Suggestions For a Good Registry Cleaner

[mismis29]

I am curious about what registry cleaner program would be the easiest to use. I have tried RegSupreme, RegCleaner and jv16PowerTools (which are pretty much the same), but because these programs list every registry key that is invalid, obsolete, etc, I'm not sure if if it is safe to delete EVERYTHING that these programs find. There are many entries that I'm not sure that I need or are vital for the programs that have. Many entries that I see have to do with things that I have never heard of and I wonder if these keys are essential for some programs that I have.

I have also tried Advanced Uninstaller Pro which finds unused keys, invalid CLSIDs, etc, and automatically fixes these problems without having to actually see every entry.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx a bunch :)

[Tassie_Devils]

Hello Mismis29 :)

'AMRX' and I mentioned one called CC [CrapCleaner, LOL] in this thread.
I've posted some screenies and link there.

HERE (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=43620&highlight=RegSupreme)

Give it a go... it also cleans TIFS, etc. and lots more with unwanted logs etc.

When I first used it, after running Temp cleaners, etc. it found a heap more as well.

I've used it on Registry no probs.

Cheers, TAS

edit: Just make sure you read thru the whole thread, as there is some good info there from some knowledgable folk. Give CrapCleaner a try and I am sure you will like it. ;)

[Peaches4U]

I just downloaded RegCleaner - seems relatively simple ... will see how it goes. it does have a backup feature.

[mismis29]

Thanx for the suggestion Tassie Devils :-D It's much appreciated.

Is it safe to delete everything that the program finds to be useless, etc?

Thanx

[luv2bsecure]

I have always had luck with RegVac. There is an advanced mode and a novice mode and you will be shocked at what all it finds in its various modes. Wow. Great tool.
http://www.superwin.com/regvac.htm

John
Luv2BSecure

.

[Tassie_Devils]

Is it safe to delete stuff deemed useless?

Well, generally speaking it is. But there are always exceptions to the rule.

Put it this way. It's probably best if you look thru each thing and see if you can determine if it's of no use to you.

Seeing as you have already tried several cleaners, it's obvious you are no novice to them, so it's up to you.

I, personally speaking, have never had a problem deleting all in RegSupreme [deep scan] and with CrapCleaner I've run it until there are no more errors in it with no troubles to my system.
Of course make sure you use any backup facilities in them. ;)

Cheers, TAS

Cheers, TAS

[Rasheed187]

I also heard of stories where people really messed up their system because of these tools, that's why I'm very careful with them, I did let RegCleaner (free version) automaticly clean my reg one time by mistake, I was really scared, but it didn't break anything. :)

[gerardwil]

I am using APK registry cleaner. Never anything went wrong on XP. A full scan however forces you to walk the dog because it takes about 25 minutes. Dog happy and you happy.
It is free and you can download it from here:
http://www.ntcompatible.com/story29005.html

[Tassie_Devils]

Uh Oh Gerard mahteeeeeeeeee :) .... now you've piqued my interest. ;)

That does look like a pretty safe one to try if your screenie is anything to go by. ;D

Thanks for the link.

Cheers, TAS

[Acadia]

My opinion, and I have heard many people I respect say this, unless your system is starting to show signs of slowing down, there is no need to use a Registry cleaner; why would you need to if your pc is still just as fast. When the day comes that you feel you need to use one, only use one that will allow you to restore any changes that you have made. Good luck. :)

Acadia

[gerardwil]

It might be that you dont notice your system is slowing down as you use it every day. The same happens when I see myself in the mirror every day. I dont notice I am getting older. But when I see pics from some time ago .......:-[ (and I can't restore anything)
For me personally I am using a regcleaner as part of planned maintenance. Like making backups, cleaning temp files, defragmentation etc. etc.
Regards,

Gerard

[notageek]

Tuneup 2004 has a registry cleaner in it. I use it and it seems to clean some stuff. I also use JV16 (older free version, never upgraded yet) and it does good. I also have RegSeeker just incase of that slow down and it's a back up to JV16 when I uninstall a program.

