Best Cleaner Program?

[Straight Shooter]

I presently own Windows Washer, but I head that "bleached" items can be recovered. I am trying to decide if I should buy and replace it with Track Eraser Pro. Also, I am looking for opinions on System Mechanic.. I personally like some parts of the program, but I think it does a poor job at cleaning (Index.dat, other)

Thanks

[eyespy]

{QUOTE-> quoting: Straight Shooter link=board=20;threadid=6035;start=0#40045 date=1041912285]
I presently own Windows Washer, but I head that "bleached" items can be recovered. I am trying to decide if I should buy and replace it with Track Eraser Pro. Also, I am looking for opinions on System Mechanic.. I personally like some parts of the program, but I think it does a poor job at cleaning (Index.dat, other)

Thanks

<-QUOTE}

I like Window Washer and if Luv2bsecure likes it...well it's gotta' be good ! ;D
As for System Mechanic, it's a great proggie and I like that as well, but I don't think it's main function is to wipe internet tracks and .dat files.
I'll leave that to programs similar to Window Washer and IE Clean, Tracks Eraser, etc....
After you use Window Washer, you could always follow it up with Clean Disk Security or Eraser to "wipe" or "overwrite" all deleted files !!
JMHO

regards,
bill ;)

[Straight Shooter]

Can you provide me a link to CleanDisk Security? I never heard of it, and tried different types of searches.. I would just like to check it out. Thanks ... ::) :D

[eyespy]

{QUOTE-> quoting: Straight Shooter link=board=20;threadid=6035;start=0#40050 date=1041916846]
Can you provide me a link to CleanDisk Security? I never heard of it, and tried different types of searches.. I would just like to check it out. Thanks ... ::) :D
<-QUOTE}

Try here...

http://www.theabsolute.net/sware/clndisk.html

regards,
bill :)

[Tassie_Devils]

Hi guys:

The trouble is, there is no ONE just "best" cleaner. A lot overlap greatly but do not do a *complete* job on its own.

Also it depends what you are *cleaning*.

So, I use 5 cleaners.

1] System Mechanic [put that first simply because it was the very first "cleaning" program I ever got, around 4 years ago].

2] Internet Sweeper [does a great job of managing cookies plus it can delete the Index.dat file (after a reboot) and your IE history, temp files, etc].

3] Spybot S&D [ABSOLUTELY]

4] jv16 Power Tools [Very Powerful little set of tools. Although caution is required until you *know* what you are looking at in cleaning]

5] MRU Blaster [OF COURSE]

Each has its own little functions, even IE itself can "clean" to a certain extent.

Haven't tried Window Washer, and am looking at IE Clean at the moment, recommended quite a bit in these forums.

Cheers.

[luv2bsecure]

Hi Bill!

Just a comment about Window Washer.....It's very good for average use. I always run it for "insurance" after I run my main cleaning program, which is Tracks Eraser Pro. That way WW wipes my TEP log file ;)

I think everyone should at least give it a try (free trial) - and be sure to check out the Plug-In Maker. Also make sure it's the PRO version.

Tracks Eraser Pro is at: www.acesoft.net (http://www.acesoft.net).

Oh, and Tassie made several good points. There always seems to be some weakness in one of the programs. That's why I like TEP - it's all done right. Also, one can't write about this topic without mentioning MRUBlaster - great little proggy!

John
Luv2BSecure

[Tassie_Devils]

Oh bugger luv2bsecure:

Now you have put the cat amongst the pigeons :) with that program Tracks Eraser Pro.

*Another* proggy I will have to have a little bo-peep at mate.

Thanks!

Cheers.

[As Tassie wobbles off into the sunset loaded down with his "cleaning" aids he mutters to himself &^%$* pests that need all this flamin' attention]

[Acadia]

Well, I believe the only people who could cast an honest vote would be someone who has actually used every single one of these programs. Anyway, I have used two of these so I will offer my opinions on them.

IEClean: This program cleans only the privacy and security stuff. It is not a registry, dead shortcuts or duplicate file cleaner. But it does clean EVERYTHING having to do with privacy. Kevin McAleavey, who is known for his excellent Tech Support, has done an excellent job designing this program. The thing I liked most about it (I no longer use it since I upgraded my IE) is that it completely cleaned out all of my index.dat files every single time I logged off or on, I don’t remember which; I had to take no extra steps. It was a little confusing to configure but that’s only because it has so many options: read the excellent help files that you can download and read before making a decision to purchase.

System Mechanic: This program is an all around system cleaner similar to Norton CleanSweep. This does have a registry cleaner, etc. I do like this program, which I still have, but be careful with the cleaners: others have complained and I can vouch for the fact that it incorrectly identifies some registry entries and unneeded files that are OK to delete but that really are not. I have had to dive into my backups to retrieve some files that I still needed. On my older Win98 system this program has a heavy hit on my System Resources so I use it at the end of the day before turning my system off for the night. This program has a lot to it and overall I do like it, just be careful what you delete.

