LITODELOSREYES  Where the f#$%# is the download link for the app? I reinstalled OS X and I came to Macupdate to download the app. The link here sends me to Micromat's website. Micromat has an infinite loop where in there is a link to the link to the link for the download but no actual download link. I have a valid license but can't even download the app. I'm happy with the application but not if I can't use it! Why is the simple act of clicking a download link been made impossible?   
(Version 5.0.6)

MJKPHOTO  $25 to update the DVD to version 5.0.6 is outrageous!   
(Version 5.0.6)

HARV  Not a complaint or rant, really, but what is the reason TTP still requires Rosetta and is not 64-bit?  
(Version 5.0.6)

STILL_SPARKLING  Nice smooth update this time; no delays caused by Micromat's servers.

And a very timely update indeed because one of my internal drives decided to cr@p the bed this morning. TechTool Pro wasn't able to rebuild the drive (neither could DiskWarrior), but it at least warned me before the drive totally failed and I was able to rescue all of my files. The files included my iTunes library, which, even though I have a backup, would have been a pain to restore.

Thanks TechTool Pro (and MacUpdate for offering TTP in the bundle)!  
(Version 5.0.6)

REEGOR  TechTool conflicts with "Time Machine" (Mac's great backup program). It creates HUGE, multi-gigabyte, backup files for Time Machine every day. This slows down TM, and fills up your backup disk with junk.

The solution is to turn off TechTool's protection (in the preferences pane). Especially, turn off Directory Backup. After all, if you are running Time Machine every hour, as we all should be, we don't need TT's backup which sits on our regular hard drive and is therefore less reliable.

Once your turn off TT protection, what's left? The disk information and trouble shooting utilities. Ask me in 3 months if they are worth the price.  
(Version 5.0.5)

ALENZ  Trashing the pref pane fixes the problem. The only drawback: every time you want to open the TechTool Preference Pane it will restart the system preferences and ask for the system password. But it works. Thank you  
(Version 5.0.5)

MC_SHIZZEL  While I know the software is not officially Snow Leopard supported as of right now it still runs quite well with the exception of the TechTool Protection preference pane inside the System Preferences, once clicked it will cause the System Preferences to crash. Just thought I'd mention that.  
(Version 5.0.5)

WAIPEPE  Hi

I have just updated and followed the instructions - no problems

Having found where the Preferences are IE: in the preference pane (silly me for not looking there earlier) at this stage at least investigate or as I have done Turn them OFF

I find this App to be of a high standard - the defrag very fast

I backup to an external drive with several volumes

I have used TTP for several years - also - DiskWarrior to verify my backups and now find that DiskWarrior surplus to requirements

I give this App 4 out of 5 stars

Harry  
(Version 5.0.5)

MARKOH  Forget TechTool Pro and the rest of the recommendations here. Try out DiskTool Pro => http://www.macwareinc.com/products/DiskToolsPro/overview.html  
(Version 5.0.5)

GYNNY  After starting the TechTool system preferences they colapse - each time!

(MacBook Pro, Intel Core Duo, 10.5.7, 2 GB)

Exception Type: EXC_BAD_ACCESS (SIGBUS)

Exception Codes: KERN_PROTECTION_FAILURE at 0x0000000000000000  
(Version 5.0.5)

CHRISCHRAM  Since updating to version 5.0.5, my eDrive no longer automatically unmounts after startup. I have to manually eject it now.  
(Version 5.0.5)

MACFOOL  Their technical difficulties sorted out (as of 22 July PM,) the update through the licensed app ( your s/n and write it down) went quickly with no surprises.  
(Version 5.0.5)

AAPPLE  Update, while automatic from an installed and licensed copy nevertheless requires you to re-enter your serial number. Booting from the eDrive, this information is not available, so you are out of luck unless you wrote it down on a piece of paper. The DVD does not boot on a MacPro. When I complained, they could not understand why I would want to. (So why did they make it!  
(Version 5.0.5)

HARV  I almost didn't buy v5, but I weakened. And now the moral is clear. Sadder but wiser am I.

Never again!

Even if it were free, 'tis hardly worth the angst.

I have 2 internal, 2 external and 1 off site backup. Should I have a problem, I'll revert to verified backup. And if that doesn't work, I can still save time and grief by (even) doing a clean install.

Perhaps MicroMat can merge with Intuit (just a suggestion)...  
(Version 5.0.5)

AGENT59653198  I bought 5.0.4 last May, as a part of the respective MacBundle. I only use the bootable DVD and right now I'm puzzled: where's the link to download an updated DVD image? Thank you in advance for your help, TT Pro veterans.   
(Version 5.0.5)

FOULGER  Fairly useful programme - UTTERLEY USELESS AND SLOW SLOW SLOW DOWNLOAD. Tried four times to download the update and each time it fails 2/3 of the way through. How, in this day and age a developer can provide such a hopeless service I don't pretend to know. Perhaps sell it to someone more swithched on?

Micromat have always been on again/off again & as far as I can see, nothing has changed.  
(Version 5.0.5)

CHRISCHRAM  It's a royal pain to have to download this update multiple times for multiple locations, especially when their servers are so slow. I was able to find where the file was being downloaded to, and copy it before it got deleted. Then I could deploy it elsewhere as needed.

I wish MicroMat would just make their updaters available for normal download, and stop treating their customers like criminals!

Also, during the update process, my com.apple.finder.plist file got blown away, and I ended up with default Finder settings. (Thanks the gods for Time Machine.) Did this happen to anyone else? I can't imaging why TechTool would be messing around in there.  
(Version 5.0.5)

MR. APPLEMAN DESIGN ESQ.  There need to be a mirror server set up somewhere...

2 hours now and @ at 13.0mb...  
(Version 5.0.5)

HARRISTYPE  Maybe they should run DiskWarrior on their server... ;-)  
(Version 5.0.5)

DR. GIRLFRIEND  5:00am PST - Site is up, but running extremely slow.

5:05am PST - Nevermind; site is down again. App is hanging in the middle of update. Don't bother updating until they fix their server issues.  
(Version 5.0.5)

MACFOOL  7 AM CDT Micromat site appears down.  
(Version 5.0.5)

BOBNANCY  It is true that the download is very slow. Moreover, after the update, it still says that there is a new version (the same one, 505!). I said to skip that version....  
(Version 5.0.5)

MARKOH  Micromat really have to change their update-only-via-application policy.  
(Version 5.0.5)

HOKUAHI  Be advised... the update download is really slow... about an hour via cable modem.

Unreal.  
(Version 5.0.5)

4WHATITSWORTH  I purchased the Mac Update bundle. I had trouble creating a bootable DVD and was able to clear up the problem through Micramat's tech support. Apparently, one of the links downloaded the installer disk image and not the DVD disk image. Everything is working great now and I know that if I have any questions, I can count on their great tech support!  
(Version 5.0.4)

XENOPHILE  TTP sure knows how to make itself feel at home on a Mac. I installed TTP to give it a try, and despite a lack of any tangible benefits, it's been very busy!