A good rule of thumb when it comes to cleaning the registry. I always clean off the programs that I no longer have on my computer. There's no sense in cleaning out the stuff you still have on your computer. If someone ask me what to clean I normally say this " You don't take all the water out of the fish tank if you still have fish in the tank."

[NICK ADSL UK]

My preferred choice is RegSupreme Professional A super fast, lightweight standalone registry cleaner and manager.
And can be found here
http://www.jv16.org/

[mismis29]

I decided to try CCleaner(crapcleaner), but I can't seem to find any backup option. Does it even have a backup option? If it doesn't I guess I should get one that does since it would be safer.

[Tassie_Devils]

Hi mismis29

Yes, in the Registry cleaning it does for back up..

Scan for Issues
Right click, select all.. or whatever you want to select.
Click Fix Selected Issue...

You then get the backup option you see in screenie...

TAS

[mismis29]

TAS,

Thank you for letting me know how to back up in CCleaner ;D

In regards to your reply about deleting the 'useless' items:

I think I mentioned before that many items that were found that were deemed obsolete, useless, etc., I have no idea if I need them or not. Many of the items found refer to programs that I do have and use (i.e. Word, Excel, Ad-Aware, Norton, games). Items found regarding these programs are:
'Invalid Uninstaller Ref' ; 'Help File Missing' ; 'Shortcut to Missing File' ; 'ActiveX/COM Issue'; 'OpenWith Application'; etc. It also seems to find a lot of 'Invalid File Extension' items.

By the way, I also have RegSupreme as a backup, and this program seems to find a lot more problems than CCleaner. What do you think is up?

:) As always, I greatly appreciate any feedback that you can provide :)

[Jeremy2]

Hi,
It depends on ur how much knowlegde u have in window registery.

If u are a beginner, I recommend Registry Mechanic, which is completely automatic, means u don't don't need any registery knowledge to use it.

If u are an advanced user jv16powertools is recommended, as it's a manually configured tool, and has more options, So u want have any surprise, like when u will be using automated cleaning registery.

In any case, always use the backup option before starting the cleanup

Both can be downloaded from www.download.com

[iceni60]

this isnt a recommendation, but has anyone tried easycleaner?
http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts/ecleane.htm
or HDCleaner?
http://home.tiscali.de/zdata/mainpage_e.htm

[Tassie_Devils]

Hi mismis29.... :)

I am by no means an Registry expert whatsoever, I just usually 'trust' the program and rely on backup if I need, which, luckily, has never happened to me.

See the screenshot of mine, that's all that was found in mine for that particular scan. [This is because I run regular scans].

Now, I've noticed those useless extensions also, and I just fixed the lot with no trouble.

In your original post you had said you've used RegCleaner, RegSupreme and jv16 PowerTools, which in particular is pretty heavy on cleaning, so I presume you were a bit conversant with them.

Personally, if I were you, the few little "extras" that CrapCleaner may find over RegSupreme would not be worth the bother.

If you have already done DeepScan with RegSupreme, then fixed what you found with no hassles, then the chances for the future are very good you will not have trouble, unless you install in particular NET.frame [XP]. [That's a different story, it will find and delete MS Windows Journal Viewer Registry entries which are needed by Acrobat].

Stick with CrapCleaner for the other stuff, and run RegSupreme for your Registry. :)

Cheers, TAS

[Arin]

dear iceni60, i used HDCleaner and liked everything about it except the interface.

thanks TAS, looks like you're in love with CC.

dear mismis29, no matter what product you use the registry errors are usually some path string or CLSID pointing nowhere. so there is nothing to repair and deleting makes sense. if you're comfortable with registry editing then open those entried and trace the problem. if you're sure then its safe to delete. usually there is no harm done by deleting entries but sometimes some programs rely on registry settings to create special folders. in that case that path will look like an error but deleting it might cause some problem. so make sure you know what you're deleting. i've found that Registry Mechanic is the safest, not that others are risky, its just that RM is safer.

