Registry cleaner

[chryssi2001]

As i am not sure which items i should delete after using a registry cleaner, which one is the simpler and easier to use?
I recently downloaded this (http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58529&page=3) and found around 550 items, most of them could not be recognised from me, so i deleted it.
Any suggestions?

[Billy_Black]

I would advise against the use of registry cleaners unless you really understand exactly what is to be deleted. And it very important to have a registry backup in case of problems. Deleting a few errant registry items (that in no way impact your computer's functionality) seldom fixes anything and can actually create real problems. And for all the talk of improving performance I've yet to see any illegitimate 3rd party tests that prove this.

It's interesting to note that right after a clean install of XP and sp2 these cleaners will sometimes find hundreds of errors/problems.

[chryssi2001]

Thanks for answering, i recently used one while CTH was changing server and discovered that yes, registry cleaners can bring a lot of problems.. In fact i had to get a technitian to check my computer today. Seemed like the registry cleaner deleted common shared programs and brought me a lot of trouble, i am happy it's all over now and my computer works fine again.
I will stay with my antivirus and spy/adware after all that experience.:happy:

[zipulrich]

If you want to use something fast, safe & easy, try CrapCleaner (http://www.cybertechhelp.com/download/file/ccleaner). Does it all with one sweep. I've yet to see it hose a system.

[black mirror]

i use ccleaner. its always best to use the back up facility before you fix issues... just in case

[chryssi2001]

Isn't ccleaner just for cookies?

[black mirror]

Isn't ccleaner just for cookies?

no. it has a reg cleaner as well. give it a try its so easy to use:D

[chryssi2001]

I did try it after you suggested it long time ago, around the time i became a member BM, but i really thought it was for cookies and temp.files. Thanks for the information.

[black mirror]

I did try it after you suggested it long time ago, around the time i became a member BM, but i really thought it was for cookies and temp.files. Thanks for the information.

It even has a handy uninstall program feature.. saves opening up control panel

[chryssi2001]

Well i supposed i have to check it closely and find all these functions then.

[black mirror]

Well i supposed i have to check it closely and find all these functions then.

download it and see.... easy:D

[chryssi2001]

ok thanks

[black mirror]

ok thanks

post back and tell me how you got on please.. any questions you have im here:D

[chryssi2001]

Ok i will!! :cool:

[Billy_Black]

If you want to use something fast, safe & easy, try CrapCleaner (http://www.cybertechhelp.com/download/file/ccleaner). Does it all with one sweep. I've yet to see it hose a system.
Seems some have a had a few problems:

http://www.download.com/CCleaner/3640-2144_4-10547048.html?sb=3&v=0

[chryssi2001]

Seems some have a had a few problems:

http://www.download.com/CCleaner/3640-2144_4-10547048.html?sb=3&v=0

:rotflmao: yes that link can't work but i've downloaded it already.

[black mirror]

:rotflmao: yes that link can't work but i've downloaded it already.


as long as you back up any changes before you run the fix issues.. i have had no problems with it.. also check the boxes

I DONT use the advanced tab however just to be on the safe side

[chryssi2001]

Ok!! Need time to check it out!!! Will be back if i need advice.

[zipulrich]

From the link posted by Billy Black:
Cons: My computer crashed because it deleted

my computer files and i had to get a new computer!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HaHa! Somehow, that review doesn't make me rethink my estimation of the CCleaner program. It does, however, make me rethink my estimation of some computer users........:D

[Seth_]

From the link posted by Billy Black:
Cons: My computer crashed because it deleted

my computer files and i had to get a new computer!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HaHa! Somehow, that review doesn't make me rethink my estimation of the CCleaner program. It does, however, make me rethink my estimation of some computer users........:D

LOL...Zip, I had that exact quote copied and ready to paste. Then I noticed that you already posted this nonsense. Any software is dangerous in the hands of such a user.

Notice also that BB linked to the very few negative comments, compared to the over 600 positive comments:dizzy:.

