for full surround sound functionality. Recommend keeping unless you have other video playback software you prefer.




CyberLink Power2Go - This is an all-media disc burning software. Useful for burning CD/DVDs. Recommend keeping unless you have your favorite disc burning software you'd rather use instead.




Nero 8 Essentials - Replaced by CyberLink Power2Go, Nero 8 Essentials is also an all-media disc burning software and are found on older Asus notebooks. Recommended keeping unless you have your favorite disc burning software you'd rather use instead. Nero 8 Essentials is an OEM version with limited functionality.




Adobe Reader - A software that allows you to view, print and collaborate PDF files. I'd recommend keeping this unless you have Adobe Acrobat.




Norton Internet Security 2008 - Anti-virus/spyware software. Trial version. Best to uninstall since there are better alternatives to Norton. See Avast, AVG, or Avira.




Trend Micro Internet Security 2009 - Replacing the trial version of Norton 2008, Trend Micro (also trial version for 60 days) is found on the newer Asus laptops. It offers basic anti-virus/spyware, e-mail and website filter protection. Uninstall is optional.




Microsoft Office 2007 Trial - As the title suggested, this is a trial version of MS Office 2007 (30 or 60 days depending on country). Uninstall is optional. If you do not want to spend extra $ for MS Office, there are other alternatives such as OpenOffice and IBM Lotus Symphony.




Microsoft Works - Usually seen on Asus netbooks, MS Works is a watered-down version of MS Office. Programs included are a word processor, spreadsheet, and database. These are different from Word, Excel, or Access.




Asus WebStorage - Available only on Eee PCs. Users can enjoy free online storage. With an internet connection, you can access and share any files whenever you want and wherever you are.




Boingo Installer - This comes pre-loaded on recent Asus notebooks and is located on your desktop. If you have no intention on using Boingo, deleting the files is recommended. For more information on Boingo, please visit their website: Boingo Wireless | Wireless Internet. Wi-Fi Access. One Click Log On




Amazon Kindle App - In various new Asus notebooks and netbooks sold by Amazon, Asus has pre-installed the Kindle for PC application. This app is a stand-in Kindle e-reader, allowing users to sync pages and pick up where they left off on their Kindle, Kindle DX, Mac or PC. The app also offers users access to the more than 540,00 titles in Amazon’s online bookstore. It is recommended to uninstall this program if you do not use Kindle.




Asus App Store - Starting later this year (2010), Asus netbooks will come pre-loaded with the Asus App Store which is basically a rebranded Intel AppUp Center. The app shares similar aesthetics as Apple's App Store, but is tailored towards Windows netbook users. Removal of this app is optional.




Asus E-Driver - A utility that offers users to automatically install the stock drivers/utilities of your choice. If you already have all desired drivers/utilities installed then I'd recommend uninstalling this utility.




Trial Flash Games - In recent Asus notebooks, trial flash games are preloaded on your system. All these games appear to be aimed at children 10 years or younger. Each game offers 60 minutes of play. <s>Uninstall all games is recommended if you do not intend to use them.</s> Some users have reported problems with the windows registry after uninstalling Oberon games. Uninstall is no longer recommended. - ALLurGroceries


AI Recovery - A system restoring utility that allows you to create recovery disks. AI Recovery can only be used with notebooks that have a preinstalled OS and a hidden partition. I'd recommend keeping this program until restore disks are made.


ChkMail - A utility that checks your e-mail inbox for unread mail. The programs is linked to your e-mail LED status light. Not essential and can be uninstalled safely.


KB Filter - Technically a driver, Asus lists this as a utility. KB filter is a driver that adds additional features to standard keyboard functions such as enabling multiple key combinations. This utility should be installed. (Thanks to Ken at GentechPC for providing this information)


ATKOSD2 - ATKOSD2 is a a 3D onscreen display utility package used together with your notebook hotkeys. Uninstall optional. (Thanks ALLurGroceries for the correction)


ATK ACPI utility - Also known as Advanced Configuration and Power Interface, the ATK ACPI utility is actually a driver that allows the BIOS and OS to communicate with each other to manage the power configuration. This driver should be installed on your system.


