Re: What do you think of registry mechanic?
From: John Doue (notwobe_at_yahoo.com)
Date: 12/02/04
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Date: Thu, 02 Dec 2004 20:21:04 +0200
Jeff wrote:
>>It is clear that plain entries in the Registry that refer to
>>non-existant programs and files can be safely removed without
>>asasistance from a third party program (System Mechanic) but there
>>are many Registry entries that are obscure and cannot be identified
>>as to purpose without a 'guide', presumeably from MS.
>
>
> I have a question about the above statement "plain entries in the Registry
> that refer to
> non-existant programs and files can be safely removed". First, it may be
> difficult to identify these without some tool because it would be tedious
> check each registry entry manually.
>
> I briefly tried out jv16 registry tools and its tool that "finds old and
> invalid data" in the registry identified a huge number (800+) of entries
> that fit that description. Yes, I do try a lot of software that I later
> uninstall. I still find it hard to believe that there are that many errors,
> but when I looked at the details of some of these entries, they did indeed
> point to non-existent files or items. I am still reluctant to delete that
> many entries, even if where they point to does not exist. Could some of
> these entries be pointing to default files that become important in the
> future or when some things are invoked?
>
> Would it really be considered safe to remove any entry that points to a
> non-existent file? An example that gives me pause is:
>
> Root : HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
> Key : Applications\depends.exe
> Entry : {KEY}
> Value : {KEY}
> Last modified : 17.04.2003, 23:18
> Reason : Obsolete software entry.
>
> Searching for the file depends.exe shows that it edists nowhere on my PC.
> Others point to files from previous versions of software (like Spybot which
> is now installed in a different directory).
>
> **I have read in this thread that these entries do no harm if left alone and
> do not slow down things, but I find it hard to believe that 800+ false
> entries are really no problem.
>
> Thanks. "Confused".
>
Just do a realty check. Use a dependable backup program to backup your
registry, do the cleaning, reboot and test as many programs as you can.
Do not make any other changes to your setup until you are satisfied the
clean-up registry does not cause any problems (and I am talking a few
days here). This way, if a problem pops-up, just restore your registry.
DO NOT rely on system restore in this process.
My personal experience with system mechanic is that it is a dumb utility
that does not propose alternate paths non valid ones. At least, that was
my assessment and I quickly restored the registry backup. But I am
prepared to admit I did not evaluate this program in depth and just
decided I did not like it.
-- John Doue
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