I've used Ccleaner for years on all three of my computers. It's also used by hundreds of my customers. I've never seen it damage a system, and it's highly regarded by every tech I know, as well as any software website.

[Pi rules]

I noticed that as well. :dizzy:

I also saw this:
If you have a tune up program such as Tune-Up Utilites, System Mechanic, or etc. you don't need it.
Really? Why should it be rated 3/5 if you already have a non-free program with similar features?

CCleaner is a good program, just don't click through all the installation screens w/o reading the options or you'll get the Yahoo! toolbar and it will "check for updates" automatically.

Just make sure to read what a registry cleaning program is about to remove and backup the registry first just in case.

[uripyores]

I account for one of the "Over 20 million downloads".
http://www.ccleaner.com/
Never had a problem - it's one of the best free programs around in my opinion.

[dammit]

I account for one of the "Over 20 million downloads".
http://www.ccleaner.com/
Never had a problem - it's one of the best free programs around in my opinion.

I agree... very good prog. Never had a problem with it. ;)

[Rainbow32]

I'm sure zipulrich was referring to his experiences with it and from the responses of users he advised to use CCleaner. I have the same positive feedbacks from users, as well as myself in using it for 2 years now.
Find me 1 program/utility out there problem free and I'll give you a medal.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h127/Rainbow1953/medal.gif

[AnnMarie]

CCleaner has caused issues in the past and may do so again. A while back (this has been fixed), it deleted the c:\windows\resources\luna folder leaving users without XP's theme.

Many of you will have heard of Mark Russinovich, co-founder of Winternals and Sysinternals (MS have just bought them out).

See here (http://www.sysinternals.com/blog/2005/10/registry-junk-windows-fact-of-life.html) for Marks opinion of registry cleaners but if you think he is actually recommending them for general use by users that have little or no knowlege of what they are removing, think again and read on.

"Hi Mark, do you really think that Registry junk left by uninstalled programs could severely slow down the computer? I would like to 'hear' your opinion.

Great Blog, man.
# posted by Anonymous : 3:25 PM, October 06, 2005

No, even if the registry was massively bloated there would be little impact on the performance of anything other than exhaustive searches.

On Win2K Terminal Server systems, however, there is a limit on the total amount of Registry data that can be loaded and so large profile hives can limit the number of users that can be logged on simultaneously.

I haven't and never will implement a Registry cleaner since it's of little practical use on anything other than Win2K terminal servers and developing one that's both safe and effective requires a huge amount of application-specific knowledge.
# posted by Mark Russinovich : 9:41 AM, October 07, 2005

[smurfy]

Personally I've never used one (Registry Cleaner) but they do come in handy for repairing messes left by sloppy uninstallers - particularly useful for the Uninstall>Reinstall software fix method that doesn't allow a reinstall because of leftover registry entries that prevent installer from running. Advanced users can normally resolve this by a manual regsistry search and clean-up but if there is a user-friendly tool that can do it (without applying a high-risk "blanket clean-up" method) then I'm still in favour of recommending them.

[AnnMarie]

Sure, if there are problems, they can be very useful smurfy. Personally, I dont think they should be used as part of a routine cleanup regime though.

[Seth_]

Hi AnnMarie. I come in peace.:happy:

AnnMarie: CCleaner has caused issues in the past and may do so again. A while back (this has been fixed), it deleted the c:\windows\resources\luna folder leaving users without XP's theme.


This was a very rare occurance. In addition, many programs contain glitches (minor to major) that are ironed out with updates or new releases. Simply because a utility contained a rare glitch in an old version, is no reason to introduce a negative.


AnnMarie: Many of you will have heard of Mark Russinovich, co-founder of Winternals and Sysinternals (MS have just bought them out).

See here (http://www.sysinternals.com/blog/2005/10/registry-junk-windows-fact-of-life.html) for Marks opinion of registry cleaners but if you think he actually recommending them for general use by users that have little or no knowlege of what they are removing, think again and read on.


Agreed.