Take care, Acadia

[luv2bsecure]

{QUOTE-> Well, I believe the only people who could cast an honest vote would be someone who has actually used every single one of these programs. <-QUOTE}

:)

John
Luv2BSecure

[WYBaugh]

For IEClean users:

Does IEClean have the option to 'Clean on browser shutdown'?

Thanks,

Bill

[ChrisP]

I use evidence eliminator. Alkthough the marketing they use is horrible, the product is fantastic.

Can be got for $70 if you look about.

[spy1]

l2bs - I'm trialing TEP (pretty sure I'm going to purchase).

I guess you know that you don't have to have TEP keep a log to begin with, correct? It's in the Options/Security/Turn Logging Off area.

I've found that "best pratice" with any of these programs is to disable logging entirely - as long as you know what you're doing, of course.

Seems rather counter-productive to have erased things and then having any kind of a "list" hanging around of what you erased.

Also (as a heads' up for anyone using/contemplating using TEP - you'll get a FP hit on it if you're running the SBS&D 1.3 beta - reference this thread: http://forums.net-integration.net/index.php?showtopic=9877&st=30. Patrick hasn't responded to this issue as of yet). Pete

[optigrab]

I've used Window Washer for years, however I cannot comment on how it compares to the others. I am happy with it for the most part.

[sick0]

i have Window Washer and Privacy Eraser Pro. what i like about Privacy Eraser Pro is their plug-in builder, much better and configurable than the plug-in builder of Window Washer. i think whats more important is the ability to create your own plug-ins, because not all of the software i have can be clean by the two so i create my own plug-ins for them. Tracks Eraser Pro has a nice plug-in builder too.

[manOFpeace]

RegSeeker for registry.
jv16 power tools for remainder. ;)

[bigc73542]

I use the cleaner in my security suite-- guardian pc cleaner plus regcleaner 4.3 *puppy*

[Uguel707]

I use both jv16 Power tools and Reg Seeker. But I am cautious: I always make a back up before deleting any keys. It's too easy to mess up with the registry especially when you begin. In doubt, leave the registry alone or do it under good supervision /or/ ask someone else's proper advice.

Here's a list of registry cleaners I found.
(Many of them are new to me)

http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/soft20.htm
(http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/soft20.htm)

[bellgamin]

I have used Ace Utilities (http://www.acelogix.com/) for lo, these many moons. Very good schtuff.

[dangitall]

As a 'cleaner', I use Kevin Solway's CleanDiskSecurity. I've also tried Emailarms' EvidenceDestructor. I liked this one: it runs automatically at shutdown and is highly configurable, but the $$$ difference between it and CDS forced me to the former.

Also, don't neglect the 'cleaning' options in Xteq's X-Setup. These work, and cost absolutely nothing.

[lvhkyjr2]

what about software installation monitor/uninstaller programs? Thinking about Ashampoo Uninstaller Suite, but it comes with alot of extra features I really dont need.

[dangitall]

If you feel a need for an uninstaller, I've never had any problems with Norton's CleanSweep.

[the Tester]

I like Ace Utilities.
The registry cleaner and junk file remover are very good.
The plugins are nice too.

[Uguel707]

Although I've not tried it yet, I found another free regcleaner specific to Windows XP. It also works with Windows 2000 I will try it and tell about it in a week or two to see if it's worth downloading... :)


RegsScrubXP

Description

"...As any other cleaner it would delete junk made to the registry are fully restorable to it's original condition. You can make an exclusion list of registry entries that RegScrubXP will not display as problems. You can sift through a list of file extensions, company names, run upon startup programs, Internet Explorer history, and uninstall programs to delete what you think is junk. Tweak the registry with the easy to use tweaker! Additional Tips & Tweaks help file with dozens of XP tweaks!..."snip>

I want to check the following :)

The accuracy of the "obsolete" entries or shortcuts found.
Will it back up properly? Will it work as well as Jv16?
Will it be a friendly program...? They said that *"Fred Langa loved it more than Jv16 Power tools!!!* There will be updates that you can get afterwards. That sounds good! :) Jv 16, the freeware version cannot be updated anymore. :-[

*Who's that chap???* After a research, I discovered that he's a freelance computer/web author... :D

Let see how it goes now... 8)

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2048.html

[notageek]

I didn't see that much freeware listed so I'l voted for freeware and I'll post the freeware I use.

