Community Newsletter: Q&A: Slow computer: Will a registry cleaner help?
- 2/22/08 12:08 PM
Registry Cleaner
by msgale - 2/9/08 7:32 PM In reply to: Slow computer: Will a registry cleaner help? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
What can a registry clearner do for me? Nothing or worst.
Speed up sp2
by jessezhao - 2/9/08 7:46 PM In reply to: Slow computer: Will a registry cleaner help? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
One great way to speed up a computer is to open msconfig (through run) and turn off most or all of the startup programs. The effect is immediate, and its amazingly simple.
The Snail That Ate My Computer
by wiguel - 2/9/08 8:13 PM In reply to: Slow computer: Will a registry cleaner help? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The Snail That Ate My Computer
The following works for me and works very well.
If you don't have the following programs, all of which are free. Download them and install.
Each has an upgrade available for $$$$$. I have never had a need to upgrade.
1. AVG Anti-Vi http://free.grisoft.com
2. AdAware http://www.lavasoftusa.com
3. Spybot http://spywarebot.com
4. WinPatrol http://www.winpatrol.com
5. RegScrub http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2048
As you may have read before, it would appear that no single "anti-spy" program will detect and remove ALL such problems. I found this to be true, but the combination of the first Four (4) programs keeps my computer 99% free of viruses, hijackers, IE Helpers, dialers, etc,
My protocol, at least once a week:
1. Start/Settings/Accessories/System Tools/Disc Cleanup - run
utility
2. Start/Settings/Control Panel/Internet Options/Delete Files/Delete
History
Click on Delete Cookies only if you want to remove ALL cookies.
Some you may want to keep,so I have found it better to use
WinPatrol to manage cookies.
3. AVG Anti-Virus - from within the program, search for updates,
download, install - run program
4. AdAware - from within the program, search for updates, download,
install. The program has two "scan" options - Complete scan or
Smart Scan. I run Smart Scan weekly and Complete Scan once a
month.
5. Spybot - from within the program, search for updates, download,
install - run program
6. WinPatrol - I almost can't say enough about this program. One
particular feature is that it prevents ANY new program from being
activated without your specific permission.
You will note on the website that the $29.95 upgrade basically
adds "Real Time Intrusion Protection". I don't know the
cost/benefit of this, as the basic program appears to do this
already.
The control panel displays the tabbed options of Startup
Programs, Delayed Start, IE Helpers, Scheduled Tasks, Services,
Active Tasks, Cookies, File Types, Hidden Files, "Plus",
Options", exists.giving you good control over what you want to
allow your computer to do. It also functions as a Registry
Cleaner by removing information that is no longer needed and
"First Detected" information on a regular basic when the file no
longer needed.
To obtain the updates you must go to the WinPatrol site to
download. Do so & run
7. RegScrub - This little program has been around a long time and
is the best free program around. And that's not just my opinion.
Read the Help file and run the program.
There is another program out there titled jv16 PowerTools, which
can be found at ......www.macecraft.com. I have heard good
things about it, though it is not free (three versions, each one
costing more). It is touted to find far more junk registry
entries than RegScrub. Again .... cost/benefit is the question
and they do offer a 30 day free trial that allows you to check it
out.
I have recommended the above programs and protocol to dozens of people and it has worked satisfactorily for all.
Mike W.
Oregon
Registry Cleaner May not Help
by JohnBoy1012 - 2/9/08 8:14 PM In reply to: Slow computer: Will a registry cleaner help? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have been using registry cleaners for several year. Registry Healer, Regscrub, and the built in tool with CCleaner (the last 2 are free). I have never had a problem. I have never, however, noticed anymore than a barely detectable increase in performance. While they do get rid of some of the junk left in the registry most of it is left behind. They look for general rules when cleaning and because the stuff loaded onto every personal computer is different, every computer will have different registry entries. I've found that much of the decrease in speed is due to the hidden little pieces of code which most programs load up when they are installed and which run without your knowledge, every time you boot up. Some remain and keep running even after the program is uninstalled. In short using the above programs will most likely not harm your computer (unless you really get carried away)but they will also probably not give you noticeable performance improvement. So why do I use them???? Force of habit I guess.