1. It pollutes my system with lots of files, most of which are invisible. I don't need more mystery files on my system. I've used DiskWarrior and Drive Genius, and neither of them left their turds all over my system.

2. TTP spawns at least one daemon. No. I mean it, no! I don't want more background processes eating up CPU time. TTP's daemons are also very rude; they never asked permission to install themselves and run in the background.

If I'm going to use a maintenance utility like TTP, it's because I want my system optimized. My definition of "optimized" does not include extra invisible files and more background processes. Thus, I see no reason to use TTP, much less pay what amounts to a yearly subscription fee to keep TTP updated and current with OS X.   
(Version 5.0.4)

WRK24WHEEL  Techtool 5 pro slowed my computer down to a crawl. After installing I noticed that my iMac got slower. After about a week of this, I started to look at the activity manager and noticed that Techtool Daemon was taking quite a bit of CPU usage. I just shut off the Protection services in System Preferences and it was like upgrading my iMac to a Quad Mac Pro. Internet and applications are much snappier. I am not sure what that program does, but it sure is a CPU hog.  
(Version 5.0.4)

ILGAZ  Note for future.

1) Micromat isn't really known for providing free updates to products.

2) Snow Leopard seems to be a x86/64 operating system. It is nothing like PowerPC G5, Intel CPUs and the operating systems running on them are extremely "touchy" about such deep level running software/utilities being 32bit only.

IMHO this utility, as long as it works flawlessly, very good for preventive maintenance. The "work flawlessly" requires constant updates which shouldn't cost. I guess you understand my point.

(TTP 4 owner)  
(Version 5.0.4)

MUBOX  I agree with others that this software is almost worthless unless you get it in a bundle or with a very cheap offer. Their upgrades are stupidly expensive for what they are (smoke).

That said, I just read on this page that the TTP 5.0.4 DVD doesn't boot with Mac Minis from March 2009. That's not totally true. At home I have a Mini from March and the DVD works.  
(Version 5.0.4)

WAIPEPE  What a prick of a program!!!

Downloaded with Promo bundle and installed then started

Lost a heap of disk space

Had all my hard drives connected

Later used WhatSize and found that TechTool Protection was using 5.45 MB of disk space ---THAT’S RIGHT - 5.45 Megabytes of disk space protecting ALL my hard drives

Deleted that folder and have recovered 5.45 MG of disk space

Have now deleted TechTool -for EVER

Harry  
(Version 5.0.4)

BS0D  TTP is definitely not a very useful app: I would never have spent 100 on it if it hadn't been included in the MUPromo bundle.

I've never had to use of all the app's features (thank God), but it is practical in the way that it gathers different options as far as file / disk optimization / degragmentation is concerned.

Stability is definitely good enough for my use, it has never frozen.

Even though I hope I never have to resort to it, the main reason I bought it is the file recovery option.

I don't use it much, but I'm glad I have it "just in case"...  
(Version 5.0.4)

LEXICON5  Never had an issue with v.4.x. Bought V.5, ran all the checks, probes, tools and now a once speedy MacBook Pro AND a Mac Pro take twice as long to boot than before I "Optimized" my files/folders etc. Unless you REALLY need to try to salvage a drive...you're better off backing up your data, wiping the drive and reinstalling the OS and apps and pulling your data back over and your machine wont slow down.

As for their idiotic update practices....they are pretty much the WORST company in history for what they charge for mere point updates and similar practices.

I did buy it with the current MacUpdate bundle for $49.95 so I got a deal....as well as the latest Parallels...these are the full versions...no neutering...  
(Version 5.0.4)

YURIA  I got TechTool Pro 5.0.4 with the MacUpdate Promo Bundle on the first day of sales. At first, I had problems booting up with the bootable DVD after burning it according to the instructions on my purchase receipt. The screen went completely blank after the grey apple and the loading animation below it at start up.

I waited a few days downloaded the disk image again but the situation was the same.

I also tested booting with other bootable disks like DiskWarrior and the Mac OS X Leopard disk to verify my optical drive is okay.

Finally, I checked out micromat.com's support forum for some insight. The following two solutions seemed to work for me:

1) Disconnect peripherals that aren't related with TechTool Pro's check.

2) Clearing PRAM from a cold start.

Links to the posts they are mentioned are as follows. The support team seems to be very responsive out there.

http://www.micromat.com/index.php?option=com_simpleboard&Itemid=42&func=view&id=5010&catid=6

http://www.micromat.com/index.php?option=com_simpleboard&Itemid=&func=view&catid=6&id=5020#5020

Now the TechTool Pro bootable DVD boots faster than even Apple's Leopard disk and the tools included are working wonderfully. I am a happy customer. Thank you, folks at Micromat and Macupdate for working to include TechTool Pro in this year's bundle.

I hope this will be of some help if, by chance, there are other people who have similar issues.  
(Version 5.0.4)

GRYPHONENT  Just got this in the MUpromo bundle. Had 4.0 before and threw it in the bin once it destroyed my harddrive with its eDrive gimmickry. Buyer beware!! The new eDrive is pretty much the same rubbish as in version 4. Just repaired the eDrive with Disk Utility and it is still fixing a lot of incorrect links. Well, it was worth a try. I for one am back to Disk Warrior and Drive Genius.  
(Version 5.0.4)

PROTO-CLOWN  I have not yet received a response from the developer regarding an upgrade path for bundle purchasers.

Be prepared for this to be obsolete next month when the new OS is released.

Interestingly, my last comment to this effect was deleted...  
(Version 5.0.4)

KENTR  Is this program relatively safe to use? I got this in the MacPromo bundle and the reviews are mixed.  
(Version 5.0.4)

BEENAKKER  has _anyone_ managed to start up from the TechTool Pro DVD? I followed the instructions to the letter, but the "bootable" DVD hangs at the language selection screen.  
(Version 5.0.4)

PROTO-CLOWN  This is a question for the developers...

Will this application be updated free of charge to bundle buyers when Snow Leopard is released?

I recall the last time I was suckered into buying a bundle with Techtool Pro as its flagship app only to have Leopard released the next month. The app was NOT updated free of charge and was essentially useless once you installed the new OS.

The timing of this giveaway is suspicious considering that Snow Leopard is set to debut next month at WWDC.  
(Version 5.0.4)

MISHA  There are *two* TechTool Pro 5 DMG... one is on this page with the Download Now link, which provides the installer (it used to provide the updater, but I changed it to help mitigate confusion). It's about 70MB.