Cleanup http://cleanup.stevengould.org/
It cleans up really good. :D

Eraser I'm sure people know the link to Eraser. if not here it is. http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/

DiskCleaner. I don't use it but I'll put it in here :) http://www.xs4all.nl/~mp2004/

MRU Blaster. You know where to find this ;)


I use regseeker for cleaning my registry. http://www.hoverdesk.net/freeware.htm

I also use easy cleaner for my reg and other stuff. http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts/ecleane.htm
Easy Cleaner is still free new web page.

I could add more to the list but My time don't allow me. :)

[Uguel707]

For those who might be interested, here are the first directives of RegScrubXP :) :

[Uguel707]

As they recommend(see below) always backup your registry before:

[Uguel707]

Okay, if you follow the instructions above, you will see those two files in the program folder. (program files..RegScrub...)


See example below:

[Uguel707]

Here are the program's display options once you've run it.
(sorry the picture is blurred for I had to resize it)

[rdsu]

{QUOTE-> quoting: the Tester link=board=19;threadid=6035;start=15#msg139268 date=1078354176]
I like Ace Utilities.
The registry cleaner and junk file remover are very good.
The plugins are nice too.
<-QUOTE}
Me either, and it's very, very fast...

[Dazed_and_Confused]

I've tried most of what has been discussed above. Can't beat Windows Washer, in my humble opinion.

[steve1955]

I like and use East-Tec Eraser
Steve

[slammer_JvA]

{QUOTE-> Hi guys:

The trouble is, there is no ONE just "best" cleaner. A lot overlap greatly but do not do a *complete* job on its own.

Also it depends what you are *cleaning*.

So, I use 5 cleaners.

1] System Mechanic [put that first simply because it was the very first "cleaning" program I ever got, around 4 years ago].

2] Internet Sweeper [does a great job of managing cookies plus it can delete the Index.dat file (after a reboot) and your IE history, temp files, etc].

3] Spybot S&D [ABSOLUTELY]

4] jv16 Power Tools [Very Powerful little set of tools. Although caution is required until you *know* what you are looking at in cleaning]

5] MRU Blaster [OF COURSE]

Each has its own little functions, even IE itself can "clean" to a certain extent.

Haven't tried Window Washer, and am looking at IE Clean at the moment, recommended quite a bit in these forums.

Cheers. <-QUOTE}
Hear hear
The multilayered approach

(leave that to those OZ's ! cheers mate;) )
grtz
slammer

[subratam]

I had System Mechanic, which proved real good cleaner. Now I am trying Ace Utilities and its too cool too without any doubt. Comes with many options even verifying start up entries directly from sysinfo.org.

www.acelogix.com

Regards

[the Tester]

Another nice feature with Ace Utilities is that I can have my "junk files" removed to the recycle bin.
I leave those files in the recycle bin for a few days just too be sure that I didn't permanently remove a file that may needed by some program that I use.

If I'm not mistaken,the updates are internal within Ace Utilities now.
No more separate download and install.

[Robyn]

Registry First Aid (Rose City software) I consider this to be the best registry cleaner especially when I used it to completely remove NIS plus Incredimail as soon as I found out about the spyware in this mail client :o

I also use MRU Blaster and Spybot for secure delete of files and to clean temp files (always unsure what other files are safe to clean :-[ ) I use System Workshop because I have always been issued with an update to my original registration. It allows me to back up the files to my 'dump' drive and then I can delete completely when I am sure ::)

[se7engreen]

EasyClean
TuneupUtilities 2004
Eraser
SpyBot S&D
AdAware

[Robyn]

I have just been re-considering my options after reading this post and other info on index.dat etc

I tried Tracks Eraser (standard) but had a bit of a problem and have been left with a few 'dummy files' in my TIF folder :( which cannot be deleted but that's another story ::) After this happened I removed TE and decided to look at Window Washer. I am running the trial version on my laptop and do like the ease of configuring the program. One downfall with TE is the cookie screen it is not big enough to see exaclty and I ended up loosing cookies whereas Window Washer kept the cookies I needed. I do like the GUI but if it does not do a good job then I will have to re-think my options ???

I have come back to this thread and note Tracks Eraser Pro is mentioned as being very good over the standard I tried.

I would like to decide on a program to help with the index.dat and keep my disc clean. I have nothing whatsoever to hide but realise things can build up and need to be clean thoroughly.

Would I be best to give the Pro version of TE a trial run this time or is Window Washer good at keeping index.dat and surplus files in control?

Thanks in advance for any advice as I am in the selecting stage of a cleaner ??? above those I use already with System Workshop /MRU Blaster/spybot/Ad-aware and Registry First Aid.

