Use Caution with Registry Cleaners

16 years ago

I have seen many posts suggesting the use of registry cleaners. I am very very cautious of telling a new users or an inexperienced person to just randomly use such and such registry cleaner. I have seen and heard so many disaster stories after registry changes. I personally never tell anyone other than an experienced user to use any registry cleaners, and to research them well first.

One question I have seen asked several times is

Quote:

why Registry cleaning is not an issue for Window XP but a big deal for older version windows?

and the answer quote:

the old DOS based Windows had some areas of the OS limited to 64KB of memory no matter how much memory was added. In XP, this limit was removed and the payoff of registry cleaning was diminished.

If you are considering using a registry cleaner please just do a simple search on google "are registry cleaners safe" and review some of the comments, and be prepared before you use one!! It may go fine or it may not so be prepared! Always backup at the very minimum your registry.

Also take a look at this forum where Carol has a very good review and testing of some registry cleaners she has used and problems encountered.

http://www.donationcoder.com/Forums/bb/index.php?topic=1188.0

I would not tell anyone what to do or how to answer but please keep in mind that many people that read forums are extremely new users and may not have the experience necessary to determine if a registry change will be harmful to their systems.

So in the case of recommending one also provide the information on exactly how to use it, make registry backup, and what to do should it find errors and then cause problems. Recommending programs that do not do deep registry cleaning/editing but do simple light clean up would also be preferable.

I agree that there are some good ones out there.

Just my opinion of course as always. And simply a statement of caution.

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Comments (11)

DA_Mccoy
16 years ago
In spirit your caution is absolutely correct. Further, I too recommend only "lite" cleaners with backup capability and on a very rare occasion the RegEdit utility.

However, the main responsibility for action is still that of the user based on his/her knowledge and limitations.

Anyone who is familiar with my postings knows that I continually encourage self-help first. This would include research on Google, reading of Help files, and website readings. This would then be followed by an query to any forum(s) if needed. With this information the user would then be prepared to make an informed decision.

I guess it might go back to the old saying, "If you act smarter than you really are, then you're not".

DA
Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana
16 years ago
"If you act smarter than you really are, then you're not".
I love it!...and know several folks in real life that are like that. You hit the nail on the head. I'll have to try and remember that one...lol

Sue
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CCleaner will clean a few more things than you've done. This is the cleaner list: Under the Issues Tab, you can clean up the registry. Under the Tools Tab, under startup, you can check out what programs are starting up and running in the backgroud. Usually there are unnecessary programs starting up and running that just slow you down. About the only thing you need to run at startup are the firewall and anti-virus and maybe a select program or two. If you do decide to download and install, on the setup watch for and uncheck to install google or find the slim version. CCleaner is a very good small program, I use it all the time.
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do not ever pay money to one of those companies they are only hoping you fall for the scam and send them your credit card info. I am running linux I can go to those same sites and it acts like it is scanning my pc and tells me I have infections um hello I am on linux not windows the things it says I have are not possible, they say the same for all computers it is all faked. I personally do not use or recommend any registry cleaners except for use by those that are very very proficient in registry work, if you do not know well how to deal with the registry and fully back up the registry then my suggestion is to leave it alone. rely only on good reputable programs that are recommended on tech support sites or sites like spywarewarriors sites. Spyware Warrior are you seeing this "windows" warning down in your systray and does it look similar to the windows security symbol? if so that is an infection, it can be cleaned using the free version of superantispyware. SUPERAntiSpyware the blue free version, update it and run full scan allow it to delete what ever it finds, update it and run it once a week.
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cat_ky
16 years ago
Finally someone who thinks exactly like I do. I have fixed more computers where the owners have used ccleaner than I even care to think about. Sometimes it takes days to get them working right again. I have always advised people to backup that registry at least once a month, but so few do. There is one reg cleaner, that I feel is very safe (doesnt work on Vista.) In all the machines I have used it on for many years, there has never been a problem. That is the reg cleaner by Jouni Vuoro. Cat
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
Original Author
16 years ago
Ed Bott who is a windows expert and a former editor of PC World has a great blog I often read. He some time back blogged about this subject, it is a very informative read as well as the comments area following it. I will provide a link.

I know a lot of people that use various cleaner programs, and really it is a what works for one does not always work for someone else situation with them. Each person has different experience just as each user has different pc usage. The main reason for the caution in my post was simply to warn those that are not familiar with these products to know that there are situations that can occur that could really be unfortunate. Plus there are those companies out there that prey on novice users and put out junk products(all kinds of products).

I think the greatest thing is when a person takes it upon themselves to educate and seek info and research deeply before taking on any kind of task! That is the real way to learn. Do your research and read all the pros and cons then you can make an informed decision.
YES acting smart is definitely not being smart.... being smart is being informed and proceeding with caution (after major backups)! LOL

Here is a link that might be useful: Ed's blog
susieq07
16 years ago
I have used a registry cleaner for a few years now, and it's great it tells you the ones that are safe to remove, the problem ones that is...and it's very clear as to which ones they are, you can't make a mistake...
DA_Mccoy
16 years ago
Cat Old Friend,

I loved the old JV16. :)

Believe it or not JV Tools works on Vista. At least Vista Home Premium. Admittedly the commercial site does not support it, but my readings showed Vista users having success with it. I decided to download it and try it. Had no problems at all with any of the utilities. My only loss was when it timed out as it is now a commercial application.

I am also chuckling right now as we have exchanged views on this before. You are the only person I have ever heard of who has had trouble with CCleaner except for users who have changed the default settings. It must be that scent of Magnolias in the air down there. :)

RC,

" I think the greatest thing is when a person takes it upon themselves to educate and seek info and research deeply before taking on any kind of task! That is the real way to learn." Two minds here think alike.

Suzie,

If the application you are referring to is one of those which has those red, yellow and green designations please be careful. I've had trouble with a couple different ones and I have also fixed a couple of systems for others who have used them.

DA
tumblenweed
16 years ago
Thank you Ravencajun for the warning of caution. I had always used Reg Cleaner. After reading rave reviews on this forum and others I tried CCleaner and crashed my system. It was not a GOOD experience! I went back to Reg Cleaner.
jane__ny
16 years ago
I have used Ccleaner for many years on all my computers without ever having a problem. I always back up and only remember once having to open the backup. Seems a safe program to me.

Jane
DA_Mccoy
16 years ago
Please remember CCleaner's focus is not dedictated to the registry. It is a system cleaner. The included registry "issue" tool is independent and the utility to be aware of. It does create a backup and in the case of a negative experience all you have to do is restore what was removed.

DA
asolo
16 years ago
CCleaner and RegSeeker used for years with good results and no issues. Learned about both here.

2 years ago, switched to Mac because I got tired of dealing with registries and all the other Windows crappola. It was a good move.
cat_ky
16 years ago
Yep, we have had this discussion before DA. Think we have to agree, to disagree. LOL Dont think it is the magnolias, cuz they arent blooming yet (dont think, anyway, guess, I should go out and look), but just might be the lilacs, which for some reason, have decided to actually come into full bloom, AND have a lilac odor. First time for everything. :-))

Use Caution with Registry Cleaners

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DA_Mccoy

Chemocurl zn5b/6a Indiana

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Use Caution with Registry Cleaners

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ravencajun Zone 8b TXOriginal Author

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