amark
join:2001-02-09
94045
| CCleaner Registry-Always Fix? Do NotKnow Diagnostics
Just curious-trying CCleaner and ran registry fix. There were quite a few entries to fix saw some zone alarm and net frame stuff. Kind of scared to hit fix. Do I just trust the program and hit the fix? Advice appreciated, thanks.
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SafireDonkey
join:2006-10-29
89000
| It's always best to properly evaluate all categories, there definitely is nothing to gain there, your system will not become faster nor more stable with this tool.
It will most likely show you a bunch of Missing Shared DLL entries, if they're related to MS.NET, they'll just return after the next reboot, and watch out for the Application Path Issues since most proabably their no leftover or whatsoever, and sometimes installed apps DO need these to work properly.
Just like any other tool in this category, CCleaner's registry tab doesn't serve anything than some misdetections, you better leave them as they are, except when you're perfectly sure they relate to a app you recently uninstalled. |
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VikingBob
join:2004-06-05
Ste Anne, MB
 ·MTS
| reply to amark
I second that. Unless you know what you're doing, don't bother cleaning those reg entries. Those ZA ones will most likely come back after a reboot, too, assuming you still have ZA installed.
I've also seen HP printer/scanner-related software come up in such cleaners - when deleted, the HP software decides to reinstall something after the next reboot, and those reg entries end up being put back in the process.
Registry cleaners can cause more problems than they fix... |
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HA Nut
Premium
join:2004-05-13
USA
1 edit | reply to amark
If allowed to run with no user intervention (which is how most of them are used), I have yet to ever see an automated registry cleaner I would trust, use or recommend for normal "cleaning'. The cookie cutter approach they use can be death to a PC if they make a decision that affects something critical. (I haven't experienced death myself but have had other negative issues.)
Cleaners like CCleaner offer registry backups to help make them safer. But what if you can't boot up after a clean up? Pretty scary to get back to where you were before at that point.
Much (not all of course) of the hype about the benefits of auto cleaners is from commercial auto cleaner makers who do a surprisingly good job of marketing how great and indispensable they are.
Many years ago, Microsoft itself used to offer a free auto registry cleaner but later stopped. They offered one again in OneCare but it was dropped when OneCare died. (IMO, they only offered it as a commercial decision, not a practical one.)
My best advice is that if you are having PC troubles and are seriously considering a Windows re-install, then yeah, go for it with an auto registry cleaner. What have you got to lose in this case? You might get lucky.
But for normal day to day use, if you think you have a known, specific registry problem, then use a manual search tool to clean things up.
If you don't know what you are getting into, then don't use anything, including a manual cleaner!!! That said, the best manual search program I have used is Nirsoft RegScanner »www.nirsoft.net/utils/regscanner.html A great and powerful tool but use it with a very healthy amount of respect! |
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amark
join:2001-02-09
94045
| reply to amark
Makes sense, thanks. Only reason trying the CCleaner is that I am trying to install MSE and keeps freezing up computer. Microsoft says some anti virus/spyware must be running and causing conflict.
I did Windows 7 Upgrade and the only thing I can think of is norton and Zone Alarm Internet suite that I had on before might have left some stuff on. Ran Norton Removal Tool and CCleaner does have some ZA Stuff on. I do not see any other programs that might conflict.
Should I take a chance on deleting ZA stuff?
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HA Nut
Premium
join:2004-05-13
USA
| reply to amark
If Norton and ZA are uninstalled, I would feel reasonably safe in removing them from the registry. If you use a disc imaging program (like ShadowProtect or Acronis) you might make an image before you blast the questionable entries. Then you can roll back if need be... |
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MIXZ1
join:2001-01-02
Mexico
·Prodigy Infinitum
| Both ZA and Symantec have removal tools available for download. Since they know the registry entries their products write, their removal tools are the safest way to get the job done (IMHO). I've seen machines pooched after a "normal" uninstall of these products. |
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amark
join:2001-02-09
94045 | Thanks-where can you find ZA removal toll. I have not seen that.
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Love That SpongeBob! Great Forum |
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MIXZ1
join:2001-01-02
Mexico
·Prodigy Infinitum
| said by amark  :Thanks-where can you find ZA removal toll. I have not seen that. »download.zonealarm.com/bin/fr...···lean.exe
Right click on it and run as administrator if on VISTA. |
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amark
join:2001-02-09
94045 | Thanks for reply, but can not open link to read it.
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Love That SpongeBob! Great Forum |
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MIXZ1
join:2001-01-02
Mexico
·Prodigy Infinitum
2 edits | It's the way it shortened in the forum I copied the link from. Let's try this:
»download.zonealarm.com/bin/free/···lean.exe
This one works. |
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