[slip-n-slide]

System security suite (also known as 3s) Will successfully delete index.dat files as well as your usual history/cookie/cache and more. Best of all it's totally free. But it's only for general cleaning and deleted files still are recoverable by the experts. So if your the paranoid type you may want to forgo it. Otherwise it's a great general cleaner. you can get it here: http://www.igorshpak.net

[Catwomen]

{QUOTE-> System security suite (also known as 3s) Will successfully delete index.dat files as well as your usual history/cookie/cache and more. Best of all it's totally free. But it's only for general cleaning and deleted files still are recoverable by the experts. So if your the paranoid type you may want to forgo it. Otherwise it's a great general cleaner. you can get it here: http://www.igorshpak.net <-QUOTE}

In my view, none-secure deletion of index.dat is a waste of time.

Unlike say history /cookies etc in IE where anyone can easily stumble upon or look for, index.dat is a very geeky, well hidden and largely unknown (to normal people) method of storing data. Anyone who is aware of this, and goes looking for it, will probably know that it is possible to recover normally deleted files (you don't have to be an expert to do it, lots of proggies do it for you automaticall).

[slip-n-slide]

Hi Catwomen

That's why i said, " It's only for general cleaning and deleted files still are recoverable by the experts...if your the paranoid type you may want to forgo it." Not everyone requires secure deletion. Some people just want to clean and free up disk space. So if you require more secure deletion you could try Eraser. Another freebie gem. Works on Windows 95-XP. You can get it here: http://www.heidi.ie/eraser Hope this helps.

[TBD]

I like Southbay Softwares "Supercleaner" and have used it for years ... i have tried a multitude of others in that span , but the bottomline is every one i tried i could run Supercleaner right behind it and it would still find stuff the others missed.

It supports IE, Opera, Netscape, and even Mozilla and you can also add your own file types in you want it to scan for.

[TBD]

Supercleaner's website:
http://www.southbaypc.com/

You can test drive it for 30 or 60 days ... not sure which it's been along time :P

[Pigman]

Xen. Yup, I use Xen. Sorry, but I'm not willing to shell out bucks to get stuff off of my HD, unless said stuff is malware. Call me a greedy pig if you like; just remember that that is not the reason for my username... :P

[Paranoid2000]

{QUOTE-> The trouble is, there is no ONE just "best" cleaner. A lot overlap greatly but do not do a *complete* job on its own. <-QUOTE}Hmmm...FDISK can do a pretty good job ;D and let us not forget Microsoft's great contribution in this field, the DOS RECOVER (http://www.csulb.edu/~murdock/recover.html) command! ;)

[TAG97]

{QUOTE-> For IEClean users:

Does IEClean have the option to 'Clean on browser shutdown'?

Thanks,

Bill <-QUOTE}
A very belated answer :(
Yes :)

[musicman]

Hey Gang!!!!
Here is a neat pc of software and its free! Cleans all your internet tracks completely. Its call System Security Suite.The following is a quote from there web site.
=================================================
System Security Suite (3S) is the program to remove internet tracks and junk files from your computer. It allows you to delete Cookies, clear Internet Explorer Cache, delete index.dat Files, clear Typed URLs, Windows Temp Folder and much more. You can also specify custom folder locations with file masks, which will be cleaned in addition to the selected items. In addition, the program allows you to view and optionally remove programs that launch automatically at Windows startup as well as Browser Helper Objects.
Here is the home page for this software.
http://www.igorshpak.net/

[ahha]

MusicMan, No offense but did you read any of this thread or did you just decide to post here out of the blue? (see post by Slip-n-slide above.)

[kaytee_S]

sorry if this is a little off subject,its not a recomendation,i haven't tried it,but you could test hdcleaner @snapfiles

[Tipton]

I use East-tec Eraser, and it does an awesome job. It was highly recommended in another forum, that was commenting on the fact that Window washers bleach feature is far from useful. Heres the link!

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,10367223~mode=flat

Tipton

[Tassie_Devils]

{QUOTE-> Hi Catwomen

That's why i said, " It's only for general cleaning and deleted files still are recoverable by the experts...if your the paranoid type you may want to forgo it." Not everyone requires secure deletion. Some people just want to clean and free up disk space. So if you require more secure deletion you could try Eraser. Another freebie gem. Works on Windows 95-XP. You can get it here: http://www.heidi.ie/eraser Hope this helps. <-QUOTE}

Hmmm.... I see the Cleaner recommendations has risen again.

YEP.....Eraser *Another cleaner in my arsenal, I've had for a while .... and it sure does clean, LOL.... especially those tricky little 'sensitive' files you may want to get rid of.

Cheers, TAS

Let them try and recover after a 35 pass run, LOL... and a Defrag...

[X-man]

An absolutely brilliant post Tas! They be pulling their hair out of their heads tryin' to recover anything after 35 passes LMAO.

[Tassie_Devils]

LOL... or better yet.. How about my own personal little Tassie Trash..

