Re: Registry Cleaner

[Kenny]

I've been using the one which is part of Iolo's System Mechanic for some
time now and never the slightest problem. Wouldn't trust any of the others
though after some bad experiences with them.

--

Kenny


"Michael Solomon (MS-MVP Windows Shell/User)" > wrote in
message ...
> Robert Arutunian wrote:
> > Dear Friends,
> > Is there any registry cleaner that is recommended that is
> > effective and simple to use by novice as myself? Is it
> > recommeded to use for maintaining computer?
> >
> > Thank You,
> >
> > Robert
> You're going to get a lot of conflicting opinions about this. You really
> don't need registry cleaner in XP. While some may disagree on that note,
as
> you pose your question you describe yourself as a novice. Even for the
most
> experienced, a registry cleaner is frought with danger.
>
> If you are not prepared for a complete reformat, all your data backed up,
> the ability to reinstall all your applications, use of a registry cleaner
is
> not something you should do.
>
> Most of them a pretty simple, some will even describe what each key does
and
> offer recomendations but these things are not perfect and setups are not
> identical. Thre are few things about which you need to be more cautious
> than with the use of a registry cleaner. Even those who would disagree
with
> me about the need will likely tell you the same thing. You need to be
> prepared for the worst case scenario. If it messes things up to that
point,
> you'll go through a lot of work bringing things back the way you want them
> and the potential "good" a registry cleaner does would be far outweighed
by
> what you'd go through if things go wrong.
>
> One other point, some might suggest making a restore point with System
> Restore before using a reg cleaner and I'd certainly concur. The only
> problem is, it's possible the reg cleaner could break System Restore and
> then where would you be? Even if it doesn't, there are some thnngs beyond
> which even System Restore wouldn't be able to fix.
>
> --
> Michael Solomon MS-MVP
> Windows Shell/User
> Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
> DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/
>
>

[djmasala.com]

I highly recommend JV16 PowerTools: www.jv16.org




"Robert Arutunian" > wrote in message
...
> Dear Friends,
> Is there any registry cleaner that is recommended that is
> effective and simple to use by novice as myself? Is it
> recommeded to use for maintaining computer?
>
> Thank You,
>
> Robert

[Kelly]

Hi Robert,

>Is it recommended to use for maintaining computer?

Generally speaking, no!

--
All the Best,
Kelly

MS-MVP Win98/XP
[AE-Windows® XP]

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_abc.htm
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm


"Robert Arutunian" > wrote in message
...
> Dear Friends,
> Is there any registry cleaner that is recommended that is
> effective and simple to use by novice as myself? Is it
> recommeded to use for maintaining computer?
>
> Thank You,
>
> Robert

[The Reverend XP]

Generally speaking I consider Kelly's advice quite good
but in this case she is entirely wrong. If downloading and
adding and deleting a great many programs then the
registry can become cluttered with useless stuff and a
good cleaner like JV16 Power Tools is a must to assist in
removing these. Like anything else unwanted entries can
and do cause problems and frequently adware\spyware
exploit the lack of knowledge and fear regarding the
registry and cleaning it. Registry cleaning is a must in
XP and a necessary part of proper system maintenance. Good
luck.

[The Reverend XP]

Once again I find myself questioning the "Experts" advice.
Registry cleaning is simply a must as any good techie or
even novice like myself would tell you. A dirty registry
loaded with blind links and bad keys can and will affect
the system and at the very least cause slowdowns and more
likely conflicts and lockups. I am sorry but not cleaning
the registry is like the advice not to defrag. As for the
system restore this is by far and away the most useless
way in XP to backup your system for any reason. It is
affected by anything from disc optimizers to defrag to
virus checks. NT Backup is the superior and much more
dependable tool as I am sure any "expert" would agree. I
was a virgin with computers until I got XP and yet using
registry tweaks like those suggested by Kelly and other MS
MVPs I quickly became familiar with the editing techniques
and very comfortable with changing the registry. JV16
Power Tools is one that I use and quite safe contrary to
the Nay sayers opinions. Good luck.

