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The Kitchen Table

Do you use a registry cleaner?

18 years ago

Our puter has been running like a turtle lately(I've done the spyware/virus scans)and although I keep getting popups that the virtual memory is low, I have been searching to find what may help. I read that a registry cleaner can elimate a bunch of junk and that may help to speed things up. So, was just wondering if it really does or would it be better to install more memory or both?

What do you use if you have a RC?

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Comments (5)

czech_chick
18 years ago
I use Registry Mechanic. You can get it at Best Buy, etc. I run it every day.
cynic
18 years ago
Yes a registry cleaner can eliminate a bunch of junk, but will it help to speed things up? No, most likely not at all, at least not that's noticeable. With XP, it's not as important or as helpful as with the 9x versions of Windows.

What is your operating system and how much RAM do you have? Can't really give an opinion on whether adding RAM would help without knowing more as to what you have and what types of things you do with it.

How much free space is on the hard drive? You should have about 1/3 or more free space for optimal performance in that respect.

Also, give the EXACT message that pops up. It could be spyware or it could be a legitimate message. If you're running old programs and it's a Windows 16 subsystem error or something to that effect, adding RAM can make a big difference.

Also would help to give a better description than just running like a turtle. Is it bootup time, time to open programs, or what? Did it just happen all of a sudden or did it get gradually worse? Some things seem normal speed and others are a problem? Which?

Have you done a diskcheck and defrag lately? That can make a big difference.
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pkguy
18 years ago
I bought one for my last pc, Registry Repair Pro I think and it only helped a little. That computer didn't have much RAM memory, 512k or something which really isn't enough these days especially if you visit/view video sites like You Tube etc or view a lot of picture laden sites which eat up most of RAM within minutes. Even 1 gig of RAM can slow you down and bring on those "virtual memory low" pop-ups. The only thing that works is to shut your machine down totally and reboot and that gets to be a royal pain.
Invest in a RAM upgrade is the better route.
sjerin
18 years ago
I'm not at all computer savvy, but there are a couple of things that work for me. First, I run Ad Aware almost every day. And I'm not sure if this has anything to do with speed, but it's a good idea to delete emails that are picture heavy; I just remember that it helped with something. Also, this may all be in my head but when I have called my company (Earthlink) about either slowness (is that a word?) or email problems, they usually tell me the usual about the modem, etc, which is just a standard reply that usually has nothing to do with anything. Then after I have hung up I notice in the next day or so that all is well again. Again, it's only my own theory but part of me wonders if they did something at their end to speed things up. Btw, they usually ask if they can have permission to get into my computer so they can see what's going on but I NEVER grant such permission.
liz
18 years ago
I use Max Registry Cleaner...It doesn't help my speed but sure gets rid of lots of junk...much more so then the free adaware program...

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