what's with???

alcav · Oct 28, 2007, 16:40:48

Hi all

what's with this registry cleaning software? due to seemingly good advice across the web I recently purchased "Regmechanic",which on installation found approx 300 probs in my reg.

. After a few weeks it was down to around 12/13 probs,I thought Great that seems to be working well.Today ,I found a freeware reg cleaner rated at 5 stars,so I d/loaded and ran it and it found 600 reg probs!!!

.Needless to say I am totally bewildered,explanations anybody?

Rgds.....Alan

Lance · Oct 28, 2007, 16:48:47

I personally use CCleaner (a nice quick free program) to clean my registry. Not sure how you could compare different programs, as what one program may think is an error, another may ignore. It must be difficult to decide between programs!

Simon · Oct 28, 2007, 16:59:13

Ditto what Lance said - I also use CCleaner. Some of these utilities can do more harm than good, so it's always advisable to back up the registry before cleaning.

Rik · Oct 28, 2007, 17:06:42

I use Registry First Aid, but also run CCleaner from time to time, Alan. Basically, registry cleaners can do more harm than good, so exercise caution with them - for example, Reg1stAid regularly tries to remove some HP entries for printer driver accessories. Although I don't have these accessories, the printer won't work without the registry entries.

Download Erunt and make a backup before you start - it can save a lot of pain.

colirv · Oct 28, 2007, 17:46:02

Useful link Rik - thanks.

Rik · Oct 28, 2007, 17:48:07

It's a good program, Colin - rescued me a few times!!

john · Oct 28, 2007, 23:12:00

I don't know how it compares to others but RegCleaner was recommended to me by one of the harware guys at work, it's free and there's a link to it here : http://www.webmasterfree.com/RegCleaner_d7625.html

Gary · Oct 29, 2007, 09:49:10

I use CCleaner and that's about it, just remove entries for programs I have removed etc and also use XP's own regedit to look for stuff now and then. As everyone says there is no real safe registry cleaner and unless you are having program issues its best to leave the registry well alone, the performance gains from removing old keys is negligible, but maybe worth while when upgrading graphics drivers.