;D ;D ;D


101 Dalmations........errrrrrrrrrrrrrr......... Passes... ROFL..

TAS

[Tassie_Devils]

OK.. I just tried to get rid of a 30Kb pic file using my latest method...

Took about 5 seconds lol..... so can only image how long it would take on anything sizeable like over 1Mb :'(

All right, enough playing, I've got serious work to do, as in.... errrrr.. design some more Wallpaper!

Just wanted to show you the versatility of Eraser. You can add you 'Own' method and drop in various random 'byte patterns' however many times you like to get the desired 'Pass'.

TAS

[Rita]

{QUOTE-> I presently own Windows Washer, but I head that "bleached" items can be recovered. I am trying to decide if I should buy and replace it with Track Eraser Pro. Also, I am looking for opinions on System Mechanic.. I personally like some parts of the program, but I think it does a poor job at cleaning (Index.dat, other)

Thanks <-QUOTE}
hi
ultra win cleaner is a good one http://www.ultra winCleaner.com this has worked very well for me
Rita

[Rita]

{QUOTE-> hi
ultra win cleaner is a good one http://www.ultra winCleaner.com this has worked very well for me
Rita <-QUOTE}
sorry--that is http://www.wincleaner.com
Rita

[Azn_Tweaker]

i would use XP Smoker ;D . it cleans IE, Temp Folders... etc

[yeuxbleus]

I voted for Tracks Eraser Pro...it supports many browsers. Window Washer does the same I'm sure but after my bad experience with Spy Sweeper I am not going near a Webroot product again. :(

[Robyn]

I voted previously but have since installed XP-Smoker and really do like the comprehensive tool kit it provides. Cleans your browser plus a disc and prefetch clean from the one control centre. A good one if you don't want to have to load several cleaners. I still use Registry First Aid as my reg. cleaner but XP-Smoker for those temp files and cookies. I had one too many cleaners with my last install so chose XP-Smoker when I installed afresh.

[wyrmrider]

I have quarterdeck clean sweep
it checks for duplicate files and dlls etc
norton gutted clean sweep in 2000

I use internet sweeper
xcleaner
and
ccleaner
ccleaner is effective on mozilla to clean up caches and trails before shut down
but since this computer is in a locked room i'm more concerned about space than security
wyrmrider

[fred22]

supercleaner
ccleaner
mrublaster
evidence eliminator
regsupreme pro

does the job just fine :)

[Baz63]

For those considering evidence eliminator best to check this out before deciding:
http://www.radsoft.net/resources/software/reviews/ee

under the heading 'The EE documents: Appendix'.

[zarzenz]

{QUOTE-> hi
ultra win cleaner is a good one this has worked very well for me
Rita <-QUOTE}

This is one of my favourite cleaner programs. I'm using the version 2000 that was free with a UK PC mag cover disk and I still use it almost every day.

Never had any problems with the file cleaner or the registry cleaner.

Tried the later one click version as a trial... also liked it... but see no reason to upgrade from my great free and much used 2000.

Also... the WinMover is an excellent bonus. It allows the moving of folders to any new location and lifts and reorders all the registry entries associated with the selected folder to maintain all pointers intact.

[iceni60]

{QUOTE-> This is one of my favourite cleaner programs. I'm using the version 2000 that was free with a UK PC mag cover disk and I still use it almost every day.

Never had any problems with the file cleaner or the registry cleaner.

Tried the later one click version as a trial... also liked it... but see no reason to upgrade from my great free and much used 2000.

Also... the WinMover is an excellent bonus. It allows the moving of folders to any new location and lifts and reorders all the registry entries associated with the selected folder to maintain all pointers intact. <-QUOTE}
i just realised i have it too from a magazine cover, i think i'll try it out (the disk also has Partition Expert and a whole lot more)

[wildman]

??? If memory serves me correct there was another thread some where here at Wilders that contained the same information. Do any of the moderators remember this?

In any event:

(1) Easy Cleaner: http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts/inpex.htm

(2) RegSeeker http://www.majorgeeks.com

Thanks
wildman
;)

[zarzenz]

{QUOTE-> i just realised i have it too from a magazine cover, i think i'll try it out (the disk also has Partition Expert and a whole lot more) <-QUOTE}

The one I have was free with PC Answers a couple of years ago. I used to get that mag every month til they started to concentrate too much on XP (which I accept was perfectly natural) as I still use WinME. Also I didn't like the 2 part magazine they started last year... stopped buying it then completely.

Anyway... to get back on topic... another feature of the WinMover section is the ability to rename folders with the same registry repointing as when folder moves are done. This is a great tool and saves all those broken shortcuts that can happen when renaming folders directly in explorer.

It does have a broken shortcut cleaner as well so any old moves/renames can be cleaned up from previous times.