ATK Media - A utility that opens Windows Media Center when the multimedia hotkeys are pressed. Uninstall optional.


ATK Hotkey - A utility that enables the Fn key shortcuts and should not be uninstalled.

ATK Generic Function Utility - A utility that allows for communication between the ACPI and all the shortcut keys. This utility should not be uninstalled (Thanks metril for providing this information from another thread)

Asus AP Bank - ASUS AP Bank offers various (trial) software applications and multimedia enjoyment online which are available for purchase. It's basically a link to an online website store. This is a "textbook" bloatware utility and should be deleted.

ASUS Screen Saver - It's exactly what it says it is. Uninstall optional and recommended for those who don't use screen savers.

Cyberlink LabelPrint - A program for creating CD/DVD labels. Uninstall optional.

ETDWare PS/2-x64 x.x.x.x_WHQL - This is your the touch pad driver, specifically for the Elantec touchpad. It's recommended to keep this if you require multi-gesture features for your touchpad. Uninstalling the driver will enable only the basic touchpad gestures.

Google Chrome - A web browser similar to Internet Explorer and Firefox. Uninstall optional. To remove this version of Chrome you may need to download the latest Chrome installer and run it as Administrator before you can uninstall it. - ALLurGroceries

Google Toolbar for IE - This adds a Google toolbar to your Internet Explorer web browser. Uninstall optional but is recommended if you do not use Internet Explorer.

Microsoft Silverlight - This is a multi-media plug-in similar to Adobe Flash. Uninstall optional, especially if you already have Adobe Flash.

Microsoft Office Outlook Connector - Also known as Microsoft Outlook Hotmail Connector, this add-on allows users to access Windows Live Hotmail or Office Live Mail accounts through Microsoft Outlook. Uninstall recommended only if you do not use MS Outlook and Hotmail/Office Live Mail.

Microsoft Office Live Ad-in 1.3 - This add-in adds new menu options in the 2007 Microsoft Office Suite and a toolbar in Microsoft Office XP and Office 2003 such that documents located in Office Live Workspace can be opened and saved directly from Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Uninstall optional and recommended if you do not use Office Live Workspace.

Times Reader - A New York Times reader. Unless you are a NYT subsriber, uninstall is recommended.

Windows Live Essentials - A suite of applications which offers integrated and bundled e-mail, instant messaging, photo-sharing, blog publishing, security services and other Windows Live entities. Uninstall is optional.

Windows Live Sign-in Assistant - This is an add-in for Internet Explorer that allows you to see all hotmail user accounts on the login screen. Uninstall optional and recommended for those not using Window Live Essentials or Internet Explorer.

Windows Live Sync - This is an internet-based file synchronization application. Uninstall optional and recommend for those who do not need synchronization for multiple computers.

Syncables Desktop SE - Anothing program that enables you to sync and migrate content between PCs. Uninstall optional and recommend for those who do not need synchronization for multiple computers.

Windows Live Upload Tool - This is an ActiveX control tool to help upload files to your Windows Live SkyDrive. If you are not using Windows Live SkyDrive, uninstall is recommended.

ASUS Access - A link the Asus Access website which in my opinion has some pretty useless content. Delete recommended.

Ereader - Loads the correct user manual (PDF) for your language in Acrobat. Delete/uninstall recommended.

ebay - A desktop web link to ebay.com. Uninstall optional and recommended if you do not often browse ebay.

Welcome Kit - Desktop link to a Flash video introducing Asus notebooks.

ASUS Access - Desktop link access.asus.com. This is a website for could software services. Delete recommended.

Nuance PDF - a PDF reader. Uninstall recommended if you are already using Adobe's PDF reader.

Syncable Desktop SE - Keeps all your data in sync and auto backups all computers, portable devices and mobile devices. This is a trial version (10 days). Uninstall if you already have other backup and syncing means.

Special thanks to EBE for promoting the thread and for his contributions.
Another Special thanks goes to Ouka and mbriody for their contributions.