[The Revernd XP]

You are mistaken Walter and bad advice is not what a
novice needs. A cluttered registry can and will cause
conflicts and problems any expert knows that. Good luck.

[Don Burnette]

Ditto here on System Mechanic, I have not had a problem using it for
cleaning my registry. I use it about twice a month, or when I uninstall
drivers prior to installing newer drivers to get rid of any remnants of the
older drivers that might be left behind.
But I would agree, a registry cleaner really should only be considered by an
advanced user rather than someone that is not so well versed. I also image
my system drive on a weekly basis as well, just in case...

Don Burnette


Kenny wrote:
> I've been using the one which is part of Iolo's System Mechanic for
> some time now and never the slightest problem. Wouldn't trust any of
> the others though after some bad experiences with them.
>
>
> "Michael Solomon (MS-MVP Windows Shell/User)" > wrote
> in message ...
>> Robert Arutunian wrote:
>>> Dear Friends,
>>> Is there any registry cleaner that is recommended that is
>>> effective and simple to use by novice as myself? Is it
>>> recommeded to use for maintaining computer?
>>>
>>> Thank You,
>>>
>>> Robert
>> You're going to get a lot of conflicting opinions about this. You
>> really don't need registry cleaner in XP. While some may disagree
>> on that note, as you pose your question you describe yourself as a
>> novice. Even for the most experienced, a registry cleaner is
>> frought with danger.
>>
>> If you are not prepared for a complete reformat, all your data
>> backed up, the ability to reinstall all your applications, use of a
>> registry cleaner is not something you should do.
>>
>> Most of them a pretty simple, some will even describe what each key
>> does and offer recomendations but these things are not perfect and
>> setups are not identical. Thre are few things about which you need
>> to be more cautious than with the use of a registry cleaner. Even
>> those who would disagree with me about the need will likely tell you
>> the same thing. You need to be prepared for the worst case
>> scenario. If it messes things up to that point, you'll go through a
>> lot of work bringing things back the way you want them and the
>> potential "good" a registry cleaner does would be far outweighed by
>> what you'd go through if things go wrong.
>>
>> One other point, some might suggest making a restore point with
>> System Restore before using a reg cleaner and I'd certainly concur.
>> The only problem is, it's possible the reg cleaner could break
>> System Restore and then where would you be? Even if it doesn't,
>> there are some thnngs beyond which even System Restore wouldn't be
>> able to fix.
>>
>> --
>> Michael Solomon MS-MVP
>> Windows Shell/User
>> Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
>> DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

The Reverend XP wrote:
> Once again I find myself questioning the "Experts" advice.
> Registry cleaning is simply a must as any good techie or
> even novice like myself would tell you. A dirty registry
> loaded with blind links and bad keys can and will affect
> the system and at the very least cause slowdowns and more
> likely conflicts and lockups. I am sorry but not cleaning
> the registry is like the advice not to defrag. As for the
> system restore this is by far and away the most useless
> way in XP to backup your system for any reason. It is
> affected by anything from disc optimizers to defrag to
> virus checks. NT Backup is the superior and much more
> dependable tool as I am sure any "expert" would agree. I
> was a virgin with computers until I got XP and yet using
> registry tweaks like those suggested by Kelly and other MS
> MVPs I quickly became familiar with the editing techniques
> and very comfortable with changing the registry. JV16
> Power Tools is one that I use and quite safe contrary to
> the Nay sayers opinions. Good luck.
You are certainly entitled to your opinion. Will you be there to help the
novice pick up the pieces if he mucks up the registry?

Second, note the second paragraph in my response. My last suggestion about
System Restore was meant as an adjunct to backup not a replacement for it,
something it most cerainly is not.