[iceni60]

-{ Quote: "dear iceni60, i used HDCleaner and liked everything about it except the interface." }-
thanks, AMRX. i'll keep that in mind, and will try it sometime :)

[Rita]

-{ Quote: "It might be that you dont notice your system is slowing down as you use it every day. The same happens when I see myself in the mirror every day. I dont notice I am getting older. But when I see pics from some time ago .......:-[ (and I can't restore anything)
For me personally I am using a regcleaner as part of planned maintenance. Like making backups, cleaning temp files, defragmentation etc. etc.
Regards,

Gerard" }-
hi gerard
i agree using it as planned maintenace,and wish we could restore ourselves like files ;D you have a good eve
rita

[mismis29]

Thanx for the input everyone,your all really helpful :)

I guess I'll go ahead and give it try (of course I'll use the backup to be safe!). I think for now I won't delete anything that has to with programs I still have (i.e. Microsoft Office, Ad-Aware, Norton) just to be on the safe side. As for the rest of the found items, I'll back them up and hope for the best! ;D

Thanx again.

[kwesi]

Thanks for starting a very interesting and useful thread, mismis29.

gerardwil : I won't re-quote your comment of 17th Aug, as ritaann has just done so, but you've given me the best laugh that I've ever had in any forum!!! :) :).

iceni60 - I use easycleaner , & just to put it in context, my personal views on all three registry editors that I use:

easycleaner (freeware)- absolutely blistering detection of "unnecessary" & "duplicate" files; I don't use it for registry editing as such, preferring to rely on Registry 1st Aid & CCleaner for that; probably not for beginners, even with Helpfile assistance, in my opinion.

Registry 1st Aid (commercial download)- pretty thorough with registry errors, & default settings trigger you to create a System Restore point, & err on the side of caution when it comes to deleting entries; I think that both beginners & advanced users can use this, as beginners can take the view that they won't alter any non-'delete' prompts to 'delete', until they're more comfortable with editing; A very useful feature is being able to search the registry for unwanted entries - necessary when removing Antivirus program tracks, I've found, as AVs really dig their teeth into your sensitive bits:).

CCleaner (freeware) I've never had any problems with; it can find registry errors that Reg 1st Aid isn't set up to look for ("Uninstallers"); I've always deleted everything that it has found, without problems. However, prompted by Reg 1st Aid, I've taken to creating System Restore points before deleting anything with easycleaner or CCleaner that I'm uncertain about.

mismis29 : your safety-first approach definitely makes sense to me, so Good Luck.

[mismis29]

Kwesi - Thanx. I figured I might as well ask for assistance with this, and I knew I'd get a lot of different advice ;D

I've come to the conclusion that I'm too much of a computer illiterate to be using registry cleaner programs. I'm just paranoid of deleting something that I may need. I like to have as clean a computer as possible, but it seems so nerve-racking. I guess I'm still too new when it comes to things like this.

Everybody has their own ideas and preferences, which is great, but on the other hand, it can be very confusing. The only thing I can do, I suppose, is try it and hope my computer doesn't crash! LOL

Thanx again everyone. You guys are awesome :)

[APK]

-{ Quote: "I am using APK registry cleaner. Never anything went wrong on XP. A full scan however forces you to walk the dog because it takes about 25 minutes. Dog happy and you happy.
It is free and you can download it from here:
http://www.ntcompatible.com/story29005.html" }-

Well, Glad you like it!

(I wrote it guys!)

Found you on GOOGLE while searching for links on it & where it's being downloaded/displayed online & what shareware-freeware CD-Rom distros its been put onto etc.

:)

* Enjoy!

IF YOU LIKE THAT TOOL? THEN YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECKOUT MY ENTIRE FREE & FULLY FUNCTIONAL/NO NAGS or TIMEOUTS UTILITIES SUITE ALSO HERE AT THIS URL (updated 09/18/2004):

http://www.ntcompatible.com/thread27593-1.html

APK

P.S.=> Any questions? Don't hesitate to ask/feel free to write me @:

apk4776239@hotmail.com

... apk

[jag1967]

Another vote for RegSupreme Professional.
It's fast, thorough, and never had a problem with it. Excellent at picking up stuff left after uninstalling progs.

