System Requirements

PC Health Optimizer is designed for any computer running any version of Windows. It is not compatible with Macintosh computers. PCHO requires minimal system resources. Below you will find the basic minimum requirements to run PCHO.

Intel or AMD 133mhz or Better, 32MB RAM
30MB of Hard Drive Space Recommended
Windows 98/98SE/XP/2000/2003/NT/Vista

Purchasing Information

The full version of PC Health Optimizer can be securely purchased for $39.97 for one PC. We also offer a three PC license pack for $89.97.

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1. Welcome Screen: Click Next to skip past the welcome screen. 2. License Agreement: Read the agreement and click to Agree or Disagree. 3. Select Destination Location: Enter any path for PCHO to install to or keep the default. 4. Select Start Menu Folder: Choose the name you would like PCHO's Start Menu folder to be. 5. Additional Tasks: Check or uncheck the boxes to create a Quick Launch or Desktop icon for PCHO. 6. Ready to Install: Click Next to start the installation. If your computer already has a file, hit Ignore. 7. Completing Install: Click Finish to exit the installer wizard and start PCHO.

After you have completed the install the program will launch to the main interface. You can launch the program again anytime from the PC Health Optimizer folder in your Start menu. You will then be brought to the main interface as described in the next section.

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System Status
The System Status area shows you various statistics about your system. Here you can click the "Manage" button beside each type of statistic to launch the associated application within PCHO.

Tool Categories
You can also launch the individual tools of PCHO by clicking on a Tool Category button on the left side. After you click a category you will see the various tools within that category. Click a tool's button to launch that specific tool.

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One Click Optimizer includes these functions: Registry Cleaner       Finds and removes invalid entries from your system registry. System Cleaner       Finds and removes useless files from the system disk. Disk Defrag       Reorganizes file fragmentations to boost disk speed.       NOTE: Disk Defrag takes a while to complete the first time. Memory Optimizer       Increases system cache and RAM by freeing up unused items. History Cleaner       Erases the tracks that your computer usage leaves behind. Disk Care       Diagnose system disk by detecting & removing any errors

Using One Click Optimizer is simple. The interface (above) lists six different functions. All functions are checked by default. If you don't want a certain area to be optimized, just uncheck its function's box. Then click "Optimize Now" button to optimize all of the selected areas. Then sit back and relax while your computer is optimized. First time optimizations will take longer than regular optimizations.

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Doctor Junk File Cleaner allows you to regain your computer's disk space and performance. This simple tool cleans the clutter with ease. The utility deletes only the types of files you select. The effects will be noticed with Internet browsing, application launching and other areas including available disk space.

Usage Instructions

When you start Doctor Junk File Cleaner, you will be brought to the first selection screen. This screen asks you to select an *entire* disk drive you want to be scanned for files. If you want to scan an entire drive then select the drive in the list. If you only want to scan certain folders, then click Next to go to the second screen. On the second screen you will be able to add folders to be scanned or ignored during the scan.

Selecting File Types and Starting Scan

On the third screen, you will select which types of junk files you want to scan for. You can also add a file type by clicking Add. After you have selected your settings, then click Next to start the search/scan for the selected types of files.

Review Files

After the scan is complete, click "Next" and wait for the numbers to stop refreshing. You will be able to see the statistics of each file type. If you don't want to delete a group of files, then uncheck its entry from the list and click Next.

Delete Files

After you have clicked "Next", choose the method of deletion you would like to use from the list. Then to remove the files once and for all, click "Next". The files will be deleted using the method you chose. IMPORTANT NOTE: You should always close all applications before a deletion to ensure that no programs are using the files. If you get a message that a file no longer exists then click Cancel and the program will proceed.

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Doctor Registry Cleaner allows you to take back control of your computer's registry. This simple tool cleans obsolete registry entries with ease. The program deletes only the types of entries you select. The effects will be noticed when you launch programs or install new software.

