 Registry Cleaners, Which is the best registry cleaner? |
Welcome Guest ( Log In | Click here to Register a free account now! )
Register a free account to unlock additional features at BleepingComputer.com
Welcome to Bleeping Computer, a free community where people like yourself come together to discuss and learn how to use their computers. Using the site is easy and fun. As a guest, you can browse and view the various discussions in the forums, but can not create a new topic or reply to an existing one unless you are logged in. Other benefits of registering an account are subscribing to topics and forums, creating a blog, and having no ads shown anywhere on the site.  |
 Nov 3 2009, 07:19 AM
Post
#1
|
|
 Member  Group: Members Posts: 51 Joined: 14-May 08 From: My house, PJ, Malaysia Member No.: 208,860  |
I am in need of a free registry cleaner and in the midst of scouring the internet for one, instead, found 4. All four seem to be good . However I am unable to tell which is the best and therefore am left confused. Below is the list: 1. CCleaner 2. Glary Utilities 2.16.0.758 3. Eusing Free Registry Cleaner 2.5.1 4. Auslogics Registry Cleaner 1.5.12.165 I need a good one as I used Uniblue's registry booster and found 400+ errors. Alas, that infernal thing only cleans 15 of said errors and any more, the full programme must be purchased. So if any one has sound knowledge of registry cleaners, please do advise! Thank you, Aaron M. -------------------- Aaron M is here.
"I am always ready to learn, although i do not always like being taught" - Winston Churchill Who ever said that paper beats rock is a moron.Next time i see some one i am going to throw a rock at them while they hold up a piece of paper for a shield. - Anonymous Million: 1,000,000 Billion: 1,000,000,000 Trillion: 1,000,000,000,000 Quintillion: 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 Sextillion: 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 Nonillion: 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 Centillion: 1 followed by 303 zeros |
 |
 
|
|
Nov 3 2009, 08:24 AM
Post
#2
|
|
 AWOL Group: BC Advisor Posts: 1,860 Joined: 18-July 09 From: 127.0.0.X Member No.: 354,458 |
Some where around here is a canned response on registry cleaners. As well as a link to some info on them. I`ll para-phrase.
We do not recommend the use of any registry cleaners. Many do more harm then good. Others do nothing but say they do. And basically none of them agree on what is junk and what is not. -------------------- Practicing safe hex.
If any of the assistance given to you by any Member replying to your post solves your problem please take a moment to reply. This helps us all in the learning process. |
|
|
|
|
Nov 3 2009, 08:36 AM
Post
#3
|
|
 Forum Regular Group: Members Posts: 184 Joined: 15-May 09 Member No.: 332,021 |
I've used ccleaner for a long time and have never had any problem with it what so ever
|
|
|
|
|
Nov 3 2009, 08:39 AM
Post
#4
|
|
|
Indecisive Lurker Group: Members Posts: 1,272 Joined: 14-February 08 From: A galaxy far, far away... Member No.: 190,231 |
Here's a canned response that ThunderZ was talking about.
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/ind...t&p=1469001 This post has been edited by scff249: Nov 3 2009, 08:40 AM -------------------- Posting lurker of bleepingcomputer.com
Because I post more than I lurk |
|
|
|
|
Nov 3 2009, 09:07 AM
Post
#5
|
|
|
AWOL Group: BC Advisor Posts: 1,860 Joined: 18-July 09 From: 127.0.0.X Member No.: 354,458 |
QUOTE(gully786 @ Nov 3 2009, 08:36 AM)  I've used ccleaner for a long time and have never had any problem with it what so ever The use of a registry cleaner is always up to the individual. As well as which one they use. While CCleaner is respected and widely used, BC still does not recommend the use of it`s registry cleaner. -------------------- Practicing safe hex.
If any of the assistance given to you by any Member replying to your post solves your problem please take a moment to reply. This helps us all in the learning process. |
|
|
|
|
Nov 3 2009, 09:10 AM
Post
#6
|
|
|
AWOL Group: BC Advisor Posts: 1,860 Joined: 18-July 09 From: 127.0.0.X Member No.: 354,458 |
QUOTE(scff249 @ Nov 3 2009, 08:39 AM) Here's a canned response that ThunderZ was talking about. http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/ind...t&p=1469001 Thanks scff249. Have`t finished my first energy drink this morning. Just did`t have the umph to look it up yet. -------------------- Practicing safe hex.