CCleaner looks good too. Though never tried the registry cleaning function as leave this to regsupreme. Usually if i can get things via freeware, I do so. But regsupreme IMHO, is worth it

jag

[stalker]

-{ Quote: "I am curious about what registry cleaner program would be the easiest to use." }-



Hey !!


There were already many threads opened here on Wilders, about cleaning registry left-overs.


Like for example:

Registry cleaners: Do they really work? (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=39579)



Well, I would recommend Registry First Aid though. Here I post (a bit modified) text from my post on some other similar topic on Winforums (see the bottom of post)



1. One very good and powerful, because it doesn't "clean" automaticly, but just finds invalid/orphaned entries, and scans disk for possible solutions, then you must decide what to "fix" (or if you are in doubts, just choose "Regedit Jump-to", and check and/or fix value manually


Again, it is called Registry First Aid (shortly Reg1Aid), from KsL Software and Published by RoseCitySoftware, and you can get it here:

www.RoseCitySoftware.com/Reg1Aid


It offers this options after scan:

"Fix entry" (to the value that you choose manually)
"Leave entry without change"
"Delete entry"
"Cut Invalid Substring" (for more complicated values).



2. There is also other, freeware, called RegCleaner (or shortened to RegCleanr, cause of Microsoft's similar name for some in-built app on 9x systems)

It was developed by/under Macecraft Software (Macecraft Inc.), their site is:

www.jv16.org (http://www.jv16.org)


You get RegCleaner here:

www.worldstart.com/weekly-download/archives/reg-cleaner4.3.htm (http://www.worldstart.com/weekly-download/archives/reg-cleaner4.3.htm)



Here are the links to this other "registry cleaners" related thread (my nick on Winforums is satyr:


Winforums.org > OS & Software Support > Windows Software & Utilities
http://forums.winforums.org/showthread.php?t=6192]Registry cleaner
http://forums.winforums.org/showthread.php?t=6192&page=1]Registry cleaner - page 1
http://forums.winforums.org/showthread.php?t=6192&page=2]Registry cleaner - page 2



HTH

[Robyn]

I fully agree that Registry First Aid is a very good registry cleaner. I have been using this for some time now and have recommended it to a lot of people who are all using it now.

Stalker has posted the reasons for voting for this one. It is powerful and will prompt you to make a Restore point (or back up the reg. if used with Windows 98se) and then also make its own backup. When you really get used to using it the Advanced 'string' search mode can be really good especially when trying to 'root' out after an uninstall of a program such as Norton.
Money well spent and this is one program I have continued to use from the date of purchase. HTH

[dober]

I KNOW ITS MY FAULT BUT I NEED YOUR HELP GUYS. I used ccleaner's issue but I didn't make a backup because nothing was suspicious really. Now I'm in trouble: some exe files-like HijackThis-wont open.Also some functions on real player won’t respond, and when I use CDRW disk the drive shows the old previously burned stuff not the newly recorded even if I erase it before use. Any help please

[chew]

Did you create a restore point before you delete anything? If so have you tried restoring to previous date?

I too use Ccleaner but I have the followings 3 items unchecked in Issues (registry part) because I don't know what they are ... if I were to delete them.

1. Active X and Class issues.
2. Application paths
3. Installer

Try to save a backup copy if Ccleaner asks you to do so. I tried the Ccleaner backup and it works. It will restore it to the registry key.

Could anyone help please. I too want to know what to do if I accidently delete the registry keys.

Cheers

Chew

[Paranoid2000]

I've found that caution needs to be exercised with many registry cleaners since they tend to pick up on "program plus parameter" keys as not matching an existing filename (e.g. if you have CursorXP, there will be a key value "cursorxp -u" for the uninstaller - which then gets flagged by all the cleaners). I have seen this with both jv16 and CCleaner.