Usage Instructions

When you start Doctor Registry Cleaner you will be asked to select either your entire registry OR a just a selected area of your registry for scanning. After you select the type, click "Next". If you chose to scan certain areas only, then select the areas from the list on the next Screen then click "Next". Your scan will now begin.

Review Entries Found

After the scan is complete you will be brought to the Report screen. Select a category to see the entries found in that category. You can uncheck entries in the list to keep them on your system.

Delete Entries

After you have reviewed the entries, click "Next" to completely erase the delete entries. For added safety, it is recommended to leave the "Create System Restore Point" option checked to create a backup of your entire system before the deletion.

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Doctor Startup Cleaner allows you to take back control of your computer's startup routines. This simple tool shows you the different lists of startup entries. You can disable the entries for programs you do not want to start with Windows. Noticeable effects will be seen the next time you boot up your computer.

Usage Instructions

The left side of the Doctor Startup Cleaner interface shows the areas of your computer which contain startup entries. The right side contains the entries for the selected category.

About Categories

The various categories are shown below. Double clicking a category will expand the category. If there are any entries in the category they will be visible on the right side.

Working with Entries

Below you will learn more about each of the things you can do with entries from the EDIT menu.

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Doctor Duplicate Finder allows you to take back control of your computer's free disk space. This simple tool searches for duplicated files and shows you a list of duplicates found. You can easily delete the duplicates while keeping the original file in tact.

Usage Instructions

After you start the program, choose which drive(s) to scan and click Next. Then select the different file options as shown on the screen. Click Next to add any folders you wish to skip during the scan. Then click Next to start the scan. After the scan completes, you can select which duplicated files to delete on the results screen.

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Doctor Memory Optimizer allows you to constantly remove these and other items without rebooting. This simple tool runs silently in your Windows tray. It actively monitors your memory to find items that are no longer needed. Items are flushed from memory which in turn increases your available RAM.

Usage Instructions

Once launched, Doctor Memory Optimizer will run in your system tray and display the available memory. You can perform a one-time optimization or set the program to automatically optimize the memory once your available memory reaches a certain points. Below you will find a description of each of the three screens inside Doctor Memory Optimizer.

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Doctor Disk Care allows you to regain your computer's stability and performance. This easy tool corrects the problem files with ease. The program can perform three different types of scans to find and eliminate errors according to your needs. The effects will be noticed in system stability.

Usage Instructions

When you start Doctor Disk Care, you will be brought to the drive selection screen. This screen asks you to select the disk you want to be scanned for errors. Select a drive and click "Next". Then choose a Scan Type according to your needs. Then click "Next" to start the scan.

Scan Types

View Results

After the scan is complete, click Next to see the log file of the scan. It will show you how many errors were encountered and fixed.

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Doctor Windows Optimizer allows you to control and customize Windows according to your needs. This simple tool makes the changes in your registry so you don't have to. The program can block or beautify many different features of Windows with a single click. Changes can be reversed just as easily.

Usage Instructions

Doctor Windows Optimizer consists of seven screens. Each screen contains customizations which can be toggled on or off. After you select options on any screen, click Apply. To turn options off just uncheck the box and click Apply. Below you will find a description of the different areas you can customize with the program.

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Doctor Doctor Shutdown Scheduler allows you to save energy and increase your computer's life. This simple tool allows you to schedule times to shut down, hibernate or logoff your computer. The effects will be noticed with the amount of energy your computer uses and the increased life span of your computer.

Usage Instructions

Once you are inside Doctor Doctor Shutdown Scheduler, you will see the Scheduler areas on the left and the list area on the right. To schedule a new event, click "New Schedule". Then select the Name, action and Schedule of the event. Then click OK. The schedule will now appear in the list. You can click a schedule to highlight it, then click "Edit Schedule" to edit the settings. Or you can select the schedule then click "Remove Schedule" to delete it.

Temp Scheduler and Quick Config

To instantly perform an event or to schedule an event to happen only once, select the action and minutes in the "Temp Scheduler". Then click "Go". In the Quick Config section you can temporarily disable all schedules or disable the warning message displayed when a scheduled event occurs.