There is another DMG that is bootable that is about 750MB. The link for that bootable DVD Is in your bundle receipt under "Special Instructions", below your list of serial numbers.

Hope this helps!  
(Version 5.0.4)

MBUCKINGHAM  I burned a DVD now what? Do I have run installer? Do I need to boot from the DVD first?

Help!  
(Version 5.0.4)

MIKE25EKIM  I believe to fully use TechTool, you need to insert a DVD. You cannot run it off your main hard drive. This may be why you have to burn it to DVD?  
(Version 5.0.4)

MIKE25EKIM  The form to buy the promo somehow is short, and does not show the button needed to submit the form, in SAFARI. If you guys are using Firefox, fine, but test as a New User, using Safari.

The TechTool link on the receipt should be fixed to download the dmg you point to on the bottom of the receipt page. It requires CAREFUL and FULL reading of the receipt to see this. Many people, including me, are going to want to rush to try out TechTool and not read the receipt as carefully as required.   
(Version 5.0.4)

RAPIDLY WOVEN  This is indeed pretty crappy to not include a legit download for this app. Offering a download that you then have to burn onto a dvd in order to even install this app is b.s. and misrepresentative of your promo.  
(Version 5.0.4)

BEYONDMK  Hey guys.

Just take a look at your receipt which was sent per e-mail after buying the special promo.

There you'll find at the bottom the following lines:

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

=======HOW TO CREATE BOOTABLE DVD=======

There's also posted the download link.

Unfortunately the DMG is corrupt and not mountable. Maybe MacUpdate will correct this soon. Hopefully! :-)  
(Version 5.0.4)

KEN  I too am fed up with the cavalier attitude and CHARGES for minor updates.

I have used TTPro since it's inception with mainly favourable results.

However I object to paying $Au79 just to get a DVD which will boot my early 2009 new iMac when I recently had to buy one to boot my previous 2008 iMac

Alsoft charged $Au24 for the same thing. It arrived 3 days after ordering and works really well. A well known supplier of a very famous clone backup facility recommends Drive Genius if you really have to defragment.

I am happy with V 4.6.2 and can use it from my external HD to run repairs. I cannot see the value in V 5 and I think the new "improved" interface is garish and crass to put it mildly. The old interface was functional and easy to follow, almost elegant compare to this latest iteration.

It's DiskWarrior for me...

iMac early 2009 24" 2.66 GHz OS 10.5.6  
(Version 5.0.4)

BACKPACKER  Over the years I've had a few volume directory issues that couldn't be fixed by any of the utilities mentioned here, so it's surprising that DiskWarrior is referred to like the magic bullet.

When DW does straight-forward rebuilds, ie green notifications and no red words (when the new directory will differ significantly from the old one), then it's easy. However, when the red words warn you to manually compare the old directory against the new one, and you've a gazillion files, it isn't so easy.

As for FileSalvage, it very slowly coughs up files that bare little resemblance to your original ones; you get files identified by type (thank you) and lots of digits that you don't recognize, and you have to open each one to ID them again.

So, it's still down to regular backups, and also leaving enough free space on your drive/s to avoid serious disk/directory problems. For things like trash-recovery, TTP5 works fast and well.

TTP5's dials might be something the user can switch on or off in future versions, but as graphical diversion they are tame compared to Drive Genius' (which I've found to be more flashy than effective).

However, those dials ARE something when TTP5 is working on a G3 500MHz PPC with 0.5Gig RAM and ATI-Rage 8MB-VRAM video-card that has no core-image or quart-extreme support.   
(Version 5.0.4)

CHRISCHRAM  All this little patch does is update the Sparkle component of TechTool Pro so that the application itself can perform the REAL version update.

The real update is close to 60MB. After two attempts which ended in dropped connections, I was able to download it at their overloaded server that was dispensing data at dialup modem speed. We're talking several HOURS here folks!

If you have an eDrive, you must go through that whole slow process again. (If you run Activity Monitor during the first download, you can see where the updater is being saved, then quickly copy it to another location while it's being expanded.)

This update also blows away whatever protection preferences you have set, so write them down before you start.

I guess MicroMat is trying to protect their intellectual property, but by making it impossible to simply download their updater in the more traditional way, they're treating all their paying customers like criminals. Not a wise move when money is tight.  
(Version 5.0.4)

JAN13  I have this software from first version but this upgrade is NOT what I will purchase.

Instead of fine sophisticated software I am offered some amusement-park of gimmicks which do have nothing to do with system repair at all !!!

I was not already pleased with previous versions of this software and so according to my experience repairing our G5Õs and power-books the DISK-WARRIOR as well as DRIVE GENIUS are the best there is. Period !!!

No reason to buy this gimmicky TechTool Pro 5.0.4.  
(Version 5.0.4)

RPAEGE  Dunno about anybody else, but I find the golly-gee, eye-candy graphics incredibly annoying.

They should offer a command line version, or at least a stripped down version with most of the B.S. removed.

I have yet to find a good reason to keep paying for updates for this app.  
(Version 5.0.4)

4WHATITSWORTH  A great utility for your Macintosh just got better! TechTool Pro 5 has a cool looking interface and new features such as "Trash History" which helps you recover deleted files as well as "Volume Usage", which alerts you if your volumes becomes too low on free space. The "Surface Scan", an extremely helpful tool in detecting physical defects in hard drives, can now also identify files that are located on bad blocks. Overall, I find TechTool Pro 5 to be a very informative diagnostic and repair utility.  
(Version 5.0.1)

BACKPACKER  My initial impressions of v5.0.1 :

TTP5.0.1 does auto-directory-backup faster than v4.6.2 (it actually stopped working in the old version and could not be resumed).

Using the SMART test, TTP5 quickly and graphically produces a list of about 30 criteria on the hard-drive state.

Those venting here, about improvements over v4.6.2 for example, should maybe look at the Micromat forum, where serious discussion is found.

http://www.micromat.com/index.php?option=com_simpleboard&Itemid=42&func=view&id=7633&catid=21  
(Version 5.0.1)

ZO219  But Micromat has *always* been this way ... uninformative, a bunch of geeky engineers who majorly offput the public, and there has always been much debate as to whether their tools, always overpriced, are worth it.