Feel safe Tom
by Shaggynz - 2/9/08 8:26 PM In reply to: Slow computer: Will a registry cleaner help? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Most registry cleaners have a back up part to there program's I used to feel the same way as you but I now use with out hesitation two such program's the 1st is Ace Utilities which is paid for one and the 2nd is Advanced WindowsCare V2 which is free plus a 3rd one TuneUp Utilities 2008 which is a paid one , now all these programs have many other performance things for your pc , I look at them like a free maid cleaning service for my pc . They are all excellent and trust worthy programs . The latest one I found is the Advanced WindowsCare V2 and that has a back up registry part to it .On the slowness of your pc do you defrag on a once a week base's ( start, all programs accessories, system tools and the defrag ) There is a very good program (paid ) that is really great and fast for this also which I use called Diskeeper , I have searched the web for a better one but I find this one the best. Also do you dust the insides of you pc and don't be scared of this but do read some articles on doing that , also when was the last time you changed your bios battery ,plus temp files when was the last time you deleted them I hope there is is something in this long ramble that will help you.
Registry Cleaners vs. reloading your system
by wpavlik2 - 2/9/08 8:49 PM In reply to: Slow computer: Will a registry cleaner help? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I'm probably going to take a different direction than many folks on this forum.
I'm under the assumption that you have not wiped and reloaded your system in the 5 years you've owned it. If so, my recommendation would be to back up your data, either on removable or alternate hard disk, or via an online backup solution such as Carbonite or Dell Datasafe and then use your system restore disc, wipe your system and reinstall the OS fresh.
This may seem like a drastic measure, but after 5 years worth of "data crud" on your system, it's probably due.
I've used PC Pitstop with some success and it was only $30 bucks for that app.
backup and clean the registry
by lsutiger2006 - 2/9/08 9:01 PM In reply to: Slow computer: Will a registry cleaner help? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Have no fears! All you have to do is backup your registry if you are worried. You can put it on a flash/non-local/removable drive for safe keeping.
The registry is a database that tells windows basically how to act. It tells the OS what to do with files, has your startup settings, your hardware profile, etc.
If you run a registry cleaner, it will get rid of non essential parts and make load times faster. And when the system tries to access information needed in the registry, it will make access times faster.
As far as good registry cleaners, I couldn't tell you. I run Linux ( former windows user ) and I don't have those problems 
Registry Cleaner
by nil desperandum - 2/9/08 9:19 PM In reply to: Slow computer: Will a registry cleaner help? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Advanced Windows Care Personal from Iobit keeps my PC clean. I run it every day. Of course once you get on the 'net again more stuff hits your PC so it is a never ending task ... the price of being on the web.
The Registry we love to hate
by XxBernieErniexX - 2/9/08 10:21 PM In reply to: Slow computer: Will a registry cleaner help? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Tom. Alot of computer users are often faced with the task of 'what to do' with a bloated registry. This happens from installing and uninstalling software, which actually doesn't uninstall correctly. This leaves all kinds of unwanted stuff in the registry. Registry cleaners will first scan the registry and file system. Afterwards, the user will be presented with a categorized list of all the discrepancies that the cleaner finds. The user then has basically two choices:
The first choice is to allow the cleaner to automatically fix all errors. This is the quickest option, as the software will usually create a backup of the registry and then perform the task of deleting everything in the registry that it thinks doesn't belong there. However, this method is not fullproof and certain registry entries may be removed that actually shouldn't be. This can be corrected by restoring the backup, should things go wrong afterwards. I've never really experienced any problems using this method.