One thing I would advise caution with however is the duplicate DLL cleaner as these can sometimes be difficult to decide if a particular DLL should be left in a particular location... a bit like all duplicate files. This is one area that I always feel should be taken lots of care over and often to leave a duplicate file is far better than the problems caused by removing them for the sake of a few kb of disk space etc. unless lots of knowledge has been gained in this area. I think duplicate removing can be far more difficult to resolve than registry cleaning, as most registry cleaners have good back up systems.

This is another thing I like about Ultra WinCleaner. The whole registry has to be backed up in the program itself before it allows any removals... a brilliant fail safe system that I have never seen in other cleaners.

Interestingly... the duplicate DLL cleaner was I think I'm right in saying, dropped from the later versions, so maybe this was felt too dangerous for the average user to play around with.

Anyway... the WinFresh & Clean and WinNet Cleaner sections along with the very excellent uninstall old programs using the WinCleaner Wizard make this a program I would never not have. It's one of the first programs to be reinstalled on my computer after a fresh OS install.

[muf]

Ace Utilities. Been using it for god knows how long and it's brilliant. But it's not a 'secure' scrubber. It's great at cleaning out crap but not one of these application's that makes the files unrecoverable by overwriting them 1 trillion times. Depends how paranoid you are. If you've got something to hide then use Evidence Eliminator, otherwise Ace Utilities will do the job of cleaning the crap very well.

muf

[securityuser]

{QUOTE-> Ace Utilities. Been using it for god knows how long and it's brilliant. But it's not a 'secure' scrubber. It's great at cleaning out crap but not one of these application's that makes the files unrecoverable by overwriting them 1 trillion times. Depends how paranoid you are. If you've got something to hide then use Evidence Eliminator, otherwise Ace Utilities will do the job of cleaning the crap very well.

muf <-QUOTE}
No. DO NOT use Evidence Eliminator under any circumstances! It is trash software written and maintained by people who don't give a damn about anything but selling software. EE puts loads of ^*%$ in your registry and is bloatware to the max. Many other programs are much better. To get into all the reasons that you want nothing to do with EE would take forever, just read the excellent work from the folks at Radsoft. They compiled The Evidence Eliminator Documents
http://www.radsoft.net/resources/software/reviews/ee/

Even Mike at spywareinfo.com has some choice words for the EE people:
http://www.spywareinfo.com/articles/evidence-eliminator/

and finally.... http://evidence-eliminator-sucks.com/

NEVER USE EVIDENCE ELIMINATOR!!!!

[Paranoid2000]

{QUOTE-> It is trash software written and maintained by people who don't give a damn about anything but selling software... <-QUOTE}Agreed - Robin Hood Software's spam 'n scare tactics have been the worst example of preying on user ignorance that I have ever come across on the Internet. Their fake "we know your ISP and they are co-operating with the police" webpage has disappeared but you can still see it courtesy of the Wayback Machine here (http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.evidence-eliminator.com/d2w/intro/server.d2w).

It was fun accessing it with an anonymizing proxy though: "Your ISP is co-operating: UNKNOWN They know you are using: Unusual type of browser Your computer is: an unusual type of OS Your risk status for further investigation: VERY HIGH RISK".

If you do need a secure deletion program then check out Eraser (http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/) (recommended in previous posts) - it's open source and free to use (donations accepted though).

[Wraith]

Wow, I can't believe no one has mentioned CyberScrub. Is there anything wrong w/ CyberScrub? I've tried Window Washer and I'm suspiscious of it. It's Gutman 35 pass method of overwriting is just as fast as it's more basic overwright methods. There's something wrong there. W/ C.S. you can see the difference.

[securityuser]

Cyberscrub is the exact same program as East-Tec Eraser. For reasons unknown to everybody, they market the program in the USA as Cyberscrub. Not a marketing deal, same company. It's very good, but whay pay when Eraser (above post Paranoid) is free? It's the best there is.

[Uguel707]

I use MRU-Blaster and I'm going to give Eraser a try.

[ronjor]

Eraser is excellent. :)

[Uguel707]

{QUOTE-> Eraser is excellent. :) <-QUOTE}

How long have you been running it?
have you noticed any bugs or quirks ???

[ronjor]

I've been using it for a few years. Since I found it here. (http://www.tolvanen.com/eraser/)

No bugs that I have found Uguel.

