[skicrazer]

I did a search on this tool and found Spiritwind's comments on it. My question is, since I hadn't read the opinion until I installed and ran it (did so due to a PC World article), should I trust it to only remove troublesome registry, privacy sweep, and "junk" files, or am I putting myself at risk of deleting "good" files? I'll go with your recommendations, but I am just surprised that it found so many "bad" entries.

301 registry items

452 privacy items

275.65 MB of "junk files"



I'm still battling a maxed out 2.53 celeron CPU issue and have run CCleaner and other utilities. This is why I am surprised this one found so many suspect files.



Thanks for your help!

[number6]

I would recommend ignoring any findings by that program and uninstalling it.

There are plenty free alternatives, especially CCleaner (see my signature) that will remove unwanted files from your PC.

[skicrazer]

OK, I got rid of ASC and am running CCleaner and finding that it's finding a lot of registry stuff, too, though not as much as ASC. Do you trust CCleaner to pick out only items that are OK to delete? I'll be doing the registry scan and the cleaner. Can the results pretty much be blindly trusted?

[number6]

CCleaner's registry cleaner seems to be very careful (can't think of the right word). I've run it on more than a dozen computers without any issues, but I would recommend that you backup the registry when it prompts in the unlikely case that it causes problems.
To answer your question directly, I always trust CCleaner to find only safe-to-fix entries. I never worry about it.

[skicrazer]

LOL. I like that last statement! I trusted them and the PC seems to be working no worse. Thanks for steering me away from potential trouble with ASC.

[number6]

Glad to help. CCleaner is the way to go.

[mphenterprises]

number6 said:

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Quote

CCleaner's registry cleaner seems to be very careful (can't think of the right word).

>
>





How about scrutinizing ? :D

[mphenterprises]

Hi Skicrazer. Even though some applications, such as CCleaner, take very diligent steps to make sure that the registry is not corrupted during the scan, it is not a good idea to use third party applications to regularly maintain the registry. One false find can send your Operating System into a tailspin.

Personally, I always suggest to stay away from the registry, whether manually making changes or using third party applications. However, if you feel this process is necessary, I would follow Numbers' advice and make sure you make a backup of the registry before any changes are made or scans are completed.

Additionally, there are some applications, not sure about CCleaner, that create a System Restore point before any changes are made to the registry in case of any issues. However, to be on the safe side, I would advise not making any changes to the registry unless 1) there is an imminent need for it and 2) you know exactly what registry entry needs to be corrected.

[alexartox]

It depends on how you use the tools... I must agree with you that 3rd party tools that messing around the operating system is not a good idea. However, if you use properly, it can greatly enhance your experience.



Here are some other free registry cleaner tools:

http://www.registryc...challenges.html



Always back your registry before cleaning, make it a habit and it will save you a lot of troubles!