do not use any type of registry cleaner, they can be very destructive and cause major problems.

depending on what you are wanting to do you can use a program like ATF to clean out un-needed files and stuff.
ATF-Cleaner

what are you trying to accomplish?

Or, Cleaner at its default settings and as RC reported do not use the registry tool. Caveat: Adjustments can be made to the Application tab of the interface.

DA

If you explained what you are trying to accomplish, maybe we could provide more helpful suggestions. Is your computer running slow? Are you getting error messages? Is your hard drive getting full? Or do you just think it's a good idea?

Ok, I am not very computer literate, but I will try to explain.
My PC desktop is about 5 years old. I am running windows X Pro.
My comuter seems to be running slower than before.
I also got an email that I think might have been bad, it was from someone I know who said they never sent anything. It seems to have gone to all of her address book. It did not have an attachment but when I opened the email there was a link for me to go to and I did put that link in my compueter and went to it. So now I am thinking that maybe I should clean out something.
I have not done any cleaning for awhile.
I do run Avast for security.

ok you need to follow these instructions and run a malwarebytes scan, report back with the results.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (Win) - Detecting and Removing Malware

this is a free program

I like and use SuperAntiSpyware as my primary. It seems to find more nasties than Malwarebytes. If I run it first, then MalwareBytes usually finds nothing else if run afterward. Not the same the other way around.

Here is a link that might be useful: Superantispyware

lyban-
After you follow the advice from ravencajun and homebound, please report back and we'll see what the next steps might be.

Thankyou for the help ravencajun and homebound. I did first run Superantispyware and it found 249 problems. most were from one source ( coupons and rebates from shop at home) I removed everything except 2 which were listed under registry and I think were also connected to this shop at home but I left them.
Then I ran malaware and it also found about 4 more files that I quarantined and one more in my registry that I left.
I hope that I have done the right thing.

in malwarebytes open the program and you will see a tab that is called logs please copy that then paste it here in your reply so I can tell you what to do next. Did you allow malwarebytes to remove the infections it found and reboot?

Ravencajun,
Yes, I did reboot after using malwarebytes and I quaratined all byt the one in registry.
Was that OK to do.
Here is the log:
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.41
Database version: 3137
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

5/20/2011 12:49:09 AM
mbam-log-2011-05-20 (00-49-09).txt

Scan type: Quick Scan
Objects scanned: 104946
Time elapsed: 6 minute(s), 52 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 1
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 2
Files Infected: 2

Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\(1d4db7d2-6ec9-47a3-bd87-1e41684e07bb) (Adware.MyWebSearch) -> Not selected for removal.

Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:
C:\Program Files\SelectRebates (Adware.SelectRebates) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\SelectRebates\Toolbar (Adware.SelectRebates) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Files Infected:
C:\Program Files\SelectRebates\SelectRebatesUninstall.exe (Adware.SelectRebates) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files\SelectRebates\Toolbar\ShopAtHomeToolbar.dll (Adware.SelectRebates) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Personally I think you need to run a full scan with Malwarebytes not the quick scan that you did. Having already found 249 items with other programs you need to get really serious.

yes always run full scans and always be sure you hit update on any program prior to doing the scan.

I would run malwarebytes again and let it clean everything it finds registry items also this is not the same as a registry cleaner those type of items must be removed, it not they will often regenerate.

After the malwarebytes scan also do these 2

ESET Online Scanne

Secunia Online Software Inspector (OSI)
make sure anything it says needs updating is done.

Ok, I now did a full scan , and here are the results.
You are saying I should remove this registry item, correct.
I will then do the eser scanne and the OSI.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.41
Database version: 3137
Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3

5/20/2011 1:04:03 PM
mbam-log-2011-05-20 (13-03-56).txt

Scan type: Full Scan (C:\:E:\:)
Objects scanned: 201251
Time elapsed: 46 minute(s), 0 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 1
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 0

Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\(1d4db7d2-6ec9-47a3-bd87-1e41684e07bb) (Adware.MyWebSearch) -> No action taken.

Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:

ravencajun,

I did the full scan of malaware and removed the 1 item under registry keys that you can see above.

Like you suggeted, i then did a scan of ESET for 39 min. and it found 0 threats.

I then did OSI and it has mentioned things that need updating.

I did the firefox update and the java update.

I am confused on the Adobe Flash Player, because there seems to be alot on my computer that they are saying to update, do I remove some completely in my control panel and then just update the last one?

I am going to try and attach the log:
Programs / Result Version Detected Status

Adobe Reader 9.x 9.1.0.163

This installation of Adobe Reader 9.x is insecure and potentially exposes your system to security threats!

The detected version installed on your system is 9.1.0.163, however, the latest patched version released by the vendor, fixing one or more vulnerabilities, is 9.4.0.0.