[dog]

Seeing as Nobody has mentioned it ... How 'bout Evidence Terminator by the Spy Cop folks (not to be confused with Evidence Eliminator) it's payware, but you can trial it (limited functionality - No Advance Scripts)

http://spycop.com/spycop-evidence-terminator-product.htm

:lurking: *puppy* :lurking:

[Uguel707]

Thanks ronjor! :)

[ronjor]

You're welcome Uguel. Stay warm! :D

[securityuser]

{QUOTE-> Seeing as Nobody has mentioned it ... How 'bout Evidence Terminator by the Spy Cop folks (not to be confused with Evidence Eliminator) it's payware, but you can trial it (limited functionality - No Advance Scripts)

http://spycop.com/spycop-evidence-terminator-product.htm

:lurking: *puppy* :lurking: <-QUOTE}
I don't know if I'd trust a company that is dumb enough to name a product that could so easily be confused with Evidence Eliminator. Even if they came along first, with all of the bad publicity for EE, I don't know if I'd trust a company that didn't CHANGE the name of their product because of the possibility of confusion. In my opinion, that's dumb, dumb, dumb.

[S!x]

I use Supercleaner and have for about 3 yrs. ... http://www.southbaypc.com/SuperCleaner/

[iwod]

i cannot believe crap cleaner is not included.....................i am using it and it is very good. And free!!

[richrf]

ccleaner and regseeker.

I am going to check out windows washer.

Rich

[Eraser5.7]

Eraser 5.7. Select the files to delete and let it start. Rest assured, it will be difficult to next impossible to recover them.

[Security Freak]

Two of the best are Ace Utilities(this can clean your PC in all aspects,and cover IE and Mozilla) and Tune Up Utilities is good too.

[INTOXSICKATED]

{QUOTE-> Two of the best are Ace Utilities(this can clean your PC in all aspects,and cover IE and Mozilla) and Tune Up Utilities is good too. <-QUOTE}
i like ace utilities! been using them for a while now. the ace optimizer utilities along with their registry compactor work great for my needs, and keep my computer clean. ;D

[bigc73542]

I now use the Ashampoo reg and disc cleaner. It also cleans dupe Dll's and more works well and very safe.

bigc

[chrisretusn]

I use CleanCache and CleanMOCache from ButtUglySoftware (http://www.buttuglysoftware.com/). CleanCache takes care of wiping out any IE leftovers on exit of IE. CleanMOCache takes care of Firefox (on exit) and Windows system stuff (at Windows startup). I've been using both for quite some time now and very happy with them.

I also use jv16 PowerTools (last free version) for cleaning the registry.

[Huwge]

Another vote for CCleaner and Regseeker

[richrf]

Anyone ever use R-Wipe and Clean? It has security disk cleaning which the others do not.

Rich

[Trooper]

I just tend to use CCleaner.

[WSFuser]

i like system mechanic because its an all-in-one utility suite and it has a good registry cleaner however for just cleaning junk files, then window washer is better.

[bpm3k]

I currently use two programs:

1. ccleaner (http://www.ccleaner.com/): Which i like because it is free. BUT it doesn't "wipe" or overwrite files. It just deletes them to make room.

2. SuperCleaner (http://www.southbaypc.com/SuperCleaner/) it seems to work well it always wipeing. Just don't let it delete all of you 0-byte files.

[Triple Helix]

I use Advanced System Optimizer V2 It's very good and safe too.

http://www.systweak.com/asov2/

Free Trial also!!

Here is the top ten review!!

http://pc-system-utilities-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

http://registry-repair-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

Cheers,;D

[iwod]

{QUOTE-> i cannot believe crap cleaner is not included.....................i am using it and it is very good. And free!! <-QUOTE}

To answer my own questions.... that was becoz ccleaner wasn't avalible in 2003 when this topic started :o .............

[sweater]

I use RegScrubXP, CM DiskCleaner, TweakNow RegCleaner, CleanCache, CleanMOCache, and JV16 Tools. ;)

[THOMASSALLY]

I use CCleaner


Never a problem.

Runs very fast

updates are often(enhancements )

gets all the junk

what more can i ask( its free)

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> I use CCleaner


Never a problem

Runs very fast

updates are often(enhancements )

gets all the junk

what more can i ask( its free) <-QUOTE}
You got that right and it runs even during each reboot, if you change the approriate setting.

[rawr]

Disk Cleaner..screen-shot below:

http://images.webattack.com/screenfiles/diskcleaner.gif

Great of all, its freeware! Grab it at http://www.snapfiles.com/get/diskcleaner.html ;D

[trojan]

i like windows and internet cleaner pro, i also use windowasher !!

bcwipe is a good tool for wiping free space i have used bcwipe for many years bc was 1 of the first cleaners to wipe swapfile slack file space etc they do a free version that only allows 7 times overwrite the full version allows you to change settings

http://www.neoimagic.com/download.htm <<< windows and internet cleaner pro

http://www.jetico.com/index.htm#/bcwipe.htm <<< bcwipe

[hitbit]

CyberScrub is the business.

[wildman]

;D (1) CCCleaner. (2) SmartBuster. (3) RegSeeker.