The rest of what you say depends upon your own usage patterns. If you are
constantly adding and removing software, perhaps beta testing, there may be
some use for a reg clean utility and even some merit in your feelings on the
subject. Personally, I prefer an image of a clean install including my app
installations plux a good backup.

That said, the OP claimed to be a novice. Registry cleaners are not novice
tools, not even the easiest of them. Go up and down these boards and note
the number of people running without a decent backup, note all the horror
stories in which people can't boot or can't get into their setups and their
impassioned pleas for help because they fear losing their files.

If the OP, is well backed up, understands proper backup and restore
procedures and is prepared for the possibility he may have to reinstall his
operating system and his applicatons one by one and then restore his data,
then you can blithely give him your advice.

You don't run with your pants down. The difference between you and me is
beyond our "Opinions" of reg cleaners, if he comes crawling in here with a
sob story that he can't boot and he didn't back up, I have to help him pick
up the pieces and he has to hope that I or others like me can help him do
so. It's irresponsible to give the kind of advice you gave to someone who,
by his own admission, is a novice.

--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

[Walter Clayton]

Nope. ;-)

Much overrated issue. And that's from personal experience. What is bad is a
registry cleaner run amok. That's deadly and very dangerous.

--
Walter Clayton - MS MVP(WinXP)
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced.
http://www.dts-l.org
http://support.microsoft.com/servicedesks/fileversion/default.asp


"The Revernd XP" > wrote in message
...
> You are mistaken Walter and bad advice is not what a
> novice needs. A cluttered registry can and will cause
> conflicts and problems any expert knows that. Good luck.

[Don Burnette]

The Reverend XP wrote:
> Once again I find myself questioning the "Experts" advice.
> Registry cleaning is simply a must as any good techie or
> even novice like myself would tell you. A dirty registry
> loaded with blind links and bad keys can and will affect
> the system and at the very least cause slowdowns and more
> likely conflicts and lockups. I am sorry but not cleaning
> the registry is like the advice not to defrag. As for the
> system restore this is by far and away the most useless
> way in XP to backup your system for any reason. It is
> affected by anything from disc optimizers to defrag to
> virus checks. NT Backup is the superior and much more
> dependable tool as I am sure any "expert" would agree. I
> was a virgin with computers until I got XP and yet using
> registry tweaks like those suggested by Kelly and other MS
> MVPs I quickly became familiar with the editing techniques
> and very comfortable with changing the registry. JV16
> Power Tools is one that I use and quite safe contrary to
> the Nay sayers opinions. Good luck.

Registry cleaning is fine, for advanced users willing to take the risks! I
would never recommend a registry cleaner to a newer user.

Also, you state system restore is far and away the most useless way in XP to
backup your system for any reason. System Restore is NOT a backup program!!!
No wonder you can't get it to work for you, you have no comprehinsion of
what the program is designed to do, nor of the differences in a backup
program versus a system restore.

Once again, I find you spewing forth crap.

Btw, your still a virgin with computers.

--
Don Burnette

remove clothes when replying via email

[Walter Clayton]

Again, nope.

I have a registry that has been upgraded from 98, to SE, to Me and finally
XP that's as old as 98. It's even had some beta code unintentionally
installed (long story).

Care to take a wild guess at the number of times I've run a registry cleaner
or the number of issues I have?

--
Walter Clayton - MS MVP(WinXP)
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced.
http://www.dts-l.org
http://support.microsoft.com/servicedesks/fileversion/default.asp


"The Reverend XP" > wrote in message
...
> Generally speaking I consider Kelly's advice quite good
> but in this case she is entirely wrong. If downloading and
> adding and deleting a great many programs then the
> registry can become cluttered with useless stuff and a
> good cleaner like JV16 Power Tools is a must to assist in
> removing these. Like anything else unwanted entries can
> and do cause problems and frequently adware\spyware
> exploit the lack of knowledge and fear regarding the
> registry and cleaning it. Registry cleaning is a must in
> XP and a necessary part of proper system maintenance. Good
> luck.

