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    Registry cleaners for Vista, more harm than good?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by stanny1, Oct 24, 2008.

  1. stanny1

    stanny1 Notebook Consultant

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    I was thinking of using a registry cleaner for my Vista 32 sp1. I tried it on XP and it did ok, but never for Vista. Does it bring more harm than good? Shall I just leave it alone as it is or do I need a registry cleaner? Whats a good one?
     
  2. Matt is Pro

    Matt is Pro I'm a PC, so?

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    Many here, as well as I, will recommend CCleaner. It's awesome. Been using it for years without any problems. Just be sure to make the backup of the registry when prompted by CCleaner just in case something does happen.

    http://www.ccleaner.com/
     
  3. Lakjin

    Lakjin Notebook Deity

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    Second-ed

    10char
     
  4. artfuldodga

    artfuldodga Notebook Geek

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    Glary Utilitys is also a nice app, check that out.
     
  5. Lakjin

    Lakjin Notebook Deity

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    Be ready to be flamed by ccleaner users :p
     
  6. artfuldodga

    artfuldodga Notebook Geek

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    hah, i use a bunch of different tools myself =] including CCleaner
     
  7. stanny1

    stanny1 Notebook Consultant

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    Don't know if I should use a registry cleaner. I practically got no problems on Vista but my hands are itchy.
     
  8. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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  9. synic

    synic Notebook Deity

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    Here's part of an article called " Mythbusting: Debunking Common Windows Performance Tweaking Myths:"

    Anyway, CCleaner is nice.
     
  10. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    On XP O&O defrag somehow messed something up - WiseRegistry Cleaner solved the problem.
    (Had constant HDD access...)

    Anyway:

    WiseCleaner was very good - until I've got a light feeling that the recent version was a bit overly "enthuisistic" - i.e. I am not sure whether it is still safe.

    CCleaner is not very thorough - but reasonably safe.
     
  11. McGrady

    McGrady Notebook Virtuoso

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    I also use Ccleaner
     
  12. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

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    Just make sure that you create a restore point before trying any new tools/apps

    I personally stay away from any "aggressive" registry cleaners

    cheers ...
     
  13. stanny1

    stanny1 Notebook Consultant

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    My Vista system restore is off as suggested under the Vista tweaks post.
     
  14. Waveblade

    Waveblade Notebook Deity

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    I don't get why people turn off System Restore.


    I mean sure limit it to like 5-10GB tops or something but it is one of the best easy troubleshooting fixes.


    hey I can't quite pinpoint this driver problem.

    *system restore*
     
  15. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The reason why people turn the sysstem restore off is, that it messes up more than it repairs.

    - a lot of thing stop working when you do a system restore
    example: my laptop goes into standby when I close the lid, and wakesup when I open it. After a system restore I could shut it down after Standby...

    - other problem on older laptops inlude HP scansoftware if I'm not mistaken...

    Then, it will utilize your harddrive and use up battery power on laptop.
     
  16. jiangL

    jiangL Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hm, I don't know much about windows (I just switched over from OS X), and I used a registry cleaner (CCleaner) after hearing it recommended so much. After reading the downsides, I sort of wish I hadn't. Everything has been working fine since I ran it a few days ago, what are the odds I actually messed something up?
     
  17. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    With CCleaner not too large.

    As far as I am aware (no guarantee) all Microsoft prodcuts run fine after CCleaner (and all other registry cleaner) and most other "large" products do too - i.e. Adobe.

    Ages ago, HP scansoftware had a problem, I think that's gone now though...

    Still, its not ideal, but you should be ok.
     
  18. Junscelica

    Junscelica Notebook Enthusiast

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    CCleaner is excellent because it is not very aggressive but cleans all the junk and speeds up your computer. It perfect for a newbie and for anyone who is afraid to mess anything up.
     
  19. stanny1

    stanny1 Notebook Consultant

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    I guess I'm going to skip registry cleaners. I'll have to go with "Don't fix what ain't broken!"
     
  20. Nankuru

    Nankuru Notebook Evangelist

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    CCleaner doesn't just clean the registry. It can be set to delete temp files, caches etc as well or instead which is my main use for it.
     
  21. plattnnum

    plattnnum Notebook Evangelist

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    bonzai buddy ftw.
     
  22. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    When I am bored, I'll run CC Cleaner. Otherwise, the best part about running Vista is I never think about Registry Cleaners and Defragging. Heck. I even got rid of my real-time antivirus. Combination of UAC, NoScript, and Comodo Firewall makes for a Virus free, Malware free computing experience. I just tell folks not to click on popups. Of courses. I do recommend an anti-virus to people I talk. to. And I tell them not to trust Web based virus scanners.