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Doctor Privacy Cleaner allows you to regain your computer's privacy in a single click. This simple tool cleans your tracks with a single click. The program deletes only the types of tracks you select. The most obvious effect will be seeing that all of your previous activities will not appear in drop down lists.

Usage Instructions

Once you are inside Doctor Privacy Cleaner you will first need to tell the program what you want it to clean before starting the cleaning process.

Setting Up and Using The Cleaner

Before you start your cleaning, navigate to the six screens and check the boxes you want deleted on each screen. After you check all items you want deleted, click "Clean Now". Then choose the method you want to use to delete the items from the on-screen list.

Changing Options

Various options can be changed by clicking on of the following Options screens.

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Doctor Spyware Cleaner allows you to regain your computer's security and performance. This feature-packed program will scan and remove all traces of spyware on your system with a frequently updated database. The effects will be noticed with Internet browsing, application usage and many other areas.

Usage Instructions

The first window you seen when you open Doctor Spyware Cleaner is the welcome screen shown above. This window shows valuable information about your latest system scans, about your spyware database file and also shows active monitoring status.

Scanning Your Computer

Scanning your computer is very easy. To start, simply press the Scan Your Computer link in the Control Panel.

and then press the Begin Scan button:

Now you may choose to quickly scan your system (scan only system files), to completely scan all your local HDD drives or to scan only a selected folder from a certain drive.

It is recommended that the Also scan system registry (recommended) checkbox is checked. If so, the program will scan the registry for malwares also, offering maximum protection. However, please note that scanning the registry might take additional time.

Once you are ready to begin the scan, press the Next button. You will see the software starts the scan. If you choose to completely scan your computer (including registry), it is recommended that you minimize the program to the system tray and continue your work as usual. You can check back later on its status, as such scanning options might take a while.

View Quarantine Files

The quarantine offers a place for infected and/or suspicious items.

The quarantine contains all suspicious files that were removed. You may restore each of these by pressing the Restore Object To Original Location button or you may empty the quarantine by pressing the appropriate Empty Quarantine button.

View Ignored Objects

This list provides you with information about the items that are ignored when a scan is performed.

In this list, you can choose to remove the selected items or directly to empty the list. You can only add items to this list as scans are performed and suspicious items are identified.

Change Program Settings

The program's settings can easily be configured by pressing the Preferences button.

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Doctor Virus Cleaner allows you to regain your computer's security and performance. This feature-packed program will scan and remove all traces of viruses on your system with a frequently updated database. You will notice an increase of speed with Internet browsing, application usage and many other tasks.

Usage Instructions

The first window you seen when you open Doctor Virus Cleaner is the welcome screen shown above. This window shows valuable information about your latest system scans, about your spyware database file and also shows active monitoring status.

Scanning Your Computer

Scanning your computer is very easy. To start, simply press the Scan Your Computer link in the Control Panel.

and then press the Begin Scan button:

Now you may choose to quickly scan your system (scan only system files), to completely scan all your local HDD drives or to scan only a selected folder from a certain drive.

It is recommended that the Also scan system registry (recommended) checkbox is checked. If so, the program will scan the registry for malwares also, offering maximum protection. However, please note that scanning the registry might take additional time.

Once you are ready to begin the scan, press the Next button. You will see the software starts the scan. If you choose to completely scan your computer (including registry), it is recommended that you minimize the program to the system tray and continue your work as usual. You can check back later on its status, as such scanning options might take a while.

View Quarantine Files

The quarantine offers a place for infected and/or suspicious items.

The quarantine contains all suspicious files that were removed. You may restore each of these by pressing the Restore Object To Original Location button or you may empty the quarantine by pressing the appropriate Empty Quarantine button.

View Ignored Objects

This list provides you with information about the items that are ignored when a scan is performed.

In this list, you can choose to remove the selected items or directly to empty the list. You can only add items to this list as scans are performed and suspicious items are identified.

Change Program Settings

The program's settings can easily be configured by pressing the Preferences button.