The second choice for the user would be to manually wade through the list and make the decision on what gets removed from the registry and what doesn't. The problem that I see with you using this option is that you said you've been using the same installation for five years. It is possible, in your case, that you will be presented with literally thousands of errors that the software has flagged. If you are skittish about working with the registry, I predict you will be frustrated within the first minute of scrolling through the list. But don't let this discourage you from taking control of the situation. The key is to make sure you create a backup before making any changes to the registry. The first option may be your best choice but it is up to you to make the final decision on how to proceed.
As far as cleaning software is concerned, there is a good free program called RegSeeker that I've been using recently. It scans quickly and will create backups of everything it deletes. It hasn't crashed my system yet, and I let it automatically fix all errors.
Just a quick note for a slow running computer: I'm sure you know to keep your drive defragmented for optimal use. However, one area that computer users sometimes neglect is physically cleaning inside the case itself. Air vents and cooling fans can become obstructed with dirt over time and cause unnecessary internal heat buildup. This may also slow your system down and possibly damage it.
Good luck with your registry adventure. I'm sure you will be less intimidated after cleaning it a few times.
Paul
Then what is one of the best solution
by Dotuletz - 2/9/08 11:00 PM In reply to: The Registry we love to hate by XxBernieErniexXHello Tom and everyone.
I read most of the posts and what i've realised is that a normal user should backup files & registry, use a software to clean the drives from unwanted files and virus programs (mostly temps but files are stored anyware), then clean the registy with an other software, then defragment the registry too.
So i saw a lot of names of software, but now lets be serios, we should have a program that makes all that, right ? Since that is not yet availeble (as i know...), it resumes to 2 programs. My question is this: which 2 programs should he use ? (and us for that matter). Try to post 2 software packages that make all the backup, cleaning & defragmantation (both on hard drives & registry) so that Tom shold get to work and make his pc fast (
except the antivirus part, i don't think it's right to post antivirus solution since we are talking about registry cleaners)
Like i said i use TuneUp Utilities 2008 (cleaner both files & registry, backup both files & registry, defrag both files & registry, it has a disk management that shows all files depending on size) and WinXp Manager, or VistaXP Manager depending on OS, (great uninstaller, cleans registry even better that TuneUp but it has more options on disk keeping & cleaning).
So we should post more packeges for Tom so his work could be done fast for the primary drive (wich has the OS because that is the most important, right?)
see my post below
by r_rayjr - 2/9/08 11:19 PM In reply to: Then what is one of the best solution by DotuletzCheck out my post below that has the subject line DO IT ALL!!!
There are programs out there that does do it all, or most of it anyway. It's called http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm?s_cid=msep
There is also a website that does some of this and more. I said something about this in page 9 or 10 in this tread, but it is called PC Pit Stop. There is two versions. And program you have to buy and there is the websites free version, that only runs when you run it at there website.
I use both of these at least once a month to make sure I have no problems. And I have never had a problem because of my computer. The only problem I have ever had with my computer is when my cable internet does down, or when my power does out... My computer has never been slow, and had the blue screen of death or nothing. And I have had this computer for over 5 years. My Sister has a compute I go free from the VA what the VA paid for me when I was going to school, and I update that thing for her when she had internet connection. Or if I bring it back to my home to work on it, to use my internet connection. And that computer is about 10 years old, and if I can get to it about every other month, it runs good too. But I don't always get to work on it. Only when it has been months that it was maintained and it has gotten so slow from all of the games and other junk programs that my sister puts on it then half way deletes from the computer. That is one thing that some times slows computers down. Downloading programs and then removing the program, and not get the whole thing removed, because most of the time the Registry for those removed programs are not removed. And that is why a Registry Cleaner should be used. And the first thing I said above had a Registry Cleaner in it. It also does Virus scan, Spyware scan, Disk fragmentation scan, Disk cleanup scan and a Open ports scan. This is called a Utility program and there are several out there. Some free ones, some bigger than others, some smaller than most. But most of the Utility programs do have a Registry Cleaner. But not all of them.