Let me just add that the product seems more substantial, if you can look past the silly interface,and while it is far, far better to repair you directories and disk with Disk Warrior, if you have concerns beyond that, and can afford this, it is not per se a *bad* tool.   
(Version 5.0.1)

CHRISWAN  I assume they would charge again an 'upgrade fee' for October 2008 Unibody MB and MBPs a few weeks from now (since it requires 'a lot of resources' to make TTP compatible with those products)  
(Version 5.0.1)

DK-AND-A  I also upgraded to 4.6.2 and ordered 5.0. Just got 5.0 in the mail and am unable to get it to work because of some sort of registration issue. I hope its that easy to solve. Anyone else having a registration issue?  
(Version 4.6.2)

SIRYOSSI  Techtool 5 was shipped out last week. I got mine on the 20 of jan 2009. It is totally different the previous versions and a whole lot of new stuff. it is the old tech tools and drive genius combined into one well sorta if has many new features like file recovery, new interface, ability to reformat and fix directory's and permissions on the fly. It is kinda a mystery why there web page is not updated i got the upgrade from preorder back in Nov and it was shipped about weeks later than scheduled. I have not fully used the product yet but kinda taking a bit getting used to the interface. I will write more laters once i learn more about its features.  
(Version 4.6.2)

JACKANINNY  the micromat website is currently advertising version 5 coming soon and, of course, in fine print the 'free' update to 5 if you purchase now does. NOT apply to upgrade or update purchases. $25 to upgrade from 4.53 to 4.6.2 and then having to pay even more for version 5? i'm going to take a pass on any upgrades.  
(Version 4.6.2)

DGOMBAU  This tool works well for me. I bought it ages ago on a friend's recommendation, and used it to fix problems on my old G4 Sawtooth (upgraded), rescue my G4 Titanium 1G, and now my MacBook Pro 2.6G (check only and do minor Finder repairs so far).

It has worked every time and got non-functioning systems up and running. I like being able to determine whether the problem is a sector issue with the drive itself, or just a mangled volume structure. And being able to nip minor problems in the bud saves bigger headaches.

This week, I upgraded to 4.6.2 DVD using my MicroMat account and previous V4 serial number. I got the DVD within a couple of days, and the total cost with shipping was under $35.  
(Version 4.6.2)

JONSER  I purchased TTP at Macworld this year with a promise of a free upgrade to TTP 5 in April. Where is it guys?

That being said, I have had a major HD crash and was able to recover most of what for a moment I thought was lost forever. Worth the price right there.  
(Version 4.6.2)

YOXI  I'm pleased to see that TTP/Leopard has been updated so that Leopard no longer automatically does a Time Machine update of the eDrive over the top of your startup volume's backup, if you forget to disable TM before creating the eDrive! It's also good that TTP now does tests and optimisations sequentially instead of trying to do several at once. I'm still very happy with this app - curious to see what v5 has to offer.  
(Version 4.6.2)

MACINTOSH SAUCE  Being a long time user of Tech Tool Pro, I am just sick and tired of paying $25 for a bloody BUG FIX! Damn it. Why don't they e-mail current customers and let them know there is a DVD ISO for them to download FREE. I can burn it myself!

Bye bye, TTP4. This program is not up to par anymore.  
(Version 4.6.2)

ZO219  Don't know what you're running, but DW 4.1 CD mounts in decent time on my MBPro late '07.  
(Version 4.6.1)

SMTIPS  I haven't had any trouble with this, except that on my G4 the eDrive was invisible and on my dual G5 it's not. It works, it works good and I like the suites.

Comment on Diskwarrior: I have used DW for years and I find it to be one of the best tools available. TT is also. To be honest I've never had a serious HD crash where I had to really USE any of the recovery stuff on these. DW was a dream on OS 9. But my problem with DW now is well...it takes like TEN OR FIFTEEN MINUTES to boot from the damn disk! Most of the people I know are maddened about this also and they just haven't seemed to get it right...so imho DW is losing ground because of that, and because of the lack of versatility compared to TechTool. I like TT.

My 2¢.  
(Version 4.6.1)

POSSIBLE CUSTOMER  I was going to purchase your product until I read others comments, $25 for a DVD upgrade, poor tech.... No thank you  
(Version 4.6.1)

JGUY80  This program is slipping downhill. The support isn't what it used to be. To TVPNYC, I agree, during optimization, it adds fragments. I told the TechTool Tech this and got this response. http://www.micromat.com/index.php?option=com_simpleboard&Itemid=42&func=view&id=5856&catid=6

This program actually crashed my hard drive, to where I couldn't boot my Mac up.  
(Version 4.6.1)

MOSH  Wanted to upgrade Techtool to Leopard compatibility

Not only do I have to pay $25 but a whopping $15 to ship an unnecessary disk version to the UK. Techtool agents in the UK are unable to provide the update!! Why?

Very short sighted Techtool, especially as the utility is mediocre. Many of us Maci's abandoned Norton due to customer care indifference. Your turn will come!   
(Version 4.6.1)

TVPNYC  when defragmenting my HD-- it looks like it's ADDING fragments after i engage it to "defrag"...

what's going on??  
(Version 4.6.1)

DAVUS  It's incredible you can't upgrade without having to wait for them to actually SHIP you something. This is just a 26Mb upgrade, yet you can't buy a downloadable version.

I'm having a problem now, and there's Leopard on my Mac, so v4.5.3 is useless. This could be the best software in the world, but if you have to wait days or weeks to be able to fix your computer, it's just useless.  
(Version 4.6.1)

BLUESTAR  The Protection Setup doesn't work for me on Leopard 10.5.1 -- Nothing happens when I try to copy the directory from one hard drive to another for "Protection" -- I'm amazed at a small utility DVD taking up 1.9 GB of a DVD. What for? What on earth is on this disc? I'm sick and tired of all these developers robbing me of storage space. Why does a simple application take up 100-200 MB of space? That's ridiculous! On a side-note: Why can't a simple thing be done in this day and age where if I'm on an English-USA Mac, the application installed on this Mac should only contain "English.lproj" files within the package of the application and not 12 other foreign language versions which bloat it up to 200 MB? I think it's application developers laziness and we who already shell out money for the software pay additionally for it in eaten up drive space, bc we have to get bigger and bigger drives to hold their bloated applications!  
(Version 4.6.1)

BUMBLEB  But what if I boot from the DVD? Will I be able to safely optimize / defrag my disk that way?  
(Version 4.6.1)

BUMBLEB  Like most other people here I'm stunned at the business logic behind this Leopard upgrade. Why on earth would I wanna pay to have a DVD snail-mailed to me? It will take weeks before it arrives...

Anyone knows if the previous version 4.5.3 works a bit with Leopard? Which features work and which don't work with Leopard? Or is it totally unreliable?

I need to defrag my disk asap, and no apps other than this seems to be Leopard compatible at this point;-(  
(Version 4.6.1)

RIK830  $25 for a minor update?! Micromat just lost itself a customer  
(Version 4.6.1)

KPE  Bad enough to pay $25 + $5 shipping and handling, but I had to fight with their site to get my log-in accepted. Bad TechTool Pro, very bad!  
(Version 4.6.1)

TIP  WTF. $25 for a minor release?

What happens if some fixes are introduced, creating version 4.7 - another $25 for that?

No thanks.  
(Version 4.6.1)

AT  Sigh...