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Doctor Kids Control allows you to regain control of the computer. This simple program lets you setup specific times your kids can use the computer. The program can also block web sites or programs based on identifiers you specify. Another useful feature is the ability to actually record in detail what the child does online.

Usage Instructions

Once 'Doctor Kids Control' is installed it loads automatically with each computer boot and starts recording, monitoring and restricting the activities you selected for your child .

Creating a Computer Time Schedule

When you want to set time allowances or set schedules for when a user can or cannot login to Windows, just click the user and click the Computer icon at the top of the main interface. Then you will be brought to the Computer Restriction Window. The first step is to choose between Daily or Weekly limits and click the appropriate button at the top of the window.

You can set a basic time allowance by selecting the amount of time per day or week that you want this user to be able to login to Windows. Just select that amount of time in the two drop down windows for Hours and Minutes.

You can also optionally set a customized schedule for this user. At the bottom of the Computer Restriction Window you will see a green area with boxes. These boxes correspond to times as listed at the top of the box. Click each box to make it RED for not allowed or GREEN for allowed. You can also drag large areas to make them green or red all at once.

Creating an Internet Time Schedule

The Internet Restriction function works exactly like the Computer Restriction function. Simply select a user and then click the Internet icon from the main interface. You will then be brought to the Internet Restriction Window. Then choose Daily or Weekly and choose the time limit and schedule for the user. If the user tries to access the Internet during an unallowed time, it will not allow them to connect.

Blocking Applications

Blocking applications is sometimes very necessary to stop your kids from doing naughty or unallowed activities. To block applications for a selected user, click the Programs icon from the main interface. You will then be brought to the Application Restriction Window. The software will then scan your system for all installed applications. Please be patient and let it perform the task.

Once the scan is finished you can add applications or groups of applications to the blocking list at right. To add an entry, simply check the box next to the entry's name. It will then be added to the list. The selected user will not be able to launch the listed applications.

Blocking Web Sites by URL

There are two ways to block web sites in Doctor Kids Control. The first method is to block web sites by URL (web address). This is effective if you know specific URL's that you don't want your kids to visit. For example let's say you want to block http://www.rotten.com.You would first select the user and click the WebSite icon at the top of the interface. Then, you would type http://www.rotten.com into the box and click Block this Site. You might also want to add an entry for http://rotten.com in case the user does not enter the www.

You will also see a list of "Allowed" URL's in the Web Site Restriction window. This list represents URL's that will override the "Block web sites by keyword" method as described in the next section. These URL's will be allowed even if a blocked keyword is encountered.

Blocking Web Sites by Keywords

The second method of blocking web sites is the more effective method for censoring web content. The keyword blocking method allows you to specify keywords that will cause a web page to be blocked. For example lets say you wanted a user to be unable to visit any web page containing the word "myspace". You would click the user and click the Keyword icon to go to the Keyword Restriction window.

Then, type the word myspace into the white box and click Add Keyword. You will see the keyword in the list of blocked keywords. You can choose an "Exact Match" or "Any Word" match to block pages containing any word of a multiple word entry such as "singles dating"

When a user visits a web page that is blocked using either of the methods described, the page will be forcibly closed and they will be shown a warning that the page was blocked by the Admin.

Performing Windows XP System Tweaks

Performing a System Tweak on a user's account works like any other function in Doctor Kids Control. Simply select the user and click System. Then browse through the four different tweak types. To turn a tweak on, simply check the box next to its entry. After you have checked the items you wish, then click Save. The tweaks will be performed on the user for the next time they log in.

To remove a tweak simply go back to the System screen and uncheck the box and click Save. Please note: These tweaks work in Windows XP only.

Monitoring Activities

By default, monitoring is turned off for all users. To monitor a user simply select the user and click the recording type you would like to turn on in the User Monitoring area. When you click the button it will either turn the option on or bring up a screen to adjust settings for that type of recording. Each recording type is summarized below. Please Note: When you adjust settings for a user they become effective the next time the user logs in.