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Nice work David, very helpful.

 

What is with these tools i dont have lol. Bestbuy model came preloaded with trend i actual;y used my G50 disc to swap it for Norton.

NB Probe please! EDIT..... blind

 

what is ATK media?
and atkosd2

 

List updated with requested info.

I tried to list all possible utilities/bloatware that came with all Asus notebooks, so there may be some that are not included in your G50.

 

This is great.
+rep for you!

 

make this into a sticky please!

 

You are THE MAN.

 

I'm not sure if this thread would be worthy enough to be made a sticky, but if a mod could add a link to the Asus Info Booth (probably under the "Miscellaneous" heading), that would be great.

 

Awesome! This will help out a lot of new owners.

WinFlash came pre-installed on my G50.

 

This only provides 3D notifications for the hotkey actions... it can be safely removed, and I recommend removing it since it can interfere with fullscreen applications.

If you do remove it it will be replaced by a very simple, 2D notification in the top left hand corner of the screen.

 

Thanks ALLurGroceries. Info is edited.

This thread is also now posted on the Asus Info Booth sticky.

 

Nice, I tried to rep you but it wouldn't let me (I repped you recently for something else I guess... maybe your ASUS world magazine post)

Good post, it should be useful for lots of ASUS owners!

 

How do you control WiFi and Bluetooth on the G50vt with Wireless Console Utility uninstalled?

 

This should totally be stickied! Extremely useful information for all new buyers, imo.

 

Using windows? lol Wifi can be disabled by right clicking on the network icon or using the switch on the laptop if you have one. Don't have bluetooth on myne and havent used BT since XP but was an icon for it back then (sometimes another for the oem software as well).

 

Thanks for this very useful thread! It's been added (or rather, promoted to first place in the Miscellaneous list) to the ASUS Info Booth.

PS: A similar list of utilities, although older and not as complete/detailed, can be found in my Vista optimization guide.

WRT the main post:

I would further say that:

* Wireless Console Utility is possibly needed when you do not have dedicated WLAN or BT on/off buttons on your
notebook. In such a case, the only comfortable (w.r.t. number of keypresses) way to cycle through WLAN--BT on--off, on--on, off--on, off--off states is with this utility.

* ASUS Smart Logon is actually not so smart, people can logon with a picture of you. Recommend not using and using a strong password instead.

* ATK Generic Function Utility, and ATK Hotkey, are important and should not be uninstalled.

* I would recommend using the EasyFlash utility integrated in the BIOS to update the BIOS, rather than the Windows utility, which can be buggy -- or can be interrupted by an unrelated error in Windows. If you wish you can link to my BIOS update guide for details.

 

I have also heard that the fingerprint logon isn't very secure either and can be bypassed! Also I have always have a program called Bonjour on here is this program necessary?

 

Last i checked bonjour is apple not asus if its not in the asus folder (on c or in the program menu) or in this guide or says asus on it probably not asus.

 

As Clutch stated, Bonjour is an Apple program. You most likely have itunes installed

Thanks EBE The thread has been updated with your comments.

 

Thx for taking the comments into account & for the credit.

 

I dont have CHKMail installed and I want to use it. Can I download it? I tried using the back up dvds but they dont seem to have any programs on them unless im looking in the wrong folder??

 

Thank You!!!

 

The new Asus FancyStart utility is added to the list.

If your notebook does not have an indicator light for e-mail, then CHKMail will not work.

 

The Asus FancyStart Utility doesn't seem to work on a system with RAID0 - and yes, I enabled it in the BIOS. Hopefully, someone else with RAID0 can test it and confirm.

 

RAID has caused issues with Express Gate in the past, so I wouldn't be too surprised if it's causing issues with the FancyStart utility as well. Did your G51 originally come with the FancyStart program, or did you download it from the Asus website?

 

It was on the DVD's. After receiving the laptop I slicked it and switched to RAID0, then installed from Recovery DVD.

I had Express Gate running on my G50Vt w/RAID0. Can't get it to work on the G51 ... yet. No big deal. Hardly ever used it.