If any of the assistance given to you by any Member replying to your post solves your problem please take a moment to reply. This helps us all in the learning process. |
|
|
|
|
Nov 3 2009, 06:05 PM
Post
#7
|
|
 Bleepin' Animinion Group: Site Admin Posts: 10,846 Joined: 18-August 05 From: Now On... Member No.: 31,547 |
I'll make it official
 Bleeping Computer DOES NOT recommend the use of registry cleaners/optimizers for several reasons: • Registry cleaners are extremely powerful applications that can damage the registry by using aggressive cleaning routines and cause your computer to become unbootable. The Windows registry is a central repository (database) for storing configuration data, user settings and machine-dependent settings, and options for the operating system. It contains information and settings for all hardware, software, users, and preferences. Whenever a user makes changes to settings, file associations, system policies, or installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in this repository. The registry is a crucial component because it is where Windows "remembers" all this information, how it works together, how Windows boots the system and what files it uses when it does. The registry is also a vulnerable subsystem, in that relatively small changes done incorrectly can render the system inoperable. For a more detailed explanation, read Understanding The Registry. • Not all registry cleaners are created equal. There are a number of them available but they do not all work entirely the same way. Each vendor uses different criteria as to what constitutes a "bad entry". One cleaner may find entries on your system that will not cause problems when removed, another may not find the same entries, and still another may want to remove entries required for a program to work. • Not all registry cleaners create a backup of the registry before making changes. If the changes prevent the system from booting up, then there is no backup available to restore it in order to regain functionality. A backup of the registry is essential BEFORE making any changes to the registry. • Improperly removing registry entries can hamper malware disinfection and make the removal process more difficult if your computer becomes infected. For example, removing malware related registry entries before the infection is properly identified can contribute to system instability and even make the malware undetectable to removal tools. • The usefulness of cleaning the registry is highly overrated and can be dangerous. In most cases, using a cleaner to remove obsolete, invalid, and erroneous entries does not affect system performance but it can result in "unpredictable results". Unless you have a particular problem that requires a registry edit to correct it, I would suggest you leave the registry alone. Using registry cleaning tools unnecessarily or incorrectly could lead to disastrous effects on your operating system such as preventing it from ever starting again. For routine use, the benefits to your computer are negligible while the potential risks are great. -------------------- The Internet is so big, so powerful and pointless that for some people it is a complete substitute for life. Andrew Brown  "On the keyboard of life, always keep one finger on the escape key." — Scott Adams. Become a BleepingComputer fan: Facebook |
|
|
|
|
Nov 3 2009, 09:45 PM
Post
#8
|
|
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 51 Joined: 14-May 08 From: My house, PJ, Malaysia Member No.: 208,860 |
Hello!
Thank you all, for the response. However there are still a few questions hanging around. Hopefully someone can help me here: 1. I have read that sometimes when you install and uninstall programmes there are bits and pieces of it left around. Anybody can recommend anything to help clear that up? 2. Among the articles I have been reading, it says that over time, a computer will begin to slow down due to 'clutter' and 'junk' left around inside it. Again, what do they mean, is it a bad thing, and if so, what can I do about it? 3. Other than those stated above, the main reason I started my quest on looking for a registry cleaner was my computer was giving some trouble after a virus attack. Bookmarks that could not be imported in Firefox, Firefox would keep hanging, and internet connection problems. For the internet connection part, Im guessing it is the internet provider's fault but not sure as no news from them. But for the other problems, since a registry cleaner is not recommended, and after scanning a few times with Avira, Spyware Terminator, and Bitdefender online scanner and finding nothing, what should i use/do? Thank you very much, Aaron M. -------------------- Aaron M is here.
"I am always ready to learn, although i do not always like being taught" - Winston Churchill Who ever said that paper beats rock is a moron.Next time i see some one i am going to throw a rock at them while they hold up a piece of paper for a shield. - Anonymous Million: 1,000,000 Billion: 1,000,000,000 Trillion: 1,000,000,000,000 Quintillion: 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 Sextillion: 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 Nonillion: 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 Centillion: 1 followed by 303 zeros |
|
|
|
|
Nov 3 2009, 10:06 PM
Post
#9
|
|
|
AWOL Group: BC Advisor Posts: 1,860 Joined: 18-July 09 From: 127.0.0.X Member No.: 354,458 |
QUOTE(Arrow92 @ Nov 3 2009, 09:45 PM) Hello! Thank you all, for the response. However there are still a few questions hanging around. Hopefully someone can help me here: 1. I have read that sometimes when you install and uninstall programmes there are bits and pieces of it left around. Anybody can recommend anything to help clear that up? There are some programs that monitor system changes when programs are installed. However these only work if they are the first program installed after the OS. The amount of bits and pieces left lying around after an uninstall actually depends on the coding of the program installed. QUOTE(Arrow92 @ Nov 3 2009, 09:45 PM) 2. Among the articles I have been reading, it says that over time, a computer will begin to slow down due to 'clutter' and 'junk' left around inside it. Again, what do they mean, is it a bad thing, and if so, what can I do about it? True. Not having read the exact article(s) you are referencing, but probably having read many similar articles over the years I`ll assume they are talking about mainly .tmp files. Programs such as CCleaner or CleanUp do a nice job of taking care of most of these. Another one mentioned here a lot is ATF cleaner. Some of these overlap in what they clean, also clean things the others do not. QUOTE(Arrow92 @ Nov 3 2009, 09:45 PM) 3. Other than those stated above, the main reason I started my quest on looking for a registry cleaner was my computer was giving some trouble after a virus attack. Bookmarks that could not be imported in Firefox, Firefox would keep hanging, and internet connection problems. For the internet connection part, Im guessing it is the internet provider's fault but not sure as no news from them. But for the other problems, since a registry cleaner is not recommended, and after scanning a few times with Avira, Spyware Terminator, and Bitdefender online scanner and finding nothing, what should i use/do? Thank you very much, Aaron M. Regarding Firefox. Have you tried uninstalling and reinstalling? After the virus cleanup it is not unusual for some programs and even parts of the operating system to become corrupted beyond normal behavior. A reinstall of any misbehaving programs uo to and including a repair install of your OS may be the best option. -------------------- Practicing safe hex.