Viewing User Activity
After you have set a user to record, and they have used the computer, you can then view the recorded results easily.

Just select the user from the main interface and then choose which recording type you wish to view in the View Reports Summary section.

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Doctor Uninstall Checkup allows you to regain your computer's disk space and performance. This simple tool removes software installations with ease. The program also cleans your list of any invalid entries. The effects of removing programs will be noticed through increased disk space and overall system performance.

Usage Instructions

Doctor Uninstall Checkup is one of PCHO's most straightforward programs. After you start the program you will see a list of the programs installed on your computer on the right side. By clicking an entry you will see the details of the entry in the Details box. You can then perform commands on the selected entry by clicking one of the commands below.

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Doctor Disk Defrag allows you to regain your hard drive's disk space and performance. This simple tool reorganizes the data on your drive to the most ideal locations for accessing. The effects will be noticed immediately when accessing programs and seeing an increase in available disk space.

Usage Instructions

When you start Doctor Disk Defrag you will be asked to select the hard drive you wish to defragment. After you select the drive, click Next. The program will then scan your drive without making any changes.

Review Findings and Start Defragmenting

After the scan is complete you will be brought to the Analyzation Report screen. Select from the on-screen options to customize your defrag. Then click Next to start the process of defragmenting. You can now toggle between the Line Map mode or Rectangle Map mode.

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Doctor PC Info allows you to see every detail about your system. This simple tool displays everything you ever wanted to know about your PC's hardware configuration including information about the drivers for each component. There's no easier way to know what's hidden inside your computer.

Usage Instructions

Using Doctor PC Info is very simple. The left column shows you areas of your system. You can double-click entries to expand or collapse the tree-based list. Then click an entry to view its hardware information. There may be a slight pause while your system locates the information.

You can find further information about certain entries by clicking each entry in the top right box. The Resource Type and Description will then be listed in the information box at the bottom of the interface.

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Doctor Desktop Styler allows you to change the icons you see in your Start menu, Control Panel, Folders and more. There is also a wallpaper manager included which allows you to easily browse your images to create a custom desktop background.

Usage Instructions

Using Doctor Desktop Styler is very straightforward. Choose an area on the left side to select which type of image you want to change. Then, select an item and click Change to change that item. Click Reset to reset the current entry's icon. Click Default to change ALL icons back to the Windows default.

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Doctor SMARTDisk Checkup uses Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART) to actively monitor the temperature your compatible hard drive. The temperature is displayed in your tray and alerts can be displayed if your drive reaches a certain temperature.

Usage Instructions

If you have a compatible SMART compatible hard drive, you will see your drive in the top section after the program loads. You can then navigate the four tabs as described below.

Adjusting the Temperature Warning

To adjust the temperature warning, click the Preferences tab. Then choose the options you desire, such as the temperature at which to notify you or to turn notifications off.

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Doctor File Shredder allows you shred any file, folder or the contents of your recycle bin. This simple tool destroys the data using various methods including DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann's method and more. Use with caution as the file will be unrecoverable by any application or data recovery system.

Usage Instructions

When you start Doctor File Shredder you will be asked to select the type of item you want to delete. Choose File, Folder or Recycle Bin. If you delete a folder then all files within the folder will be deleted. If you delete the contents of the Recycle Bin then all files within it will be deleted. After you select the type, click Next. Then follow the appropriate instructions below.

Deletion Methods

Choose a method of deletion and then click Next. Your files will then be shredded using the method you chose.

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Doctor File Protector allows you to completely hide any file or folder. You can even password protect the files before they can become visible. No other user will be able to see the file in any type of program or Windows Explorer. Only you will be able to access the files.

Usage Instructions

Doctor File Protector is one of PCHO's most straightforward programs. After you start the program for the first time the hiding engine will be installed. Then you will receive a message stating to restart the program. After restarting the program you will see an empty list of hidden files or folders on the right. This is where the files or folders you hide will appear.