 

ok just got my G51 and am using this guide...one thing tho. is that ATKOSD the 3D one that is like a pie chart? cuz i find it not very useful altho its elegant. when playing games, does that affect framerate much? like if i change volume in game would the 3d OSD ruin my framerates?

 

I don't think it really affects the framerates, but it does glitch out somewhat and is really annoying. I uninstalled it and prefer the 2d volume graphic much more.

 

care to expain what type of glitchiness?

 

Anyone know what Net4Switch is?

edit: nvm i found out

 

Does anyone know what ASUS CopyProtect actually does?

 

I think it prevents someone from copying data from your laptop to a device like a usb stick or sd card or ethernet.

 

Nice little guide, just got win 7 on the W90 (well again technically but this time not beta its retail) and its nice to see what some of this stuff does.

 

It seems there are a couple utilities either new or left out of this guide.

1) Asus ControlDeck - not sure what this is beyond another way to display in 3d your change volume, screen brightness, etc controls. Is it an application launcher as well?

2) Asus FastBoot - have no idea what this is, but wonder if it makes Windows 7 boot faster or something?

3) Asus AI Recovery - I assume its to make DVDs of the system restore partition that notebooks come with?

 

Thanks for the heads up Michael. Those utilities you mentioned are indeed new. Guide updated.

 

I've just re-installed my laptop with win7 and i lost all my utilities installed but when i re-installed them, they dont work especially Power4Gear, wireless cosole utilites T.T please help me how can i have them active again? I installed them in Disk D not C, is it a problem?

 

just checked this guide out today, but was able to elimate 3 more of the programs that i "didnt know what they really did so i left them alone"

thanks a lot.

 

Have a question about the AI Recovery program - are the recovery disks it makes different from the ones shipped with the laptop? Thanks in advance.

 

Yes. The recovery discs created with AI Recovery are a direct image of what was on your harddrive when it was shipped to you. The DVD's you received with your laptop are Win7 install disc and Asus drivers/utilities disc, not images of the original harddrive installation.

 

Thanks. So is there anything I lose out on by not making AI Recovery generated disks? I'm figuring that if I need to I can just use the DVDs that came with the laptop to make the computer work again...

 

I didn't take a close enough look at what was installed on the notebook by default when I bought it as I wiped the harddrives and did my own installs of clean retail XP and Win7.

There must be a difference as the AI Recovery set is 4 DVDs in size... Hopefully someone else can be more specific.

 

I can tell you both right now, that the actual Windows 7 install disc that shipped with the g51j-a1 is pure garbage.

AI Recovery disks should be made, there are issues with using the disk(s) they sent. I've had to format my laptop a few times and I noticed the hdd recovery partition was more exhaustive in restoring the laptop to its factory shipped condition that I received it in. Many small components are missing from performing a recovery with the disks provided (Driver disk and windows 7 disc).

 

why must there be a difference? when installed win7 is 14GB, which alone is 4 DVDs...all the AI Recovery does is mimic the recovery partition, which is basically an expanded version of the install media + drivers and bloatware

 

Thanks so much for posting this information. I don't suppose anyone knows where documentation on how to use some of these utilities resides?

 

Quick question, does anyone know why there is both an ATKOSD and ATKOSD2? Do they serve seperate functions? I believe the on screen display displays unless both are disabled.

Personally, I haven't uninstalled these, but I end their processes with the task manager whenever I game, so I can change the volume without messing up my screen.

 

ATKOSD shows the little OSD up in the left hand corner, OSD2 shows the gaudy central OSD that overlays on top of games and causes lag

 

Hey, does anyone know which utility is responsible for the grey 'caps lock on/caps lock off' display?

It messes my game up when I play Crysis...

Thanks!

 

There's an easy fix for somebody using a photo of you to fool SmartLogon: when you set it up (it makes a database of pictures of you) make a unique face, like by closing one eye, touching a finger to your nose, sticking out your tongue, etc., anything you don't do when photographed normally. Repeat that face/gesture for access.

 

lol , good idea though.