Why can't there be an electronic download upgrade purchase?  
(Version 4.6.1)

DARYLF2  Yet ANOTHER $25 update for a product with marginal value that has NEVER been of use to me... DiskWarrior I'll update. but I think its time for me to dump TechTool Pro.  
(Version 4.6.1)

AT  I bought TTP during the MUPromo bundle. That was version 4.5.2 and I have updated it to 4.5.3

Caught a quick glimpse of the site and my web browser crashed. My question is whether this is a paid or free upgrade?  
(Version 4.6.1)

VINCENTTHU  From the link below, according to MicroMat, there will not be a downloadable version of 4.6.1. It said only update DVD will be available for current user (with a fee).

http://www.micromat.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=196&Itemid=85  
(Version 4.6.1)

A J BENAMU  What a wonderful way to advertise an update!!!!

Site is down  
(Version 4.6.1)

ORION MK. V  No criticism of their products, but Micromat's site has always been abysmally slow. There's no excuse these days not to have a better server if updates are to be distributed online.  
(Version 4.6.1)

PTC  Why is this listed as an 'updater' when the link is to an update page which does not contain an updater but insists I buy Yet-Another-Micromat-DVD? It's irritating to feel there IS an updater but that somehow I am refused access to it.   
(Version 4.6.1)

DOUG S.  This is currently incompatible with OSX 10.5, when can users expect an update?  
(Version 4.5.3)

JRWHO  It’s a great utility, and it’s fixed many of my problems, but you have to be careful when using it.  
(Version 4.5.3)

LIGHTSPEED  Just finished doing maintenance and optimizing on my Imac Core 2 Duo with 2gb Ram and 250gb hd. Worked like a charm. I had 30,000 fragmented files. I do lots of music, graphics and video work. Lots of reading, writing, deleting, etc. I was afraid I might lose important data, but so far no problems. My mac is much snappier, a lot less wheel spinning. I am happy with this product.  
(Version 4.5.3)

JMH1  I like to defragment backup

dmg files before burning back-ups

of digital camera photos and Photoshop edited

files.

I really hope that the:

"Updated Volume Structures and Optimization routines."

adresses the very slow defragmenting routine.

For example, recently defragmenting a 2.6 GB dmg volume with only one fragmented file and only about half filled to capacity (using "files only" mode) took over 30 minutes!

How is it possible to take over a half

an hour to defragment _one_ file that cannot be over 20 MB in size(that is about the largest Photoshop file on the volume)??????!

Ouch  
(Version 4.5.3)

SPIRALYODA  Wasn't 4.5.3 already the version shipped with the mupromo bundle more than a week ago ? Why is it noted as an update now ? The DVD image I had downloaded back then was already numbered 4.5.3... Should I download it again?   
(Version 4.5.3)

FLASH1296  Installed v 4.5.3 on my MacBookPro.

Kernel Panic on booting. Never had one before.

deleted ALL Micromat files including daemons, .kexts, logs and .plists

No Joy. System Hosed !  
(Version 4.5.3)

KUKKIS  Regarding my hard drive "crash" and what I did.

First of all I fixed permissions with Apple's disk utility. Booted from TT DVD. After that I did all the maintenance and hardware check-up tasks before I went to optimize the drive. I would like to point out that I had no problems at all with hardware check or disk maintenance checks.

As said earlier once I was optimizing TT crashed. Restarted it and ran optimizing tasks which reported that there were problem with B-Tree (directory structure). Ran the maintenance utility again which started working then crashed while trying to solve something in directory (B Tree i guess). I left it running and it had crashed after / during the mentioned 24 hours of running the task (strange noise as if the drive wanted move the reading head past the platter or something). The drive was physically "toasted". I would also like to point out that drive was around 6 months old so must be one h*ll of coincidence for it brake like this.  
(Version 4.5.3)

OPALDRAKE  I have 4.5.2, and I am not going to get 4.5.3 as of right now. On the Micromat web site, it says that you really don't need 4.5.3 unless you have a very recent machine that was not out when 4.5.2 was released. The update is really only for those who need it.  
(Version 4.5.3)

MARKOH  A few simple steps to actually using TTP:

- Before you even think of starting TTP, rev up Disk Utility and repair permissions and check to see if it needs some repairing.

- Now you can start up TTP

- Don't just start optimizing your HD

- start from left to right in the top menu bar in TTP

- always optimize AFTER you've done all of the above. and you can skip the hardware test too. I just do a hardware test once in a blue moon.

I've used TTP on my G4, my G5 and now on my MBP 2GHz and I'm still waiting for TTP to mess up my HDs. I've never even backed up my system HD before using TTP either. I even use TTP when my friends need some help with their Macs and I use it at work on all of the Macs there and so far TTP has been goo to me.

Remember: from left to right  
(Version 4.5.3)

KUKKIS  Bought this with MacUpdate bundle. I tried optimizing my HD with it and it crashed. Restarted from DVD again and got error message stating that repair utility needs to be run. I didn't but after more then 24 hours running it I started hearing sound as if the HD head hitting something over and over again. Then again a crash. Now tried installing new OS and erase the HD but unfortunately the HD was physically broke and couldn't install anything. Beware! Don't use this software! If you need good disk repair software get DiskWarrior!  
(Version 4.5.3)

HOWIEC  A mixed-bag utility program, for sure. The interface is very very slow even on a MacBook Core2Duo with 2GB of RAM. The tests it runs vary from stuff you can pretty much do yourself for free (example: you can check your RAM modules for free with Rember), to directory checking and disk defragging. I haven't had to rescue my files or my disk yet, so I can't vouch for the effectiveness of the safety and recovery features. I can tell you that I rebooted my computer off of the emergency DVD, and the system hung when I tried to restart using the Apple menu, and accidentally moused over "Locations". I don't know if this is a FTFF issue, or whether it's TechTool, but it was disconcerting to have to do a hard restart using the keyboard combo from within a utility program.  
(Version 4.5.2)

ARTROOM  I tried to create an eDrive, but was told I first needed to optimize the drive it was to be installed on. My chosen drive is a 200gb external Firewire. After 3 days, it is still not finished optimizing, so I asked it to stop, as i need to restart my computer for other things. It has taken 11 hours just to stop the optimizing process...whats up with that?

As for some of the other things it is meant to do, directory repair etc...Disk Utility and Disk Warrior both say there are problems, yet Techtool is happy to tell me everything is fine... not exactly useful.  
(Version 4.5.2)

VLADCO  I just purchased TechTool Pro as part of the MacUpdate Bundle.

The first thing I tried to do was to create a DVD of the Techtool disk, as instructed. Unfortunately the disks I make don't work with my PowerPC G5 (10.4.10), although they do work with my Intel Macbook (10.4.10). On the G5 they will neither mount on the desktop nor boot the machine.

