Re: Delete registry using ccleaner?

l wrote:

I agree, however, I have used it to look for specific entries, when
for example, I'm having trouble with a program and although I seem to
have deleted all the right things, I cannot reinstall because there
are just enough left over entries roaming around the computer. I can
use a registry cleaning tool to look for the reaming items, using the
specific name, like Ahead, or Nero and delete them.


Such specific uses are of course much safer, and for someone who knows what
he's doing, I don't object to it.

But almost everyone who asks in the newsgroups what registry cleaner to use
is someone who has "heard" somewhere that it's a good idea to now and then
clean the registry of everything unneeded as a prophylactic measure. That's
exactly the kind of thing that can get you into trouble, and that's why I
always recommend against them.

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup


But, as an all around cleaner, naw. In fact, even though you make a
backup, the backup can contain hundreds of things that have been
deleted, and it may be only 2 of those hundreds that need to be
reinserted into the registry, but in order to do that you have to
restore the entire backup file.
"Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:e11gE4JjGHA.4056@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
David Harrison wrote:

I have never had any problems using ccleaner. There is an option
that pops up to allow a backup of any changes you make.



Assuming that it's safe to use because you never had a problem with
it is like assuming that it's safe to drive a car without a seatbelt
because you never got hurt doing so.

Although most of the time you get away with it, using a registry
cleaner *is* dangerous. My advice is not to use a registry cleaner.
The registry doesn't need to be cleaned. Extra registry entries
don't hurt you. The risk of a registry cleaner hurting you (deleting
an entry you need) isn't necessarily enormous, but it's much greater
than any potential benefit it may have.

--
Ken Blake - Microsoft MVP Windows: Shell/User
Please reply to the newsgroup


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Registry Backup, errors (1016, 1019, 1450) saving HKLM_Software key
    ... and the ERUNT tool created the backup during boot (I chose ... I expect it to backup the registry. ... other tools are having trouble with. ... 8th one - the SOFTWARE key. ...
    (microsoft.public.win2000.registry)
  • Re: Cannot open Add or Remove programs in XP
    ... my employers are rather stupid in not providing any backup ... > registry problems that I didn't even have! ... >>> Another example of why one should not use a registry cleaner. ... could try a repair install. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Unable To Restore Registry Backup
    ... was successfully able to import the backup into the registry. ... But today, when I try to restore the backup, at ... first it appears the backup is going to install, but then I get the message: ... appreciate any advice on this issue before I get into big trouble once more. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support)
  • Re: to the OP also: Re: How to clean registry
    ... That is your opinion and I do not refute that. ... "They" say all registry cleaners are snake oil. ... "They" say there can never be a benefit to using a registry cleaner. ... as files in the temp folder of your disk don't slow it down. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: Registry Cleaners
    ... the cleaner suggested the fix and the suggested fix ... The only good registry cleaner is one that will list what it finds ... Ran a scan to count the number of entries in my PC's registry ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.newusers)