[Kelly]

Ditto and case in point! Now back to our regularly scheduled program:

>Is it recommended to use for maintaining computer?

Generally speaking, no!

--
All the Best,
Kelly

MS-MVP Win98/XP
[AE-Windows® XP]

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_abc.htm
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/top10faqs.htm


"Walter Clayton" > wrote in message
...
> Again, nope.
>
> I have a registry that has been upgraded from 98, to SE, to Me and finally
> XP that's as old as 98. It's even had some beta code unintentionally
> installed (long story).
>
> Care to take a wild guess at the number of times I've run a registry
cleaner
> or the number of issues I have?
>
> --
> Walter Clayton - MS MVP(WinXP)
> Associate Expert
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
> Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced.
> http://www.dts-l.org
> http://support.microsoft.com/servicedesks/fileversion/default.asp
>
>
> "The Reverend XP" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Generally speaking I consider Kelly's advice quite good
> > but in this case she is entirely wrong. If downloading and
> > adding and deleting a great many programs then the
> > registry can become cluttered with useless stuff and a
> > good cleaner like JV16 Power Tools is a must to assist in
> > removing these. Like anything else unwanted entries can
> > and do cause problems and frequently adware\spyware
> > exploit the lack of knowledge and fear regarding the
> > registry and cleaning it. Registry cleaning is a must in
> > XP and a necessary part of proper system maintenance. Good
> > luck.
>
>

[Ted]

"Robert Arutunian" > wrote in message =
...
> Dear Friends,
> Is there any registry cleaner that is recommended that is=20
> effective and simple to use by novice as myself? Is it=20
> recommeded to use for maintaining computer?
>=20
> Thank You,
>=20
> Robert

NO, No, and Nononononooooooo!

Don't listen to anyone here recommending any registry cleaner, as it is =
NOT necessary in XP. System Restore (learn more how it work and how to =
use it!) works just fine for doing such registry changes, in case of, =
whatever. Don't EVER take the advice of "Reverend XP", or "willit" =
regarding System Restore and using a registry cleaner, don't use Iolo's =
either, whether one of the others say it is ok, as it cost money, and =
would then be used so little. Then the upgrades cost money. They all =
are, more or less, snake oils that can cause restores that entail a =
total reinstallation of the operating system

The only thing I would recommend for keeping an organized registry, is =
NTREGOPT, which simply defrags the registry, and gets rid of the slack =
created in it,

http://home.t-online.de/home/lars.hederer/erunt/ =20

It's on the top right for downloading.

[Walter Clayton]

The answer to the first question is no, there is none.

The answer to the second question is that no, it's not necessary.

--
Walter Clayton - MS MVP(WinXP)
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone
Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced.
http://www.dts-l.org
http://support.microsoft.com/servicedesks/fileversion/default.asp


"Robert Arutunian" > wrote in message
...
> Dear Friends,
> Is there any registry cleaner that is recommended that is
> effective and simple to use by novice as myself? Is it
> recommeded to use for maintaining computer?
>
> Thank You,
>
> Robert

[Wislu Plethora]

>-----Original Message-----
>Dear Friends,
>Is there any registry cleaner that is recommended that is
>effective and simple to use by novice as myself? Is it
>recommeded to use for maintaining computer?
>
>Thank You,
>
>Robert

After having perused the long string of responses to this
question, I think that there are strong opinions on both
sides. Generally speaking, strong opinions ususally
emanate, at least partially, from some sort of bias that
is not necessarily grounded in pragmatism.

Unless a user understands what the registry is and how and
why it works, at least on a basic level, he or she should
not mess with it. The potential for disaster far outweighs
the potential benefits.

On the other hand, for users who do understand the
mechanics and potential risks, and are prepared to deal
with them, a good registry cleaner can be a useful tool.
This is especially true in cases where one is attempting
to install a new version of a program and the old conflicts
with the new due to registry anomalies. It is also useful
when software, after being uninstalled, leaves all kinds
of crap behind that might interfere with subsequent
installations.