I contacted Micromat (in a perfectly friendly manner) and they have been very quick to respond, but only to tell me that it must be my problem (although my computer and drive work perfectly for everything else). I have searched on the net and found many many examples of other people who have been unable to boot off of the DVD.

I don't think I want to risk my machine on a product that seems problematic from the start and for which the technical support is so defensive.  
(Version 4.5.2)

MARKOH  So what's new in 4.5.3?  
(Version 4.5.2)

DOUGRAY  I like this program fine. I'd like it even more if it didn't run a background daemon by default. Even if you shut off all the background features of the application, TechToolProtection is still loaded on startup. I've found different opinions on what this does, from simply handling background chores to monitoring for pirated serials to broadcasting your Mac's serial number. I can't vouch for the truthfulness of any of these claims (although broadcasting your serial seems a bit far-fetched), but regardless, it doesn't seem like I should need to run a background app all the time for an application that I (hopefully) only have to use once in a great while. I found a way to turn if off, but it's a hack, and I shouldn't have to hack it. Turning it off should simply be an option.  
(Version 4.5.2)

THE DID  Impossible to dl Techtool pro 4.5.3 with the link in the MU page, someone could help me  
(Version 4.5.2)

VOYAGER360  Am wondering if anyone can help shed some light on this. Okay, Norton Utilities for the Mac is no more. And yeah, it sort of sucks these days.

Here's my situation. I use a Silver Door G4 Mac, single processor 1.25 ghz at home.

I went to TechTool Pro and have latest 4.5.2. Did the eDrive and rebooted and started running the disk tools and then started optimization. I have two drives, one internal and one external HD. I started the optimization on Saturday at 5:30 pm. Today is Saturday at 9 am and it is still optimizing. External drive still has 130 fragments left to optimize. Internal drive has 4,586 left to go. I don't want to wait two more days until this thing is optimized.

Is this like pathetically slow or is this normal?

Next, on Mac OSX do you have to optimize your hard drives any more?   
(Version 4.5.2)

TECH007  I have been using TTP4 for like a year now, i'm very happy with the product overall. Version 4.5.2 enables you to use it with the new Intel Macs. Just to let you all know, if you are just looking for Intel compatible, & you already have TTP4 there is a "update" you can buy off Micromat's website for $25 on a dvd  
(Version 4.5.2)

GRANDDUC  Worth noting, this precision on Micromat's site:

"Owners of version 4.5.1 of TechTool Pro will not need to update to version 4.5.2 unless they have acquired a new Mac model that is not fully supported by the earlier version of the program. "  
(Version 4.5.2)

MACUSERSINCE85  The previous message is puzzling. Here's what I'm saying: data is valuable; hard disk space has never been cheaper. Therefore, I always keep a full global backup; if possible, a bootable global backup. Using SuperDuper and a 120GB LaCie firewire external drive, it takes less than one hour to make a fully bootable OSX backup with 100GB of data; subsequent backups on that same HD take mere minutes or seconds, hence I backup my entire HD every day. I always have a full bootable backup before undertaking any HD maintanance. If you wake up one morning and find your HD won't boot or won't mount, you will be glad you made the bootable global backup. When in doubt, back up your data; and while you're doing that brush your teeth, floss, clean your bathroom and make your bed. You prefer to do something else, best of luck.   
(Version 4.5.1)

MACUSERSINCE85  I created a full bootable backup of my HD on an external LaCIE firewire drive using SuperDuper (an essential first step regardless of the disk diagnostic software you use). I then booted up with Tech Tools Pro 4.5.1, ran directory/volume maintenance (successfully) and defragmented my hard disk (successfully). After a year of using only DiskWarrior, I found that my HD had become severely fragmented. TechTools Pro 4.5.1 found >25,000 fragmented files and de-fragmented the entire HD in about 3 hours. I then erased bootable backup I made in step one and created a NEW full bootable backup.

While I see people writing harsh reviews of TechTools Pro 4, I have never experienced a problem. People who lose data are probably doing something wrong, or may be using a bootleg verson of TechTools.

Again: ALWAYS make a full bootable backup on an external firewire HD (e.g., LaCie) using SuperDuper BEFORE running any disk utility (DiskWarrior, Techtools, etc.).   
(Version 4.5.1)

JéJé  Just installed this new version on my MacBook Pro, and it has crashed while it was optiminzing my backup drive... NOT COOL!! Drive is not mounting anymore! I hope DiskWarrior will save my life now....  
(Version 4.5.1)

JIMW  Well isn't this special!

Based on the enhancement lists, which is the only information I could find about new features, PPC users, which constitute the majority of users right now, get to shell out $25 for some minor bug fixes, and enhancements, unless you happen to have a deep desire to work in German, in which case it might have some real value.

Thanks but no thanks. I'm not a venture capitalist yet and I don't own stock in the company.

I will wait to do an update if or when I get a Intel based Mac or when they add some real value for PPC users - i.e. when the update has some real value to me.

In the meantime 4.1.2 is good enough for me unless MicroMat can make some compelling arguments that 4.5.1 offers some significant advantages for PPC users. .  
(Version 4.5.1)

LUTHER  YOU GOTTA BE CRAZY IF YOU WANT TO BETA TEST DISK SOFTWARE ON YOUR MAC. Find a problem, your whole drive gets hosed ... ummm, no thanks!  
(Version 4.5.1 Beta)

AMU527  I have recently updated from 4.1.1 which was brilliant to 4.1.2 and after updating the FirstAid disk I could not boot up from it at all. As this has never happend with 4.1.1 I erased the FirstAid boot disk, and looked for a way to revert back to 4.1.1. Help?

I have a PowerPC G5.2GHz OSX 10.4.6 and 2GB memory  
(Version 4.1.2)

BEN_MARKO  This installer will not run on my iMac G5 (running 10.4.6). Installer gets hung up (spinning beach ball) while looking for the files on my HD.

The TechTool Pro folder was right in my Applications folder on my HD, not in my users/Applications folder (however I tried the update while moving the app there and I got the same result).

I'm about done with this app, tired of waiting for an update. I'm moving on -   
(Version 4.1.2)

SPIKE SPIEGEL  Is TechTool really needed? I use Apples' Disk Utility and also use CockTail. They seem to work just fine. It keeps my system trouble free. And I also have a copy of AppleJack if I need to Boot up from Single User Mode.

I use to use TechTool a long time ago , but got tired of always having to wait for an update each time Apple released an incremental update to the O.S.   
(Version 4.1.2)

BBQ-ALLSTAR  I think this is going to be the LAST company to develop their software for the Intel Macs.

I just hope they give us users who bought their software a deal for the Intel or UB version, since it is now 6 months since the Intels have been out.

