iolo Search and Recover 5, www.iolo.com

I have to be honest that my first impressions of Iolo's 'Search & Recover' software were extremely optimistic. The packaging proudly states that the software will recover all file types (pictures, videos, songs, e-mail messages, documents, system files and more). The packaging further makes the software look like it will be simple and easy to use by almost any user. There is nothing more frustrating than loosing important stuff on your PC, so Iolo's claims certainly make the software sound like an absolute blessing.

Installation of the software was a doddle. Once you've inserted the CD, the software automatically checks the internet for any critical updates. It will then ask you for the unique serial number that's included with the software. The rest of the installation is automatic and within a minute or two you'll need to reboot your machine and you're good to go. The installation process does prompt you to create an online account with Iolo which is simple, with only a few basic fields to be completed.

Once the software is installed and an account with Iolo has been created, you begin your one year subscription to the service which includes any updates that become available during this period. Your software is now ready to be used, and if the product does as stated on the packaging, any accidentally deleted files can now be retrieved with little to no hassle.

So, I put the software to the test. First I created and then deleted a JPEG file specifically for testing the software. I made a note of the file name and the location I deleted it from, then fired up the new software. Straight away I was greeted by an extremely user friendly menu. However, I quickly learnt that nowhere can you search for a specific file by its name or any similar criteria. So, somewhat baffled by this, I went about using the recommended 'SmartScan' search on my entire (C:) drive. The results came back within 30 odd seconds. However, the files found are absolute gibberish, comprising mostly of what appears to be GIFs of electronic buttons and other such unhelpful nonsense, or pictures that are unable to be viewed for some reason.

Determined not to be put off, I tried again to search for my 'deleted' jpeg, this time using the other more thorough option available, named 'StrongSearch'. The search time is greatly increased (in my case to 30mins or so). During this time the 'search progress bar' and the 'percentage completed' statistics, delivers the user with a completely erratic insight of how long the search is likely to take. However, once the full scan and search is completed, you are faced with literally millions of documents, which due to the sheer volume available, offer up absolutely no chance of locating any particular file you are looking for.

The limited functions available ultimately result in this program becoming utterly useless for locating any deleted pictures, images or any other such files. Deleted music files seem to be the exception, although on further reflection it does seem somewhat hit or miss whether you'll find what you're looking for.

All in all, after playing around with the software for a good couple of hours, desperately trying to find a multitude of purposefully deleted files and documents, I came to the conclusion that this software is a complete and utter waste of time. Initial impressions are of a user friendly piece of software that could well prove unbelievably helpful. Once the user actually attempts to use the software, it become apparent how utterly un-user friendly it actually is. It's almost as if the software was never tested before it was put on to the market.

I strongly recommend that anyone wishing to upgrade their search and recovery software gives this product a wide berth. Personally, I will now be deleting the software from my PC, purely because I'd rather have the 10MB it takes up than have such a useless piece of software taking up the space.