BleepingComputer.com: Problems after XP Antivirus 2012 Removal

Ok, I was actually in the process of getting a larger hard drive. Yes, this one is full of crap. Much of which can be probably removed and or archived. I have numerous registry cleaning programs as I am trying to determine which is the best one. It seems as if each one attacks a different portion of the registry.
I will remove some of them as suggested.

I do not know about my winfax as I have never tried to fax anything from my computer.

As for my antivirus, I am using Microsoft Security Essentials. I had some issues with other ones and I figured that Microsoft should know how to best design software to be compatible with one another.

OK,thats cool. dont sweat winfax if you don't use it.
MSE is good. Use that MBAM,SAS (Superantispyware)and Spyware Blaster
You can remove SpyBOt..MBAM,SAS already do a much better job, Plust yyou can protect the Hosts file with Spyware Blaster instead of Teatimer and gain PC space and system resources. Update all weekly and scan with each alternately. Todays malwares requyre diligence.

I personnally on my XP and Vista machines ..back up my picyures and music to an External so I won't loose them in the evnt of serious malware or Hard drive death. I then reinstall the OS once a year. The reinstall eliminates all reg errors and any malware.



Secunia PSI
How to detect vulnerable and out-dated programs using Secunia Personal Software Inspector

Slipstream Service Pack 3



Here's the whole 9 yards
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.

• Ed Bott's Webog: Why I don't use registry cleaners
  
• Do I need a Registry Cleaner?

This post has been edited by boopme: 01 January 2012 - 10:32 PM

Hello and thank you again.
OK I thought Spybot S&D was getting long in the tooth. Anyways, I will check out some of the software recos you made, but there is one thing I am nervous about. I have a Dell with NO original XP install disk. Therefore I would have to re image the disk and start from square one as far as reinstalling my programs/drivers etc. Even if I DID have an XP disk, if I reinstalled the OS every year, how would I keep my registered programs intact? The whole 2step online registering, and entering keys is a real drag, especially after several years go by. I DO have complete backups about once a month so I could do that, but I understand that a fresh install would give me a nice non-cluttered registry and all files would be arranged on the disk in their proper hierarchy.
I DO recognize the importance of the nasty Windows registry. Also I install and try out lots of software that usually does not uninstall completely, though it is getting better. That is why I have so many cleaners. I am hoping the guy who coded the program is more knowledgeable than I am about the registry.
The slipstream info is good but I am not sure it will help me on this particular machine as mentioned before I just have a restore image disk.
And lastly, is there a way to print this thread out for future reference?
Thanks again...

Hello. As Dell does have it's particulars. I will not guess here. You should ask this in the XP forum,we have some very knowledgeable Dell people there.

Printing... I suggest you Copy paste into Word, note pad or desktop text and print.
You will need to do some extra steps..
For each Hyper link you will need to get the shortcut and add it.. (right click on link select copy shortcut)
eg
•Do I need a Registry Cleaner?
http://www.whatthetech.com/2007/11/25/do-i-need-a-registry-cleaner/
•Do I need a Registry Cleaner?