This also is directed towards the DiskWarrior folks over at Alsoft.  
(Version 4.1.2)

3ABNPUB  I've never had any problems either, so can't image what anyone is complaining about. The program seems to work great. I use it in combination with DiskWarrior, and together they are a great set of tools.  
(Version 4.1.2)

MIKA  To be honest, anyone who judges the performance of Tech Tool PRO by using the 'Deluxe' version should try the real thing before rubbishing what is an excellent piece of software.

I've used TechTool Pro for several years both on my own Mac and at a previous job where I maintained a network of Macs. The diagnostics and repair features helped me prevent the loss of locally stored data and prevented lost hours due to unavailability of equipment time and time again, and together with DiskWarrior formed a combination that allowed me to rescue any drive save those failing due to hardware reasons.

A brilliant piece of kit for anyone wanting to keep their computers running smoothly.  
(Version 4.1.2b)

ð BORN YETERDAY ð  So far I've used TT Pro 4.1.1 on over 1,000 Mac's as a technician, and I have yet to kill even one!

For those that love to spout off about their bad experiences, why not add some details so that someone can at least try to re-produce it????

¥ Like was the drive in good shape? Did you verify it's structure?

¥ Did you have any brown-outs or power surges/spikes during ANY of the disgnostics?

¥ Is your memory properly seated in your computer? And have you done a walking-bit test to make sure it's even good?

¥ Was any part of your Mac or HD ever exposed to ESD (electro-static discharge), which can corrupt or destroy the actual chips/memory on any of it's circuits.

These are just some of the worst case scenarios when it's a BAD idea to repair any HD.

Every single piece of software on the planet has or will encounter some problems. They get fixed, we move on. What happens 3 versions ago means NOTHING now if the problem has already been resolved!

If people can't learn to keep up-to-date or backup-up their software and do some homework when things go wrong before they attempt to make it worse with a repair, then expect someone like me to be charging you $150 /hour to fix the damage later!  
(Version 4.1.2b)

MICKY1  to all those who've had problems with TTP: why? why haven't I had, along with many others, any problems with TTP? Just a quick question: when defragging a HD do you actually start from the top or just start TTP and go straight to defragmenting the drive? or do you, like I always do, start at the beginning i.e.

1. Test: Drives/Volumes/Files

and if no problems popped up only then go to:

2. Performance: Maintenance/Optimization

?

I'm just baffled at how many people have problems with this excellent app  
(Version 4.1.2b)

VZE26WYC  Sorry but I have had no problems with TT Pro 4.1.1! As a matter of fact it does both of my drives [internal/external] at the same time.I only defrag my files never the entire drive. After that "security update" bug I use TT and it fixed what ever the problem was. Again I am sorry I can not knock TechTool Pro v4.1.1  
(Version 4.1.1)

SHERONST1  Hi. I sure wish I had read these reviews first before ruining my hard drive....I, like many others, have learned the hard way by using the Tech Tools Deluxe CD that came with Apple Care on my 20" iMac G5 (Tiger). Apple now tells me that the hard drive has to be replaced and I am out of luck with anything that was stored on it unless I take it into a data recovery service. ($$$) So now it is at the data recovery service...wish me luck!  
(Version 4.1.1)

SMTIPS  Thank you all for the comments. I usually come here first to see how others fare with an app...and you can be sure I will NOT be frying my drives with this piece of garbage. Once it was...okay...on OS 9...but I've seen WAY too many bad reports of this to make it even worth the risk of trying on OS X, especially Tiger. A HUNDRED BUCKS?!?! You must be JOKING...WAKE UP MICROMAT AND APPLE!!  
(Version 4.1.1)

BARTON1ORST  I used this program to optimize my harddrives. It takes a long time. Make sure that you don't interupt your source drive being defragged. When I did I couldn't boot from the E drive anymore or from the system. Result I had to do a clean install. This program is not worth seems to have a few bugs, I recommend disk warrior and so does everyone else.  
(Version 4.1.1)

SANDYWELCH  Aloha from a dedicated MicroMat user.

I downloaded the update to 4.0.x onto my Tiger and BOOM! when I used 4.1.1 to retrieve a file inadvertently trashed, all kinds of glitches and hangups surfaced. Although I was able to retrieve the desired file, soon gobldygook appeared on the screen and said, among other things, "Panic!". Ain't it the truth! After that my hard drive would not respond to anything but pulling the plug. Although I was able to get the CD Drawer open and then by many creative trials and efforts able to reinitialize the hard drive, all data was irretrievable. When we're talking about GB hard drives, even with backups one doesn't want to wipe off and start again.

Moral of the story: IF YOU USE TIGER, DON'T USE TECHTOOL PRO 4.1.1 UNTIL IT IS DEBUGGED!  
(Version 4.1.1)

JOEMEEKK  Warning! on Tiger or Panther can cause serious problems becouse TechTool can "kill" all BITMAP of your Drives !   
(Version 4.1.1)

JEEPEE  While DiskWarrior 3.0.3 could not continue to rebuild the new iMac G5 (with iSight) (I had to Force Quit it), TechTool Pro 4.1.1 could.

This release made it very fast. Great program and now even better than DiskWarrior. Good work!

I'm sure DiskWarrior will be updated (how long will that be?), but TechTool is already there. Thanks!  
(Version 4.1.1)

ROB58  A major, if long-awaited, improvement. Almost all the diagnostic and repair routines are noticeably faster. They don't seem to need as much CPU or RAM, either. I'm writing this review as optimization is finishing on an external disk. With version 4.0x that would have been impossible. Overall, it took 1/3 the time compared to the previous version for TTP to diagnose repair, and defrag my Mac and externals.

Of course, my eMac's a snail by most standards. Dual G4 and G5 owners should find this program a pleasure to use now. It's still more reliable and versatile than a lot of other fixit titles. Now it's finally quick enough to live with.

Micromat probably rewrote a ton of code to make this happen. If so, that took guts and sweat, and I'm giving credit where it's due. I hope they continue the effort.  
(Version 4.1.1)

FSCKTHEMEMBERSHIP!  Great they fixed the "oh, crap my serial number needs to be reentered"!

TTP 3.0.9 and previous versions are classic must have applications even in todays OS X environments because they work and can be trusted as for TTP 4.x…well why are things moving in reverse?

What is installed - if the application just needs to be copied then why the restart? Why install other language files, does the "installer" recognizing I only want English?

To the programmers, take a physicians approach…"first, do no harm"!

Speed - the only direction this appl could have gone was up (it was dog slow)…was it "improved and efficient" programming or just the "users perception"?

Why is the serial number transmitted to the mothership without being on a secure URL? Why should my personal s/n be "tracked" at work by some pimpled face high school kid watching traffic on the server logs?

Interface could be more "Aqua-ish" instead of the Windude sheet approach…geez!

Any control over the files that are generated? What's with the TechTool Pro 5 Preference folder? A free upgrade? Easter egg? Screwup? Trojan horse?