I agree with Mr. Clayton in saying that it is, for the
most part, an overrated issue. For some users, tweaking and
fiddling and hacking is a hobby. These are the types that
are likely to opine that registry cleaning is imperative.
In their world, it is, but that world is based on a sort
of benign neurosis that the rest of us should just ignore.
Until, that is, the neurosis manifests itself in
questionable advice to novices, in which case we have to
hope that common sense will prevail.

[Frank]

Kelly wrote:
| Ditto and case in point! Now back to our regularly scheduled program:
|
|| Is it recommended to use for maintaining computer?
|
| Generally speaking, no!

| "Walter Clayton" > wrote in message
| ...
|| Again, nope.

|| "The Reverend XP" > wrote in message
|| ...

I got weened from using any utility type application from using
Norton utilities for dos. I was using MSDOS 622 at the time.
I did have my whole system backed up to 17 floppies. Never
since have I used any of these type apps. Including personal
firewalls, anti virus, reg cleaners or system optimizers.
For me it is as a rule NO.......

--
Tampa Bay

[nevermore]

"Wislu Plethora" > wrote in message
...
>
> >-----Original Message-----
> >Dear Friends,
> >Is there any registry cleaner that is recommended that is
> >effective and simple to use by novice as myself? Is it
> >recommeded to use for maintaining computer?
> >
> >Thank You,
> >
> >Robert
>
> The potential for disaster far outweighs
the potential benefits.
>
>For some users, tweaking and
> fiddling and hacking is a hobby. These are the types that
> are likely to opine that registry cleaning is imperative.
> In their world, it is, but that world is based on a sort
> of benign neurosis that the rest of us should just ignore.

LOL. You made my day! I didn't understand what was wrong with me until you
defined it! Benign neurosis is perfect. And I strongly echo your sentiments
as a neurotic who does fiddle with the registry and causes myself NO END OF
GRIEF but apparently cannot stop myself. I have not found a single cleaner
that did not allow me to self-destruct. Fortunately, I image frequently so
the grief is limited. Fiddling with the registry is for the enlightened or
the neurotic. All healthy novices should steer well clear.

[Unknown]

Try jv16 power tools. It is free, is almost self teaching, safe, does a very
good job, and has other very valuable tools with it. You can get it at
http://www.jv16.org
"nevermore" > wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
>
> "Wislu Plethora" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> > >-----Original Message-----
> > >Dear Friends,
> > >Is there any registry cleaner that is recommended that is
> > >effective and simple to use by novice as myself? Is it
> > >recommeded to use for maintaining computer?
> > >
> > >Thank You,
> > >
> > >Robert
> >
> > The potential for disaster far outweighs
> the potential benefits.
> >
> >For some users, tweaking and
> > fiddling and hacking is a hobby. These are the types that
> > are likely to opine that registry cleaning is imperative.
> > In their world, it is, but that world is based on a sort
> > of benign neurosis that the rest of us should just ignore.
>
> LOL. You made my day! I didn't understand what was wrong with me until you
> defined it! Benign neurosis is perfect. And I strongly echo your
sentiments
> as a neurotic who does fiddle with the registry and causes myself NO END
OF
> GRIEF but apparently cannot stop myself. I have not found a single cleaner
> that did not allow me to self-destruct. Fortunately, I image frequently so
> the grief is limited. Fiddling with the registry is for the enlightened or
> the neurotic. All healthy novices should steer well clear.
>
>

[Ted]

"Unknown" > wrote in message =
y.com...
> Try jv16 power tools. It is free, is almost self teaching, safe, does =
a very
> good job, and has other very valuable tools with it. You can get it at
> http://www.jv16.org

Stay current or be gone, the jv16 power tools are no longer free!