If any of the assistance given to you by any Member replying to your post solves your problem please take a moment to reply. This helps us all in the learning process. |
|
|
|
|
Nov 4 2009, 06:24 AM
Post
#10
|
|
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 51 Joined: 14-May 08 From: My house, PJ, Malaysia Member No.: 208,860 |
Ahh i see. So what you are saying is that things like CCleaner are okay, just as long as you dont use the registry cleaner part? Am i right?
Oh and also one more thing; What if i do have some registry errors. I did a registry scan(but no fixing) and according to what it says, I have more that 400 registry errors. Now if this is true, is this any cause for concern to me and must I do anything about it? If yes, then what do I do? Thank you, Aaron M. P.S One more thing. What if a file is corrupted or has something wrong with it besides being infected with malware. What should i do? This post has been edited by Arrow92: Nov 4 2009, 07:22 AM -------------------- Aaron M is here.
"I am always ready to learn, although i do not always like being taught" - Winston Churchill Who ever said that paper beats rock is a moron.Next time i see some one i am going to throw a rock at them while they hold up a piece of paper for a shield. - Anonymous Million: 1,000,000 Billion: 1,000,000,000 Trillion: 1,000,000,000,000 Quintillion: 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 Sextillion: 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 Nonillion: 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 Centillion: 1 followed by 303 zeros |
|
|
|
|
Nov 4 2009, 09:00 AM
Post
#11
|
|
|
AWOL Group: BC Advisor Posts: 1,860 Joined: 18-July 09 From: 127.0.0.X Member No.: 354,458 |
QUOTE(Arrow92 @ Nov 4 2009, 06:24 AM) Ahh i see. So what you are saying is that things like CCleaner are okay, just as long as you dont use the registry cleaner part? Am i right? Right you are.  QUOTE(Arrow92 @ Nov 4 2009, 06:24 AM) Oh and also one more thing; What if i do have some registry errors. I did a registry scan(but no fixing) and according to what it says, I have more that 400 registry errors. Now if this is true, is this any cause for concern to me and must I do anything about it? If yes, then what do I do? Those registry errors may or may not actually exist. They may or may not be the source of a problem. I have read several unofficial tests on registry cleaners. The tests were done pretty well. The conclusion? No two registry cleaners see the same thing(s) as errors. I am not familiar with Uniblue products, but in the case of any free to try, pay to use software I question the results that it is showing me. I would not be concerned. QUOTE(Arrow92 @ Nov 4 2009, 06:24 AM) Thank you, Aaron M. P.S One more thing. What if a file is corrupted or has something wrong with it besides being infected with malware. What should i do? If it is a program file then an uninstall > reinstall of the program will hopefully take care of the problem by eliminating\over writing the damaged file. If the file belongs to the operating system then their may be a couple options. Sometimes the file can be replaced. Other times a repair install of the operating system may be needed. -------------------- Practicing safe hex.
If any of the assistance given to you by any Member replying to your post solves your problem please take a moment to reply. This helps us all in the learning process. |
|
|
|
|
Nov 4 2009, 08:08 PM
Post
#12
|
|
|
Member Group: Members Posts: 33 Joined: 10-March 09 Member No.: 306,499 |
I sincerely distrust anything Uniblue is trying to sell. After downloading and using several of its products my experience has always been the same. Uniblue reports a very large number of problems, generally I see 400-700, then refuses to handle more than about a dozen unless you buy the product. My experience includes older computers which could very well have a lot of errors and brand new computers which really should have none or very few errors. Uniblue always tries to scare me with a reported large number of errors.
I just do not trust that company. |
|
|
|
 Nov 5 2009, 12:18 AM
Post
#13
|
|
 Just enough info to be armed & dangerous... Group: Members Posts: 2,329 Joined: 18-March 06 From: St Kilda, Dunedin. South Island. NZ Member No.: 59,805 |
Totally agree with the last post.
I, and others, have tried some UniBlue products and had no end of trouble upon uninstalling them - it seems to take some of the operating system with it. A free program which has earned a good reputation with users and techies, is RevoUninstaller. Used instead of Windows Add/Remove, it uses the program's uninstaller and then finds all stray registry entries and Program Files and removes them all. I have never heard of a problem after using this. http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninst...e_download.html -------------------- |
|
|
|
|
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:
| Lo-Fi Version | Time is now: 10th March 2010 - 05:45 AM |
© 2003-2010 All Rights Reserved Bleeping Computer LLC.