Update Instructions:
Download

Installed on Your System in:
C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\AcroRd32.exe

Apple iTunes 10.x 10.1.1.4

This installation of Apple iTunes 10.x is insecure and potentially exposes your system to security threats!

The detected version installed on your system is 10.1.1.4, however, the latest patched version released by the vendor, fixing one or more vulnerabilities, is 10.2.2.

Update Instructions:
Download

Installed on Your System in:
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunes.exe

Mozilla Firefox 3.6.x 3.6.13

This installation of Mozilla Firefox 3.6.x is insecure and potentially exposes your system to security threats!

The detected version installed on your system is 3.6.13, however, the latest patched version released by the vendor, fixing one or more vulnerabilities, is 3.6.17.

Update Instructions:
Download

Installed on Your System in:
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe

Adobe Flash Player 10.x 10.0.32.18 (ActiveX)

This installation of Adobe Flash Player 10.x is insecure and potentially exposes your system to security threats!

The detected version installed on your system is 10.0.32.18 (ActiveX), however, the latest patched version released by the vendor, fixing one or more vulnerabilities, is 10.3.181.14 (ActiveX).

Update Instructions:
Download

Installed on Your System in:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\Macromed\Flash\Flash10c.ocx

Adobe Flash Player 10.x 10.1.102.64 (ActiveX)

This installation of Adobe Flash Player 10.x is insecure and potentially exposes your system to security threats!

The detected version installed on your system is 10.1.102.64 (ActiveX), however, the latest patched version released by the vendor, fixing one or more vulnerabilities, is 10.3.181.14 (ActiveX).

Update Instructions:
Download

Installed on Your System in:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\Macromed\Flash\Flash10l.ocx

Adobe Flash Player 10.x 10.0.22.87 (NPAPI)

This installation of Adobe Flash Player 10.x is insecure and potentially exposes your system to security threats!

The detected version installed on your system is 10.0.22.87 (NPAPI), however, the latest patched version released by the vendor, fixing one or more vulnerabilities, is 10.3.181.14 (NPAPI).

Update Instructions:
Download

Installed on Your System in:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\Macromed\Flash\NPSWF32.dll

Macromedia Flash Player 5.x 5.0.42.0 (ActiveX)

This installation of Macromedia Flash Player 5.x is insecure and potentially exposes your system to security threats!

The detected version installed on your system is 5.0.42.0 (ActiveX), however, the latest patched version released by the vendor, fixing one or more vulnerabilities, is 10.x (ActiveX).

Update Instructions:
Download

Installed on Your System in:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\Macromed\Flash\swflash.ocx

Sun Java JRE 1.6.x / 6.x 6.0.200.2

This installation of Sun Java JRE 1.6.x / 6.x is insecure and potentially exposes your system to security threats!

The detected version installed on your system is 6.0.200.2, however, the latest patched version released by the vendor, fixing one or more vulnerabilities, is 6.0.240.7.

Update Instructions:
Download

Installed on Your System in:
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\java.exe

on the java one yes you need to get the latest one and go to your add remove programs and remove any of the earlier dated ones just leave that new one.

most of the others will remove the old ones when you do the new update, however once you do the updates it is a good idea to check add remove programs to see if it is still showing one of the out of date ones if so it can be removed, what I do is I follow the directions from that site do my updates then go back and run the scan again to see if it shows any still left behind to clear up.

for flash you will need to go get the updated flash with every browser on your pc so one for firefox and one for IE both must be updated using the actual browser so that it installs to that one. On the flash download site there is a place that ask if you need it for some other browser you can click there if you need to but usually it will detect and give you the correct version.

be sure once you update your Adobe reader to that latest version it is the only one showing in add remove.
I no longer use Adobe reader I use a more light weight one that has had much less problems with infection issues, if you want to do that you can download it and install, you would then be able to just remove adobe reader all togehter.

PDF-XChange Viewer
that is the free one I use.

let us know how it goes

Ravencajun,
Thanks for all that info.

I will be trying all that out tonight.

One question, if I use the PDF-XChange viewer that you use, when I get things it often says you need adobe reader to view them will this just take its place or will I still need adobe reader for some things.

I'm not RC, but the PDF-XChange Viewer will just take the place of Adobe Reader. It will open the PDF files for you just the same as Adobe did. You will not need Adobe Reader any more.

grandms
Thanks for that information. I just now nstalled PDF XChange Viewer and then went to remove my Adobe reader and I get the folllowing message.

{{gwi:1472939}}

So what do I do now.

Your message does not show. Did you go to Add/Remove in Control Panel to remove Adobe Reader?

Ah, now I see your message. Is this what you got when you went to remove it via Control Panel?

Yes, this is what I get in Remove/add programs in control panel

Are you signed in as Administrator? I really don't know enough to help you with this message. Hopefully, someone with more knowledge than I have will help.

By the way, does PDF Xchange Viewer work for you?