[Unknown]

Good grief. I didn't know that. However what do you expect me to do? Go to
the jv16 site everyday? Get real!
"Ted" <""""""""> wrote in message
s.com...

"Unknown" > wrote in message
y.com...
> Try jv16 power tools. It is free, is almost self teaching, safe, does a
very
> good job, and has other very valuable tools with it. You can get it at
> http://www.jv16.org

Stay current or be gone, the jv16 power tools are no longer free!

[nevermore]

Unknown wrote:
|| Good grief. I didn't know that. However what do you expect me to do?
|| Go to the jv16 site everyday? Get real!
|| "Ted" <""""""""> wrote in message
|| s.com...
||
|| "Unknown" > wrote in message
|| y.com...
||| Try jv16 power tools. It is free, is almost self teaching, safe,
||| does a very good job, and has other very valuable tools with it.
||| You can get it at http://www.jv16.org
||
|| Stay current or be gone, the jv16 power tools are no longer free!
Please don't fret, Unknown. I was one of the fortunate who had downloaded it
while it was still free. I hadn't really used the Registry Cleaner in it but
have since taken a peek and I appreciate your tip.

[Frank]

Unknown wrote:
| Try jv16 power tools. It is free, is almost self teaching, safe, does
| a very good job, and has other very valuable tools with it. You can
| get it at http://www.jv16.org

jv16 power tools are not free. If you go to the site you will see.

| "nevermore" > wrote in message
| le.rogers.com...
||
|| "Wislu Plethora" > wrote in message
|| ...
|||
|||| -----Original Message-----
|||| Dear Friends,
|||| Is there any registry cleaner that is recommended that is
|||| effective and simple to use by novice as myself? Is it
|||| recommeded to use for maintaining computer?
||||
|||| Thank You,
||||
|||| Robert
|||
||| The potential for disaster far outweighs
|| the potential benefits.
|||
||| For some users, tweaking and
||| fiddling and hacking is a hobby. These are the types that
||| are likely to opine that registry cleaning is imperative.
||| In their world, it is, but that world is based on a sort
||| of benign neurosis that the rest of us should just ignore.
||
|| LOL. You made my day! I didn't understand what was wrong with me
|| until you defined it! Benign neurosis is perfect. And I strongly
|| echo your sentiments as a neurotic who does fiddle with the registry
|| and causes myself NO END OF GRIEF but apparently cannot stop myself.
|| I have not found a single cleaner that did not allow me to
|| self-destruct. Fortunately, I image frequently so the grief is
|| limited. Fiddling with the registry is for the enlightened or the
|| neurotic. All healthy novices should steer well clear.



--
Tampa Bay

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

Robert Arutunian wrote:
> Dear Friends,
> Is there any registry cleaner that is recommended that is
> effective and simple to use by novice as myself? Is it
> recommeded to use for maintaining computer?
>
> Thank You,
>
> Robert
You're going to get a lot of conflicting opinions about this. You really
don't need registry cleaner in XP. While some may disagree on that note, as
you pose your question you describe yourself as a novice. Even for the most
experienced, a registry cleaner is frought with danger.

If you are not prepared for a complete reformat, all your data backed up,
the ability to reinstall all your applications, use of a registry cleaner is
not something you should do.

Most of them a pretty simple, some will even describe what each key does and
offer recomendations but these things are not perfect and setups are not
identical. Thre are few things about which you need to be more cautious
than with the use of a registry cleaner. Even those who would disagree with
me about the need will likely tell you the same thing. You need to be
prepared for the worst case scenario. If it messes things up to that point,
you'll go through a lot of work bringing things back the way you want them
and the potential "good" a registry cleaner does would be far outweighed by
what you'd go through if things go wrong.

One other point, some might suggest making a restore point with System
Restore before using a reg cleaner and I'd certainly concur. The only
problem is, it's possible the reg cleaner could break System Restore and
then where would you be? Even if it doesn't, there are some thnngs beyond
which even System Restore wouldn't be able to fix.

--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/