Hiding a File or Folder

To Hide a file or folder, go to the File menu and click "Add Files" or "Add Folder". Then select the file or folder you wish to hide. The entry will then appear in the list of hidden files. Note: The file will appear in Windows Explorer until the view is refreshed or Explorer is restarted.

Working with Hidden Files or Folders

To access a hidden file or folder you would need to start Doctor File Protector, then click the file's entry and click "Disable Hiding". You can then access the file or folder as normal. When you are finished, simply click the file's entry and click Enable Hiding to rehide it. You can also remove an entry from the list by first unhiding the file or folder, then go to Edit > Delete.

Password Protecting the Software

Doctor File Protector can be password protected. This ensures that only you can unhide files or folders. To make Doctor File Protector password protected, go to Tools > Password and setup the password. Then the next time you restart the program it will require the password before it allows the user to access the interface.

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Doctor File Undelete allows you to restore previously deleted files. Even if the files were inside a deleted folder you can undelete, as long as the file has not been put through a file shredder. Basic data recovery doesn't get any easier than this easy application.

Usage Instructions

When you start Doctor File Undelete, first select the drive you wish to recover files from. After you select the drive, click "Start". The program will then scan your drive for files which can be undeleted. After the scan is complete, click "Next" to view the results.

Review Findings and Undelete

After you click Next the screen will show the results of the scan. You can "Recover" or "Preview" any file in the list. Or you can "Filter" results to show only files which meet a certain criteria.

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Doctor File Splitter allows you to take a single file of any size and split it into however many pieces you choose. The files can then be easily transferred in smaller pieces. After the files are transferred, just select the group of files within Doctor File Splitter to merge them into the original file.

Usage Instructions

When you start Doctor File Splitter, first choose whether you want to split a file or join a previously split group of files. To split a file, click Next. Then choose the file and destination folder for the split files. Then on the next screen, choose how large you want each file to be and click Next to start the sequence.

To join a group of files back together, start the program and click Join Files. After making sure all the split files are in the same folder, select the first file and select the destination folder for where you want the single merged file to go.

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Doctor File Backup allows you to create regular backups of your system. It backs up any file(s) or folder(s) on your system. You can restore your system to a previous backup to make your computer's files return to exactly how they were at the time of the backup. This simple tool is the perfect daily backup solution.

Usage Instructions

Once you are inside Doctor File Backup, you will see the Task areas on the left and the two List areas on the right. By clicking on an entry in the Job list you will see the backups made for that job in the Backup List. So to begin you should create a new job.

Creating a New Job

To create a new one-time or scheduled job, click "Create New Job" and select the settings for the screens outlined below.

Working with Jobs and Backups

After you have a job in your Job List you can click its entry and perform any of the Job commands such as Edit or Delete. The same goes for the Backups List. You can create a new backup by clicking Start Backup. To restore a backup simply select the backup and click "Restore Backup".

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Doctor Email Backup allows you to schedule regular backups of your email program. It backs up program settings, addresses and every email in every folder. Works for Outlook, Outlook Express, Windows Mail and many other email clients. This nifty tool can also backup your Internet Explorer favorites.

Usage Instructions

Doctor Email Backup includes two modes: Standard Mode and Wizard Mode. The Wizard Mode has on-screen instructions. The instructions below are for the Standard Mode.

How to Create a Backup

To create a backup, click the "Backup" tab and select your email client. Then select the email client you wish to backup. Then uncheck any entries in Identities or Items list that you do not want to backup. Then choose the path of the backup file and click "Create Backup".

How to Restore a Backup

To restore a previously created backup, click the "Restore" tab and select the backup's location and file name. Then verify the correct Identity and Items are checked. Then select whether to overwrite all data in email client OR import to a different folder in your email client. Then click Restore.

How to Schedule Automatic Backups

To create an automatic schedule for backups, click the "Schedule" tab and select your email client. Then check the entries in Identities and Items list that you want to backup. Then choose the folder where you want the backups to be placed. Then choose the schedule. The schedule will stay in effect as long as your email client is checked in the "Schedule" tab.

Changing Options

The following options can be changed by clicking the Options tab.

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