PC utilities forum: PC system cleaners: Who's doing a better job of cleaning?

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3 programs=overkill.
If you chose the worse one, you still couldn't see a big difference (if any at all)-that is because they are all very good (to the best of my knowledge).
The only thing that could go wrong is if the registry cleaner finds a false positive (the result could be from a 1 second difference in boot up time to system failure). The registry cleaner screwing up is very unlikely-they are careful when they make those because they want to avoid any errors. In fact, the only software where you have to pick and choose carefully (besides sites without a good reputation) is antivirus software (low quality=more likely to get a virus-high quality=less likely to get a virus).
Bottom line: choose whatever one you want. It won't make much of a difference.

Hi Guillermo,

Yours is a question that has been asked since the mid to late 80's when Norton came out with their first set of so called "tools". Today, there are literally dozens of programs out there that claim to double your system performance, clean up your registry, remove unneeded files, disable unnecessary start-up programs, optimize your internet settings, fix broken shortcuts, check your privacy settings, detect and delete viruses and malware, defrag you hard drive, defrag your RAM and the list goes on and on.

At the end of the day it's true that some of these programs can be useful if you really want to zero in on a particular problem and fix it. My experience has been that the more a software developer says the program will do, the less effective it becomes at doing everything it says it can. On the other hand, software that is written and designed to do only a small number of routines has been proven to be generally much more effective than the all in one programs. But if you really want to keep your system running smooth, and avoid potential problems before they pop-up, (PUN INTENDED), then you need to remember the 7 P's. Proper Prior Planning Prevents Pathetically Poor Performance!!!

After 29 years of doing this, I've found that sometimes it's quicker and easier to make sure my files are backed up properly (as they should be anyway), and do a system reload. Yes, it's true that it will take some time, but when I'm finished I have no question whatever regarding what is on my system, or if there are any lingering viruses or spyware or malware, or if the system needs to be defragmented or if the registry needs cleaning up.

When I prepare a new computer for a customer I load all of the programs they want, make sure everything is updated, email is set up, and anti-whatever is installed. I make sure there is no bloatware remaining on the system, I remove all unneeded programs from the start-up files and do a defrag to make sure all of the new files are nicely compacted and contiguous. I generally install a second hard drive with a partition for Windows System Backup, and a second partition to keep new files backed up. When this is complete, I make a clone of the primary hard drive and keep it as a back-up in my shop. If the customer is backing up their files properly and their system crashes, I can have them up and running like new in a matter of minutes with the cloned back-up.

The number of required cleaning utilities to keep such a system running at optimum speed and efficiency is zero!!! The cost for such a system is about $65.00 (for the second hard drive). Of course, if you enjoy toying around with every new registry cleaner or system optimizer that's cool. In my opinion, they are a mostly a waste of time. In general, I spend about 4 hours per day on my computer. It's an old Pentium 4 running at 3Ghz with 3GB of RAM and it's much faster than 90% of the newer computers I work on with all of the junk loaded on them.

In conclusion, back up - then backup your backup. Keep you free anti-virus up to date and your malware/spyware program at the ready and run them when you're not around. When your system starts dragging you down, slap in your backup and update and you're good as new.

Hope this helps.

There is a lot I would agree with in your comments. There is nothing like a crisp newly installed system. I can think of no utility or combination of utilities that maintain that crispness.

I particularly support your view that you should backup your backup, but preferably in the cloud somewhere. If you don't have the bandwidth to retrieve it quickly then I would go with an external drive.

The bit that I don't agree with is your proposal just to refresh your system with the clone when it starts to drag its feet. These things creep up on you. You often don't realise how slow your system has become, so I would recommend keeping one system cleaning / maintaining utility on your set up. I use Tuneup Utilities. That way you can delay the moment when you are forced to apply your clone.

Another thing to think about: Returning to your original set up does require you to wait for Windows Update to do its business each time. This in itself probably takes longer than applying your clone! With that in mind I would actually schedule in regular sessions of renewing your setup. Six-monthly? That way you don't wait for your system to get sluggish and you can time the Windows Update to run overnight.

Two possible (related) approaches not mentioned here are the ones I use - Keep your Windows in a box. If you install something easy (like Ubuntu), and then run your Windows on VirtualBox, a system clean up consists of <delete> and a copy of your 'last known good' image inserted. Because of the existence of a fast and easy fix, you don't NEED all those anti-virus, anti-malware and cleanup utilities at all - certainly not versions that cost $$.