Do it all!!!
by r_rayjr - 2/9/08 10:53 PM In reply to: Slow computer: Will a registry cleaner help? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have been reading all of what other people are saying, and if you want a FREE do it all way to take care of your window system, use the FREE WINDOW'S ONECARE LIVE at http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm?s_cid=msep
It does everything that you need. But since it is a online thing, it only does it when you go to the webpage above and run the full scan. It does your registry cleaning, it checks for viruses, spyware, cleans your hard drive, and everything else. And best of all, IT FREE!!!
Just got to the page above, about half way down the page is a blue box that says FULL SERVICE SCAN. Click it, a new window will open with another blue box that says, INSTALL NOW. This is to downloads a temp file that with run on your computer just this one time. Any other time you run this, you will need to do all the steps again.
Anyway a box with open that ask if you are sure you want to install. Click INSTALL. And other blue box with appear, that says LAUNCH SCANNER, Click it. A new small window will open, asking you if you want a complete scan or a quick scan. The best one is the complete, but it can take up to several hours to run. I usually check email or what ever while I do my scan using this program. But if you can run it while your away from the computer that would be even better. But this is a great tool, and as I said it does everything that a lot of the people above said you should do, and more. Like a Virus scan, Spyware scan, Disk fragmentation scan, Disk cleanup scan, Registry cleaner scan, and a Open ports scan. And if any problems are found it give give a report at the end, and ask you if you want it to fix any problems. And it's all FREE!!!
Oh, and just a little side note. I don't know if you do it or not, but you should also make sure that all your windows updates are up to date. Some people don't and some of these updates fixes minor problems that sometimes may cause the computer to run slow. I alway install all recommended updates. Plus I always do the custom updates too. Because they usually have all of the update for thing like your sound card, or video card or other stuff like that. It's not just Microsoft stuff, if you do the custom update instead of the Express which just checks for high-priority updates. Not drives and other support programs.
I have tried RegSupreme Pro
by bobbyrae - 2/9/08 11:06 PM In reply to: Slow computer: Will a registry cleaner help? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
And I can't say I would recommend it or any other Reg cleaner. It came highly recommend by what appeared to an unbiased reviewer. Watch out- there are a TON of bogus sites set up that appear to be some kind of Registry cleaner comparison and review site, but in reality are just advertising for some shareware no one has heard of.
I had RegSupreme Pro for the free 30-day evaluation period. Just now I tried to open it and got the old "trial version expired..." message, BUT it wouldn't die! I had to use task manager to kill the damn thing! Tells you what kind of quality this outfit puts out!
When I did use it, I did NOT see any performance improvement. My concern was with boot time, but it just didn't drop noticably. It was a lot of work and a lot of decisions to use it correctly. They DO warn you about risky changes. This makes you realize that neither the software nor you can be 100% certain about all these registry deletions. And then I had a strange thing happen with IE - there were a few websites that I could no longer log into. Just a coincidence? I can't really say, because after a couple weeks of using Firefox to get around this problem, it started working OK.
What I keep thinking about is how Microsoft, AT ONE POINT, was making a registry cleaner, but dropped the product because they couldn't figure out how to do it reliably! This doesn't mean it can't be done, but it does tell you it is not an easy product to get right.
(NT) Sorry they do have one!!!
by r_rayjr - 2/9/08 11:22 PM In reply to: I have tried RegSupreme Pro by bobbyraeThey do have one!!!
by r_rayjr - 2/9/08 11:27 PM In reply to: (NT) Sorry they do have one!!! by r_rayjrSorry don't know what happened, I started to type and the page was posted for some reason. But what I was going to say was,
Microsoft does have a Registry Cleaner. It is in two different versions of ONECARE LIVE. The program you can by or the website listed above in the post right before your post, that had the subject like DO IT ALL!!!
So Microsoft didn't stop make the Registry Cleaner. They just changed the name and programs the it also does.
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