[LindaA]

The geek world seems to be totally enamored of CCleaner. I've had CCleaner on my computer (I don't any longer) but haven't ever used it because from all I've read about it, it's TOO thorough. I'm afraid it would delete stuff I DON'T want deleted (such as cookies) along with the stuff I DO want deleted (junk files). Consequently, I'm looking for some other junk file cleaner program that would be more selective.

[rohnski]

When it comes to computers, paranoid is good. Ultimately, before doing any sort of cleanup you should consider doing a full backup of all you files.

I've been using CCleaner for a long time now, on XP SP2 and Vista SP1. It's as safe as you can get. Before running it you can select what categories of files it looks for both in the Windows and Programs tabs. Then you have to run it in analyze mode and review the files it selected. If you're concerned about files in the list, just don't run it in Cleaner mode. Simple. The files it locates and deletes should not cause Windoze to act poorly. If you are concerned, try cleaning up just one of the file options at a time.

If you are really concerned about CC corrupting your PC, just avoid the registry cleaner. Any messing around with the registry is much more likely to cause problems than file cleanup.

PS: remember to run it under all of the user ids you have on the system, Admin as well as your user accounts.