Registry cleaner

[Jim Baxter]

Hi all,
I Have been using System Mechanic Pro version 6 along with Spybot, AVG, AD-Aware, and the Window disc cleanup programs for general maintenance on my computer.
Some things I like, some I don't.

How important is it to keep the registry cleaned and sorted?

Is there a freeware registry cleaner that is safe and does a decent job?

Thanks

[EzyStvy]

Generally speaking, XP does a fine job withOut reg cleaners......One little clean too much can render your pc non-functional....But, from time to time i use RegSeeker.

[pam123]

The one we usually recommend is CCleaner and how often you use it depends on how much installing and uninstalling of programs you do and what type of programs you usually use ( For instance, I'll usually use regcleaner if I have to uninstall iTunes. ).

The program is free : http://www.ccleaner.com/

CCleaner is as safe as an effective cleaner gets.

This doesn't mean that others aren't good but it does mean that you take EzyStvy's warning to heart before you use them.

[Jim Baxter]

Thank PAM123
I downloaded it, but it won't install. I get an error msg saying that it is running and I need to close it before I can install.
That seems a tad strange to me. It isn't installed but it is running. ?????

[Statica]

The software review forum is not meant for asking questions but for reviewing software that you've used. Please read the guidelines: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=57266 I'm moving this over to the general software forum.

[pam123]

Thank PAM123
I downloaded it, but it won't install. I get an error msg saying that it is running and I need to close it before I can install.
That seems a tad strange to me. It isn't installed but it is running. ?????

edit :
I un-installed my usual regcleaner and installed CCleaner (The one I use requires you to go through items one at a time. It can get you into serious trouble if you're not careful.) ) and installed CCleaner.
No problems, no strange happenings.
You have something, perhaps as part of another software suite, running in the background or you got a corrupt download (it happens).
Delete that download and try again making sure that all other programs are closed.
If you have a 3rd party dowload manager is it set to open programs or to save them ?
If the same thing repeats you need to find out what's running on your computer.

[RayH]

For a bunch of years, I have been using Easy Cleaner. If anything, it undercleans. Therefore, I have never had it clean something that shouldn't be cleaned. Other cleaners might get rid of more stuff, but Easy Cleaner is good enough!