CCleaner and System Suite 4 on my old XP machine that is lent out to someone. (I also take care of their security).
I used Tune Up Utilities, then last night I got XP Repair Pro, and wow, XP Repair Pro found and cleaned all kinds of invalid and redundant reg keys + loads of other crap, and now my XP Pro SP3 runs like I just installed it, I definatly give XP Repair Pro ten thumbs up! and I recommend it to anyone who wants a software to maximize their machines performance by cleaning out all the old junk!
I use no registry cleaners, and never will. I strongly suggest you read this thread: AUMHA Discussion: Should I Use a Registry Cleaner? http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=28099&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a To quote from that thread:
Hello, I used CCleaner at work and at home and I did like it. The problem is that I screwed up both computer when cleaning the registry. At work was a big deal with the IT Manager. At home at least I had the freadom to test wathewer I want, I still like it, but I end up restoring my PC. Should I use it again? I'm not so sure.
I don't run a registry cleaner but do use Registry Workshop as a regedit replacement. I do manual deletions if I need to and RW does the rest of the maintenance such as backup, defrag and it also has other features that I use. An interesting view, Mark's Blog, Registry Junk: A Windows Fact of Life.
Just ran across this registry cleaner comparison and thought some might find it interesting. FYI - It was done by Macecraft (makers of JV16 PowerTools).
Thanks for posting that link! I haven't seen a test like that since the original developer of jv16 PowerTools did a similar test years ago.
I use the later versions of CCleaner... no problems so far, but then I don't trust EVERYTHING it wants to clean... and check everything before I hit that little button... Regards - -Bob
I used to use a variety of them but my new approach is not to pollute my system. Regular imaging and restoring is the key.
Why am I not surprised that the latest version of their product came out the best and perfected many areas? Also don't see Auslogics among those many, many programs.
I got a couple the ones that are safe are Tune-up Utlitiies 2008 and 2009 seems smarter than 2008. It does housekeeping automatically every friday on systems except Server, which I have to use TweakPower Pack Pro on that box. But no always..
It's true like to say: There are no end-user benefits from running file cleaners. Unecessary files in the hard drive do no harm. It's why is quoted in the post related #31: This should not be a regular maintenance chore. It most certainly if done should not be automated.
That's kinda the reason I use a registry cleaner. I mean, I don't have any real problems, atleast not registry related that way, so problems would be fixed in some other way. I think more that if you've erronous or actually empty information that Windows reads when searching for something, it would logically take more time.
On XP you have to run them once a week or if you remove a large program. Otherwise don't need to touch it. I use the Junk remover and registry fixer/cleaner Tune-up Utilities 2009 1-click (weekly) Advanced System Optimizer as cluster feature. (only on large program removed)
I use jv16 PowerTools, and use CCleaner only for junk files. I clean the registry only about 10 or 12 times a year.
I tried CCleaner and Eusing for long months, but I wasn't satisfied. I use RegCure and Registry Easy, and from time to time Easycleaner.