BleepingComputer.com: Registry Mechanic

it seems to be very popular, however my learning experience on here and elsewhere tell me not to mess with the registry if at all possible.

Registry mechanic looks like a legit program, but I have usually stuck with the standard Antispyware, antivirus, antimalware programs recommended here. Am I missing out on using Registry mechanic?

Thanks for your experience.

Quote

You are correct. As the saying goes, if its not broken, don't fix it.

There are countless registry cleaners available and some are more safe than others. Using registry cleaning tools incorrectly can have disasterous effects on a system. Always back up your registry before making any changes. If you are not familiar with working in the registry, then you should NOT attempt to make any changes on your own. Improper changes to the registry could adversely affect your computer and render it inoperable.

I agree with, quietman7.
Unless you have a particular problem, that requires a registry edit to correct, I would suggest you leave the registry alone.

One of the problems with registry cleaners, is that no 2 are the same.
They each have different criteria, as to what constitutes a "bad" entry.
One might find stuff on your system, that won't cause problems, when removed, while another one will want to remove a file that's necessary, for a program to work.
The problem is, you won't know until it's too late, and your having to reinstall your Operating System.

Registry cleaners are extremely powerful applications. Unless you are very confident about your knowledge of computers, and carefully review the candidates they present for removal, you can really do harm to your operating system and the applications upon which you depend.
Regards,
John

@ the above: You are speaking the truth, but every day you are likely to get "garbage" in your registry. Cleaning that up may drastically speed up a computer with maybe as much as 2000 faulty registry entries. I cleaned out my sisters Thunderbird computer and it was faster than my mom's after that even though my mother have better specs.

Keep your registry nice and tidy but BE CAREFUL!

MAKE SURE TO BACK UP YOUR REGISTRY BEFORE DOING ANYTHING WITH IT!

With thus said, this is something I try to do once a week if I remember too keep my performance at it's peak.

A few months ago RM was given version 5.0 away free, in hopes you'll upgrade to the latest version.
I used it only couple of times but now it just sits in my taskbar taking up space.
Why don't I delete it from the taskbar? I think the wrench icon looks kinda cool.