Variations on this theme include keeping a separate image for working, and one for surfing and testing... or doing your surfing on the Linux side where you are pretty unlikely to pick up any problems in the first place (my choice).

If you choose one these options, you don't need to spend much time on system issues at all, MS updates (once working) are incorporated into a new 'recovery image' with a simple click, and you never have to re-install everything from scratch again.

I like the idea of keeping a drive around with a 'how-we-started' version on it, but I think this is even better (if being set-up for multiple/inexperienced users, each can have their own complete 'installation' (with appropriate limitations built in) that automagically starts up when they in log in - and you (as service provider, Dad, or tech consultant, have an easy job of 'fixing' anything they can do to it -easy as logging in, starting a file copy, and taking a break till it finishes. Highly recommended... and successfully used with parents down through to grandkids.

Freebird54

This persons [HDC] method is probably the way to go. Is it a pain in the arse? Maybe a little, BUT it's the real method to save yourself a boat load of $$$.
Personally, for a interim methodology, I use a combo of PCTools's Performance Toolkit (run once or twice a month) and (my fav) System Mechanic (www.iolo.com) running 100% of the time in the background. I haven't a problem with it yet. It is on version 10.5, and I've been using it since ver 3.0 (about 2000 or 1999). Not sound like a fanboi, but the professional suite has a firewall, antivirus, etc that you can load on 3 machines for the price of one. And every so often iolo sends an email allowing you to re-up for an extra year for $19.95. Just doing the math: $19.95/3 = cheap per year of behind the scenes maint.
Back to HDC's method... If you have the time, use his method. I usually don't have much spare time (job is "show-up" intensive and commute is about an hour each way), so reloading one of the home laptops and/or desktops is tough to schedule.

Thanks a lot for your post, HD Charlie.
Helps a lot.
One more thing: The more they claim to clean, the more damage they're likely to do to your system down the road.
In-between system re-loads, some products can help a bit and safely enough if one is careful, esp. if one wants to remove as many traces as possible from various uninvited guests, such as trial versions of not so reliable anti-virus programs which usually come with new PC's and laptops and which might prevent the installation of much better - free - programs. A system reload may be an overkill at that time. So, something like REG ORGANIZER does a good job at this sort of thing.
Mind you, some "optimizers" may not be compatible with other programs, much more useful, and it's hard to fully "uninstall" them. That's the irony of the thing! Again, REG ORGANIZER can help there (I bought it years ago, still happily use it and I have no other relation/financial interest in that company).

Thanks again.
TN. 08.05.11

Tpesa, we are a little off topic but you might want to try soluto. It is very easy to understand and use plus it is free at least for now. It breaks down your start up apps into three categories. No Brainer - (remove from boot), potentially removable - (advanced users), and cannot be removed with soluto.

It tells how long each app takes to start, what it does and gives you the opportunity to pause, delay or keep it in the boot process. Pause means that you would need to run it manually if you want it to
run. Delay will only allow it to run when your pc is in an idle mode and
the keep it is rather obvious. It will also display a pie chart with a breakout of the mode others have chosen for each app. Change it to any mode you want and change it again later if you decide you made a mistake.

It tells you why it is in your boot(extremely beneficial) and a graphic pie chart displaying the modes others have chosen. It works with xp, vista and windows 7 in 32 or 64 bit. I am in no way affiliated with soluto.

Very, very wise advice! I don't believe many computer technician would offer the service you do! Are you in Perth and what business name do you trade under?

Hi dafid.f,

As a computer tech who's been working with customers of all levels of technical ability (How do I turn this thing on?) for many years, of course I'm sensitive to your comments. After all, I do make a living because of the very issue you've raised. But honestly, there is no magic button you can push once a week to make sure that your computer will be running at it's optimal capability 100% of the time.

In my suggestions I never once mentioned anything about users altering the registry in any way. I merely suggested that they type the simple command "MSCONFIG" so they could check to see which programs were starting in the background when they turned on their computers. It's not rocket science. Simply check your startup programs and turn off the ones you're certain you don't need. In no circumstance will this cause a "Blue Screen of Death".

If you don't consider yourself qualified to perform these clean-up tips, I guarantee you will not be qualified to manage the maelstrom of terror that a so called "Computer Cleanup Program" could leave you with.