That's all one needs in my opinion, all of these are "free" ware and sites such as Geek or Two cows etc. should have the applicable links.

Thanks
Wildman
:) ;)

[Mikkey]

Ace Utilities. Wouldn't be without it. Tried all the others mentioned in this thread. None get even close.

M.

[dadkins]

CCleaner.

[Brinn]

I use CleanCache as my main cleaner. CCleaner is good for its analyze function. Anything it finds that CleanCache didn't catch, I make an additive for it in CleanCache. I finish off the cleaning with MRUBlaster.

I also use Eraser to delete files and to wipe unused HDD space.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> I use CleanCache as my main cleaner. CCleaner is good for its analyze function. Anything it finds that CleanCache didn't catch, I make an additive for it in CleanCache. I finish off the cleaning with MRUBlaster.

I also use Eraser to delete files and to wipe unused HDD space. <-QUOTE}
Seems to me that each programmer of all these cleaners has a different way to clean a computer.
I guess it's the same as servants : some do the house cleaning better than others. :)

[Carver]

I use Ccleaner as my main cleaner then regseeker. I just bought East-tec Eraser this morning and I also use Heidi eraser too. I have MRU blaster too, but I find that Ad-aware SE gets more MRUs

[RCGuy]

{QUOTE-> I use CleanCache as my main cleaner. CCleaner is good for its analyze function. Anything it finds that CleanCache didn't catch, I make an additive for it in CleanCache. <-QUOTE}

Even though I voted for Window Washer as the best(which is what the poll asked for :P ), I opted to use the freeware CleanCache cleaner. From a couple of freeware programs that I tried, I found this one to be the most user friendly.

[RCGuy]

I just downloaded the CCleaner and Eraser programs as mentioned by Brinn, but I don't see how people keep up with more than one cleaner program. Unlike having multiple spyware programs, cleaner programs have more variables that you have to repeatedly adjust(mainly cookie options). Also, as far as the MRUBlaster program, I deleted mine because it seemed to slow down my computer.

[Fernando Villegas]

{QUOTE-> I use CleanCache as my main cleaner. CCleaner is good for its analyze function. Anything it finds that CleanCache didn't catch, I make an additive for it in CleanCache. I finish off the cleaning with MRUBlaster.

I also use Eraser to delete files and to wipe unused HDD space. <-QUOTE}

I used to do that all that too.

Nowdays I just use the commandline version of eraser to delete all the files

I started with Langa's cleanup batch file (http://www.langa.com/cleanup_bat.htm) as a base , converted it to using Eraser's commandline version. This handles most of the obvious stuff like TIF, Temp folder & IE related stuff.

Then I added specific tweaks to clean for all the browsers I use Firefox, Opera, Kmelon and of course standard IE which is mostly covered already. Index.dat files are pretty amazing, they popup up quite a few places.

I also hunt down files with extensions like bak, tmp, amazingly that saves a lot of space. This is slightly risky if you dont know what you are doing.

Of course, I also added a ton of other stuff, based on Ccleaner (loads of stuff),cleanup (some relating to newsgroup subscriptions),Windows washers and a few other cleaners.

Eraser is set to -passes 35 of course. I set the batch file to run on startup once every week.

Eraser is then used to remove the junk in the recycle bin.

I compact my E-mail folders to recover deleted space. I set my paging file to zero.

After that I use MRUblaster, defrag, then I use Eraser to delete unusued delete space, use MRUblaster again and finally I do my weeky imaging.

Of course, before I do all that I have already subject my system to a full security scan by various tools from antiviruses, portmappers, intergrity checkers, anti-rootkits, autostart viewers and so on. Once the system is given a clean bill of health, I pull my network cable, disable all my security programs, then start carrying out the cleaning routine above.

[Osaban]

CCleaner - RegSupreme Pro - Eraser -

I've been using these three applications for a while and had no issues.

[Upasaka]

Tune Up Utilities 2006.

C Cleaner.

Privacy Mantra.

[AJohn]

Privacy Eraser Pro is the best I have used, with the exeption of some tools included in Extreme Power Tools.

[WSFuser]

what an old poll. i now use ccleaner.

[Bubba]

It is indeed a very old Poll and after 3 1/2 years numerous like programs have been born and the poll selection items have probably gone thru a number of version updates.

Having said that....We would all be greatful if someone would take of their time and create a more up to date Best Cleaner Program poll that would include as many of the players that one can find Please. We could then bring this seriously outdated Poll to a close and begin anew.

Thanks in advance,
Bubba

[WSFuser]

ok ive created the new poll. feel free to close this one now.

[Bubba]

Thanks to everyone for participating in this Best Cleaner Program Poll. We'll close this poll now and ask that you continue in our newest Cleaner Program Poll 2006 (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=143026).

Thanks,
Bubba