Janette,

Historically running CC in with it's default settings is safe. Avoid touching the Advanced Options unless you know what you are doing.

Nothing is ever perfect. If you have material which is vital to you it would be wise to back it up before running CC.

I do think you might be confusing the two main operations of CC. When you use the Cleaner tool you "Run Cleaner" in that mode with the option to first "Analyze". When you use the Registry tool you "Scan for Issues" before selecting "Fix Selected Issues". You seem to have combined the two operations.

I think I know what you are asking, but I for one ask for a clarification so not to misinform.

DA

you could create a restore point before using it so that just in case you find something you need is gone you can go to your restore point and return to before you ran it.

DA, Thanks for answering. Yes, I was getting the two mixed up. I see now that I should have said Run Cleaner instead on Fix Selected Issues. And I better understand that Cleaner and Registry are two separate functions. Now I've noticed on other posts that Raven says not to mess with the registry, except when a trusted program like SuperAntispyware is doing it. I suppose that it is ok to let Ccleaner do its thing too?
Thank you so much
Janette

Good point Ravencajun. I will do that. Thanks

Another question. when I clicked on Run Cleaner, a box came up that said "This process will permanently delete files from your system." and asked if I was sure. Could I still use System Restore in this case?

Janette as DA said if you just run the cleaner in it's default setting it is ok, but it does have a registry cleaner built into it also and that is what I personally do not like to use. You could simply stay away from that part and not use the registry cleaner aspect.
why don't you take a look through the ccleaner beginners guide that might help you.
CCleaner Beginner's Guide
The Cleaning Process
Always good to read up on a program and learn all about it prior to using it, those links should help.
Remember also that if you have it delete your cookies then when you go to some sites that had remembered your info that will be gone because you deleted the cookie that kept that info, like log in info to this site.
Also if you like to keep your history of the sites you have been too in your browser you may not want to select to have it clear that, same with the auto complete feature.

I have a question, had Ccleaner on my computer when the tech came to check my computer out last week he took ccleaner out and put ATF.Cleaner in said he liked that better, now I notice it does not removed the history even though its checked, I have to go into tools to clean history out now is that right.
Thank you.
Gillian.

Raven, I did go through the little learning guide that is on their site before I downloaded ccleaner, but I still had questions. I'll check out these 2 you mentioned. Thanks

I have used CC for so many years, I think from the beginning. I have never, ever had a problem with it. It has never removed anything important to the health of the computer. I let it remove everything in its default setting. I also use the registry cleaner tool and it always asks if you want to back up which I do. I then let it clean whatever it wants. I've never had to restore a backup. I think its the safest tool I use.

I wouldn't worry at all about this great tool.

Jane

gillian ATF is what is recommended on most of the security help forums I am on and I have recommended it also it is a good safe program, not aggressive at all. You do have to select which browser you are using and apply the appropriate choice to ATF it will clean specific to each browser. and as always make sure you are cleaning what you want cleaned.

In general registry cleaners are applications which should be used by only those who are confident. However, I agree with Jane as I too have used and recommended CC with its registry tool for years without any concern. There is always a first time so as she suggests DO USE the offered backup just in case.

DA