Just to summarize and avoid any confusion:

1. When you get a new computer - back it up.
It's really easy, just click the Start Orb and type "backup your computer".

2. Set your computer to backup on it's own.
Just follow the instructions when you initially backup your computer to periodically back up the system image and files.

3. Windows will manage the rest for you.

It's really worth the half hour or so to do this when your first get your new computer, and it will save you hours or days or weeks of headaches later.

I have worked in the IT field for over 30 years, most recently as a Network Engineer for the last 10, and although I am now retired I still work on computer for friends and neighbors. I build systems from scratch, optimizing as I go, and when finished I make a clone using a program called GHOST. It is not free, but very simple to use, and I have never had a failure using it. You can then copy that backup file to a separate partition on your main hard drive, a backup hard drive, and/or to an external hard drive for added security. I have also used Ghost to generate a clone backup to CDs and DVDs, although this method is much slower and requires more user interfacing with the system. (you have to switch CDs to load the next CD, and the next, etc.)

1. For less tech savvy people, a simple method is simply to
connect a second hard drive to the existing system, and then rebooting
using the GHOST software. Simply follow the prompts to make an
image from the main hard drive to the second hard drive.

(NOTE: Be careful to know which drive is which, or you might make an image of the 'blank" drive onto the one you so carefully just made.) I normally use drives of different sizes to eliminate this confusion.

Once
completed, you can then simply "COPY" the image to any other media.


2. Another aspect of using GHOST for cloning is that that you can make (or restore) an image over a network, simply by plugging a network cable to the machine ( or many machines) you want to send an image to, and then booting up this machine using a specially prepared CD with the GHOST client software on it. The only caveat here is that the NIC on your image must be of the exact same type NIC as you are sending the image TO. This is important to know, as the software will give you a "failure to connect" error if the NICs are different, and if you are not aware of it can give you a headache in trying to track down the reason.

The GHOST software provides you the ability to make these GHOST client CDS with the appropriate NIC drivers for your machine.

You will need to be somewhat proficient with computers, and have a decent understanding of networking to use this program, but it is very powerful and useful. Once you become comfortable with its usage you will wonder how you ever got along without it. I would recommend it primarily for tech savvy personnel or or networking professionals, although the directions that come with it are fairly easy to follow.

Using ghost 8 and ghost 15 here! Both version work with SATA.

One great advice I would suggest to everyone is to have a pc with 2 hard drives.

put all your downloads on the second drive and even all you work files and installs on the second drive and this will help minimize fragmentation.

By doing the above will make those software fixit clean types run a lot faster.

I've been using computers since the 1960's. From experience, I'm a bit skittish about programs that delete files without asking me first. I'm even more skittish about running these 24/7 UNLESS I'm convinced there is good reason to do so.

If you use Glary Utilities, they have a convenient database of files, and user opinions as to their "Virusosity". Some of these are rated as "OK" by some, and dangerous by others. Who do we believe?

Let's simplify. If there's just one "bad" report, it could be a kook. Ignore it. If there are a number of "BAD"'s, and they're remarkably similar, be suspicious and move it to a removable disk, etc. KEEP A LOG of ALL such moves, TIMESTAMP, from: , To: , how to restore, etc., as a file and a printout. If your machine starts doing weird stuff, replace these files.

Charlie recommends backups. Excellent advice that I've known about forever, and recommend to all my friends. In my (mumble-mumble) years of computing, I've never backed up system files and such. That stuff is too easy (for me) to fix. I do back up multitrack audio recording sessions and videos. We spend big bucks on these, and they're not easily replaced.

I use Avast! free antivirus. It's GREAT if you carefully read the docs and set it up properly. I've installed a lot of other stuff like AdAware (easier to use), Spybot Search And Destroy (more thorough, but it can delete stuff you want), Glary Utilities, and more. When I notice what I feel are problems, I run these, one at a time, until I find the problem.

The problem is not always your computer. Some sites, such as Tagged.com, assume you have terabytes of available memory and bandwidth for all the graphics and ads they try to run on your computer. I get constant notifications that "Flash has crashed" (and Flash updates several times a week).


-Mike Curtis

Hi ColdWest,

I'm in the High Desert of course!!! Victorville, CA

I like Acronis True Image. You could also try a copy of Norton Ghost if you can find it. In a pinch, you could even use one of the many partition managers out there. EASUS comes to mind, and I think it's free.