May not help in this case but I would give it a try. Open windows in safe mode and try uninstalling it there.

I agree I would try it while in safe mode it sounds as if something is still trying to use something in the files, when in safe mode all that will be stopped.

That is the type of message you get when you need to be doing an action as administrator, you are doing this from the admin account?

Well I googled the error code and it seems to be very prevalent and many suggested trying this microsoft fixit link.
http://fixitcenter.support.microsoft.com/Portal

also this page by Adobe may be of help
Problems uninstalling Adobe Reader

Here is a link that might be useful: fixit

I have just tried opening my computer in safe Mode and I cannot even accomplish this. Did I mention I was not very computer literate. I have adobe reader 9.0 and I think maybe I should just leave it there because this might be a bit beyond my computer skills to remove it.
Thanks for all the help everyone.

Yes, leave it there. If you do not feel confident making the changes just leave well alone. I do not update every time a program like Abode Reader thinks I should.

To get into safe mode simply keep tapping the F8 button once the single POST beep is heard during start up.

All of the mentioned free software is fine, but no one mentioned the best most comprehensive software available for free, I use it often, you can select what you want scanned for problems (even registry) or let it do it all for you, it is awesome and yes FREE.. the name of it is "Advanced System Care" I do remotes for seniors,(fix their pc's, show them how to keep them healthy) first thing I download for them is this free product!

Here is a link that might be useful: CNET

I personally can not advise the use of any program by the company IObit and that program is one of theirs. Their theft of malwarebytes intellectual property of their program speaks loudly, I do not want a company that steals any where on my pc doing supposedly security work. This is very unethical behavior. If I can not trust their behavior I can not trust their program on my pc. it is a China based company and Malwarebytes is a USA company, lot of difference in what is allowed in China.
IObit Steals Malwarebytes' Intellectual Property

the WOT scorecard has pages of negative comments on this one
WOT Reputation Scorecard iobit.com

and of course we NEVER recommend using any type of registry cleaner, the versions of windows from xp on do not need them and they cause more harm than good.

I agree with Raven on this. Much better to stick with USA programs, rather than one that has been involved in this theft scandal for quite a long time now.

Don't know who you are don't care but you clearly know not as much as you would have people here believe...ASC is great!, I use the others also but for complete care this is the one, I don't care who the H... put's it out there it's awesome and FREE! and PS you are not the only PC guru here..have been using it for yrs. NP's

You are entitled to your opinion, but I am another who will not use anything published by IObit. When this company first showed up, I tried their cleaning program, but then as I learned more about their activities, I immediately got rid of anything with their name attached to it.

First off lets get one thing perfectly clear I have NEVER claimed to be the ONLY person here HELPING, how absurd. I volunteer on numerous wonderful support/help forums with a multitude of absolutely wonderful knowledgeable people this one included.

I never advise anyone to do or use something that I would not use myself and that will NOT change. And any time I see one recommended that I know has some problem I WILL with out doubt provide that info so that any person considering it will have full info to make an informed decision on that program themselves, with full knowledge. And I appreciate it when someone who knows something negative about a programs speaks up and provides that info, it is how we learn.

IObit has been found guilty of several thefts of program material over the years this theft of malwarebytes is just one more. NOT the kind of people I want to entrust ANY ones pc to.

Try reading the info provided about IOBit.

I never mentioned you anywhere in my post, I simply referred to the program,(which I would have done no matter who posted about it, and have done in the past) no idea why on Earth you felt the need to slam me, but I am not the only one here you have done it to, it really does not surprise me.
Done

Susie Iobit stole the stuff just because it was good. Those who use it are aiding them. As RC notes they do not have a good track record.

In order to make sure my programs are up-to-date, I love the little program linked below. I am hoping it is fine. So far, I have had no problems. I try to run it once a month and update all the programs it says to update.

I am going to use the programs that ravencajun and homebound recommend. My current desktop is several years old, but I have been able to keep it going smoothly by adding a newer OS and keeping everything up-to-date. Here is a URL for a free program from Microsoft (Microsoft Security Essentials) which also seems to do a good job.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/mse.aspx

I seldom post on this forum, but have used lots of information I have gleaned from it. Decided I need to payback. I want to thank all of you for the wonderful advice and your time in giving it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Update Checker

walnutcreek filehippo is a good site and their checker is fine as far as I know I have never heard anything negative about it.
another great program to help you keep all the stuff updated that needs updating is one by Secunia here is the link to the online version there is also a version you can install the link to that one is included on this page too.
Secunia Online Software Inspector (OSI)

running it every month or so will help you stay updated.

Wanted to let you know that I did run Malware and Super and they found a total of 26 threats to my computer that my other programs did not find. Great programs. I am now running ESET and then plan on running Secunia. After than, I will run ATF; I am sure I have some no-longer needed files lurking in the system.

Again, thank you so very much for the information and links.