A registry cleaner will increase system speed. Problem is, the increase is measured in nano-seconds. So unless you're Commander Data, you're not going to notice anything. Add to this the possibility of corrupting the registry, and it's easy to see why registry cleaners should not be utilized for the average user.

[chryssi2001]

So as far as i can see inspite dissagreements some of you use ccleaner, did anyone of you thought about making a plain tutorial for people who are not advanced computer users?

[Pi rules]

Good idea, I may make one soon if I have the time. :)

[black mirror]

Good idea, I may make one soon if I have the time. :)

it will be a very short one... its only got 4 buttons to press:rotflmao:

[chryssi2001]

Good idea, I may make one soon if I have the time. :)

That's really nice, it would help a lot of users understand how it works and don't do any critical mistakes. :cool:

[Pi rules]

What exactly do you recommend to include? So far, I'm thinking about including installation, a brief explanation of certain settings, the uninstaller, startup list, and a few options.

[black mirror]

What exactly do you recommend to include? So far, I'm thinking about including installation, a brief explanation of certain settings, the uninstaller, startup list, and a few options.

i think that covers most of it.. dont forget about the advanced tab.. i dont understand that so an easy to read step by step what each box checked does would be handy:D

[chryssi2001]

What exactly do you recommend to include? So far, I'm thinking about including installation, a brief explanation of certain settings, the uninstaller, startup list, and a few options.

How back up works if you want to bring something back let's say, how do we exclude a certain item from being deleted... can't thing of anything else right now. Oh something else.....how do we decide what to do if there is an unknown item to us for deletion? Go ahead and delete it or keep it? But can that be answered, i mean each person has different items in a scan....

[black mirror]

When you use the fix issues it gives you the option of making a backup/.. later if you do find you have problems you can double click the entry and it will readd the information to the registry...

[chryssi2001]

When you use the fix issues it gives you the option of making a backup/.. later if you do find you have problems you can double click the entry and it will readd the information to the registry...

So in that way you can bring back something you believe it was wrongly deleted i suppose.

[black mirror]

So in that way you can bring back something you believe it was wrongly deleted i suppose.

Whenever you mess with the registry there is always a chance of something going pear shaped....... Back up first whatever you are doing

[Pi rules]

I made an installation tutorial (after finally figuring out why Google Page Creator didn't work in Firefox). It can be viewed here (http://pirules3.14.googlepages.com/ccleaner_install2). Please let me know if you see any errors or have any comments. PM or e-mail me, though so we can try to keep this thread on topic.

[chryssi2001]

I made an installation tutorial (after finally figuring out why Google Page Creator didn't work in Firefox). It can be viewed here (http://pirules3.14.googlepages.com/ccleaner_install2). Please let me know if you see any errors or have any comments. PM or e-mail me, though so we can try to keep this thread on topic.

Since i don't know how to use ccleaner this is a nice start and easy steps to help someone starting with. Keep it up and as soon more adds let us know.
BTW thanks for trying to make that usefull tutorial!! :happy: :cool:

[TJolly]

Just thought I would add this article by Fred Langa:

Testing 10 registry cleaning software packs (http://www.informationweek.com/LP/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=171203805&pgno=2&queryText=).

[runsan]

The majority of registry applications are poorly written and are on free-trail till they expire. However, I advise anyone not to download one of those. Search for a free trail registry application, with these apps you get updates for free. Here a good registry download (which does not corrupt the registry when you reboot): http://www.superantispyware.com/

[runsan]

The majority of registry applications are poorly written and are on free-trail till they expire. However, I advise anyone not to download one of those. Search for a free trail registry application, with these apps you get updates for free. Here a good registry download (which does not corrupt the registry when you reboot): http://www.superantispyware.com/

Yes, I mean CCleaner scan for issues tab is good for registry cleaning & AdAware to clear out "recent open with" one's.

-------------------------------------
SpywareGaurd (on-access automatic-protection
for various spyware file types) - -VERY advanced

[The Dude]

The best cleaner i have found is DISK CLEANER (www.diskcleaner.nl) (Its like Ccleaner)

Good luck!