Another approach is to ensure that registry additions are properly tracked in the first place - I have found Total Uninstall (http://www.geocities.com/ggmartau/) very useful for this. You need to run it while installing the software (and you need to run the software afterwards since many do make further Registry modifications at this point). It can even detect changes if a reboot is needed. Unfortunately, Windows itself makes a stack of changes at this point, so you have to spend some time trimming them out (things like Plug and Play enumeration, hardware settings, etc). Nevertheless, it does do an excellent job of tracking file/registry changes which can then be removed when the corresponding programs are uninstalled.-{ Quote: "I am using APK registry cleaner. Never anything went wrong on XP." }-Before using any of APK's utilities, you would be well advised to check his posts on The Memory-Optimization Hoax (http://www.winnetmag.com/Windows/Article/ArticleID/41095/Windows_41095.html) (long thread, where he starts by accusing the author Mark Russinovich of being a thief and goes downhill from there) or the APK Ultimate Collection (http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=50009562&f=34709834&m=8510980933&r=3650926043#3650926043) post at ArsTechnica.

[steve1955]

Two of the best reg-cleaners are RegScrup XP and JV16 Power Tools the 1st being free the 2nd being free if you use older version stll available from :- www.oldversion.com

[iceni60]

-{ Quote: "I KNOW ITS MY FAULT BUT I NEED YOUR HELP GUYS. I used ccleaner's issue but I didn't make a backup because nothing was suspicious really. Now I'm in trouble: some exe files-like HijackThis-wont open.Also some functions on real player won’t respond, and when I use CDRW disk the drive shows the old previously burned stuff not the newly recorded even if I erase it before use. Any help please" }-
you can download this (http://www.geocities.jp/br_kato/) run it and restore any .reg files that it finds on the day you ran ccleaner. theres a chance that it has been over-written by your system, so you may not find it.

[steve1955]

-{ Quote: "I KNOW ITS MY FAULT BUT I NEED YOUR HELP GUYS. I used ccleaner's issue but I didn't make a backup because nothing was suspicious really. Now I'm in trouble: some exe files-like HijackThis-wont open.Also some functions on real player won’t respond, and when I use CDRW disk the drive shows the old previously burned stuff not the newly recorded even if I erase it before use. Any help please" }-
Have you tried running system restore:-should be able to put reg back to before you had mishap!
If by any chance using W98 boot into dos type in:-scanreg/restore you'll then get a a "list" of dates you can take your PC back to

[stalker]

-{ Quote: "Before using any of APK's utilities, you would be well advised to check his posts on ... The Memory-Optimization Hoax (long thread, where he starts by accusing the author Mark Russinovich of being a thief and goes downhill from there) or the post at ... ArsTechnica." }-



Well Paranoid2000, I've read his replies on Memory-Optimization Hoax article long time ago, and I thought it is just some guy, that had been working with Mark in the past (and had some argue with him at that time, or something), but now after reading the other posts ...

The guy is just insane ... dunno, first time, I see such anger, narcissism, and his atitude in general.


/EDIT:
Many thanks for this link to his ArsTechnica's posts. I have so much fun now, reading them.



Anyway. I didn't like its utilities on "first-sight", though I actually didn't use them, so I cannot tell.

[gerardwil]

-{ Quote: "Before using any of APK's utilities, you would be well advised to check his posts on The Memory-Optimization Hoax (http://www.winnetmag.com/Windows/Article/ArticleID/41095/Windows_41095.html) (long thread, where he starts by accusing the author Mark Russinovich of being a thief and goes downhill from there) or the APK Ultimate Collection (http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=50009562&f=34709834&m=8510980933&r=3650926043#3650926043) post at ArsTechnica." }-
Hi Paranoid2000,

Thanks for info and the links. I didnt know all about these soapy stories ;D
Cheers,

Gerard

[Paranoid2000]

-{ Quote: "Many thanks for this link to his ArsTechnica's posts. I have so much fun now, reading them." }--{ Quote: "Thanks for info and the links. I didnt know all about these soapy stories" }-I have to confess, I was caught between laughing and crying on some of those posts - there's someone begging out for a Darwin Award in there...