What files to repair? Bad File DatesBad File DatesBad File DatesBad File DatesBad File Dates

Didn't identify a section of "bad blocks" on an external FireWire HD…  
(Version 4.1.1)

VZE26WYC  I have use TechTool Pro for a long time now. This is by far the best version yet!

It took is seemed like years to check files and to do maintenance. Now this version does the routines in minutes.Just follow the directions on the up date.  
(Version 4.1.1)

MYSTICALOS  I think the number one reason people find problems with 3rd party disk utilities is that they don't follow the guideline of always run disk utility first on that volume. If possible, run from a volume that has most current version of system software and version of disk repair utility. Not everyone has two hard drives, and although you can use two partitions on a disk to repair one, i really don't think that concept is perfect, if there is any kind of hardware problem such as a bad sector your bound to lose data this way. Many programs that let you make bootable cds with up to date system software on them..hard drives are cheap too, just get a low/med capacity one to make as a minimal boot volume that you keep up to date, not just with system software but any hardware drivers. My hard drive is on a SCSI card so naturally those drivers are always current on ANY disk I'm repairing the drive with. ONLY time i ever had problems was booting off a cd that didn't have latest scsi drivers and disk utility had problems repairing drives successfully. But do everything possible to run from current OS X version. Especially when concidering updates like 10.4.3 which specificly note changes to hfs+. Want to make sure a disk used to repair this has these same changes. Just my two cents.  
(Version 4.1.1)

YOXI  Works fine for me - and much improved speed creating eDrive on slower machines, now that it just tells you which folder it's creating as it goes along, rather than every single filename and size - good one.  
(Version 4.1.1)

IMAGONE  Much, much faster now on a DP 1.8 GHz PowerMac G5. Great work, MicroMat!  
(Version 4.1.1)

BILL DEVINE  I hold a professional license that by law mandates I keep clients business/personal financial statements, Federal/State tax returns confidential while they are in my care,custody and control. I finally went on the offense after getting tired of the suspicious nature of so called "remote hacker and attacker" invasions. Very interesting you holds the digital time stamped property sheets for the creation of Spyware, Worms etc. For the past 5 years, I have been on a mission to expose the deception and get tired of spending so much time trying to simply maintain a home based business computer that can use critical application programs. With your product I can now keep critical drive information from being ruined and I have even recovered disc information from old dead harddrives that had directory problems. This is such a fine product and it is very user friendly. i'm guessing anyone who can safely find your web site is easily capable of successfully using Tech Tool Pro.  
(Version 4.0.6)

PAUL ACALEY  I tried the update on my eMac and had the same problem as the last update I had to get the full version to install on my mac. It goes on and on searching my main hard drive to install 1613 files with no luck. I even let it run for five hour searching my hard drive it has room for more stuff. TechTool needs to get the installer to work first. I just don't know about the software it's self.  
(Version 4.0.6)

-JZY  If you call tech support after hours of trying to make a 4.06 "free upgrade," you will find out it isn't for Tiger. The blame is slided it on to Boot CD the freeware which hasn't been updated and Apple who they just have to keep up with. So before wasting the time call tech support and ask them if you don't believe me. THIS IS NOT FREE FOR TIGER. It costs some$38.00 for the disk and that barely works with Apple's 10.4.3 update. Do yourself a real favor, don't update your OS, check the boards on their website. 10.4.3 is a mess disk utility, even the new the new one can't help. None of the disks will verify for long if at all. Disk Warrior, if you order the 3.03, disk will boot and seems to do something. But not for long with 10.4.3.  
(Version 4.0.6)

ERIC  If you have plenty of RAM, and I mean more than 512 MB (TT4 being very memory hungry to say the least), TT4 works a treat. I particularly like the eDrive. I have been using it in conjunction with Disk Warrior on a G4, 1.2 GHz, 2GB RAM, OX10.3.9 & 3 internal hard drives ever since version 4 came out, and it has never given me grief. Use with moderation and set up properly, it runs very smoothly indeed. Nonetheless, I always back up my drives before running any utility.  
(Version 4.0.6)

DJ   How does one create an Emergency CD for 4.0.6?   
(Version 4.0.6)

ANONYMOUS  24 hours after using techtool I'm up and running again. It damaged my volume so badly it couldn't be repaired. Thanks for the memories.  
(Version 4.0.6)

JACK GRADY  TechTool Pro 4.0.5 is a wonderful program except that if you updated from TechTool Pro 4, and you are using Tiger, you cannot create an edrive, boot up from the CD, or do certain other routines that require such a use. I could not create a bootable CD because Bootcd does not support Tiger yet. So, it does some neat tricks, but I cannot fully apply all of the program's available utilities that require booting up from a CD or edrive. Ohterwise, a great program.

Jack Grady

jgrady@sympatico.ca  
(Version 4.0.6)

ANONYMOUS  Nothing pixxxxx me off more than to have to re-enter the serial number!

True, my fault for updating my FireWire Emergency Drive while on the road and killing the application all together! Calling home to ask the wife to go dig up the s/n is bs :-(

TechTool Pro 3.0.9 CD is probably the best CD that I have ever brought (well maybe DiskWarrior) but in the top 5 anyhow…what happened to the programs for this and Drive 10? Is it that difficult to make the interface for TTP look like Drive 10?

Stability = 1 for the s/n business and the slew of small files it creates for every click of the mouse :-(  
(Version 4.0.6)

ANONYMOUS  One very annoying aspect of the optimization tool is that once you have selected multiple drives to optimize, the process will stop at each drive, and not continue with the next drive until you manually click to indicate "yes i really want to do it". This is a royal pain to me as i have 4 large firewire drives, and each takes more than an hour to optimize. I would like to start the process an night and have it be done the next morning or when i return from other activities, but instead only the first drive is done.... waiting for me to start the next one, etc, etc. I can't find a preference to overcome this annoying problem.  
(Version 4.0.6)

ANONYMOUS  Lost the progression bar with multiple drive "File" checking (reminds me of the screwed up graphics during a previous versions "Optimization" window.

Unless it has changed, MacFixIt is fee based, right?

I wish for a little competition form Drive Genius now that Norton Utilities has thrown in the towel…  
(Version 4.0.6)

LOU KASH  TechTool Pro 4 is a reliable tool although there are some issues. The worst one was that v4.0.5 refused to run on an iBook G3/700, OS 10.3.9 and with *only* 2.5GB free hard drive space left. So I downgraded back to 4.0.4 which still works as expected. The same v4.0.5 runs fine on a Powerbook G4 which also includes an eDrive (unlike the iBook).

The eDrive is an excellent feature, especially on the 'Books, so in case of emergency when there's no bootable CD/DVD you have a spare partition to boot from and to repair the main drive.