vOptimizer FreeWare Editor's Review

vOptimizer is an advanced software that optimizes a virtual machine's hard drive. This is done by fine tuning the Windows guest operating system, by defragmenting the virtual hard drive, by cleaning up unnecessary files and so on.

vOptimizer is freeware. However, another two versions exist with even more features. You can download the free version from our website, but this one doesn't support optimizing virtual machines over a network, nor can it be used to schedule automatic optimization jobs.

I used the program for optimizing a fresh install (on a virtual machine) of Windows XP and I can't say that I'm impressed. Truth is: this program should be used for optimizing cluttered virtual machine drives, and not fresh installations. The whole optimization process took about 5 minutes, during which the program displayed a nice progress bar.

Pluses: The program supports the following virtual machines: Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP Windows Vista Ultimate and Windows Vista Business.

Drawbacks / flaws: Almost each time you click something inside the user interface, an annoying 'tooltips' dialog pops up. It's impossible to disable it in the free version.

In conclusion: Using 'vOptimizer' shouldn't hurt your system. If you frequently use virtual machines, give it a try.

version reviewed: 4.0.42.0