[dober]

Thanks every one
@chew
@steve1955
I have many restore points but couldn't execute any of them, system restore bounces back. Also to uninstall any program from add/remove I have to do this
1-delete the program folder to recycle bin
2-click uninstall from add/remove, then I'll be prompted
3-restore the folder from recycle bin
4-click uninstall

I think it will be better for me to re install XP again because I'm too illiterate when it comes to editing registry
I like ccleaner and continue to use it to clean the system automatically BUT I'LL NEVER TOUCH ISSUES AGAIN AND NEVER EVER USE ANY REG CLEANER AGAIN
Thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanks

[dober]

before I reinstall I decided to test as much programs as possible including regcleaners. while running "ccleaner" shows "no issues" another one called "regsupreme 1.2" found 726 issues
CAN THIS BE TRUE

[crash79`]

I use System Mechanic which seems to me to do a good all-round job. I've used it for years.
John

[wildman]

;D RegSeeker, which can be obtained from majorgeeks.com, is a ZIP download (Free) and quiet good. Plus it is very easy to use and has backup ability.

Thanks
Wildman
:o :D :) 8)

[iceni60]

when you use most reg cleaners, in the results theres normally items which are marked in red and items that are green. i only ever delete the green enteries, after making a backup, and never have any problems

[iceni60]

-{ Quote: "I have always had luck with RegVac. There is an advanced mode and a novice mode and you will be shocked at what all it finds in its various modes. Wow. Great tool.
http://www.superwin.com/regvac.htm

John
Luv2BSecure

." }-
hello, John :) . i just tried RegVac and it found and removed over 100 .reg enteries, which i was very pleased with.

now i have to admit that i did go into expert mode, but i was very careful so what im about to say may, or may not have been my fault ::) .

when i next tried to open a jpeg, the open association had disappeared from my menu option, so when i double-clicked on a picture to view it, as "preview" was no longer at the top of the list of the menu option, (shown in screenshot) it scanned for the jpeg expliot. when i remerged the .reg enteries which regvac had removed the "preview" association returned to the top of the list. so double-clicking it opened it, and no longer scanned for the exploit

i suppose the moral of the story is backup, backup, backup ;D and theres a small chance i removed the association in expert mode ???

bit long winded, so i hope it makes sense :)



i want to try regseeker now, but im not sure if most people remve all the enteries, or just the ones which are green, and not red ???

[iceni60]

heres a screenshot after remerging the .reg's

[rdsu]

I suggestion the Ace Utilities and RegSupreme Pro ;)

[NetTraveler]

-{ Quote: "I also heard of stories where people really messed up their system because of these tools, that's why I'm very careful with them, I did let RegCleaner (free version) automaticly clean my reg one time by mistake, I was really scared, but it didn't break anything. :)" }-
I like RegCleaner as well.. Good program. If you delete anything by accident, you can always restore it. I never had problems with it at all.
What also seem to be a great proggie is a Supercleaner.. I never used it tho, but heard lot of positve stories about it.. :)

[JRCATES]

Even though it is not freeware, a good pay application to consider is Fix-It Utilities. I am using Fix-It Utilities 5, and they have just released Fix-It Utilties 6. Here is a review of Fix-It via toptenreviews.com, and one of the main things they focus on is safety:

Fix-It Utilities Review (http://registry-repair-software-review.toptenreviews.com/fix-it-utilities-review.html)

Once scanning of the registry is complete, they offer each entry with the specified path that it points to, as well as their recommendation as to whether or not is is "safe" or "recommended" to delete an item. They also use a stoplight approach when identifying each entry, like "Green" means completely safe, "Yellow" means research a little more, and "Red" means use caution.

http://img197.echo.cx/img197/9185/fixitutilities4rf.png