Free handy registry cleaner program

[Keith]

Over the past 2-3 years I've installed and uninstalled a lot of software but never really cleaned out my registry even though I always use the programs own uninstaller. Invariably these uninstaller programs always miss something in the registry file.

Another program I use recommended a small download (344kb) of a free program called RegSeeker (http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/1035382760/1). I gave it a try this morning and it worked like a charm. The program that recommended using it said that it might find of as many as 1500 invalid, no path, or non-existent files and entries, but the average user may find between 200-500 such entries.

RegSeeker found 3033 entries in my registry! These were all entries that pointed to files or programs that no longer existed.

All you have to do is download and extract the files in the zipfile to a folder on your hard drive. I put mine in my C:\ directory path, which extracted to a folder called RegSeeker.

Before running the program you should make a restore point on your system. Then you should export a backup copy of your registry file to your desktop.

Then run the RegSeeker program. Select the "Clean Registry" option and let it run until it is done.

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/1474/regseekerhowto16yz.png

Next, review the list of found items. Either select listings individually and delete them by right clicking on them and then selecting the delete option........ or .........use the "select all" option and then right click and select the delete all selected items option.

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/936/regseekerhowto20sv.png

Close RegSeeker and restart your computer.

[Azeem]

Just what I needed. :)

[Keith]

I had been putting this off for some time. I hate messing with the registry, but this one seemed pretty simple to use. Everything is working fine here.

I'll keep the backup registry for a week or two, and the backed up files RegSeeker found and saved, then I'll delete those two files. That way if anything shows up I can restore the backup files and go back to the restore point I made before I ran RegSeeker.

[Azeem]

Does the program also offer a way to create a backup for the registry or do you have to manually do that yourself?

I haven't touched the registry in quite a while. :o

[MarkDuffy]

WARNING ~ Use at your own risk any such program.

You are turning your computer over to software that may delete things that will destroy your computer.

It is a matter of trust.

[Keith]

Does the program also offer a way to create a backup for the registry or do you have to manually do that yourself?

I haven't touched the registry in quite a while. :o

I didn't take the chance. I made my own backup of the registry from RegEdit by exporting it to my desktop. I didn't look for a backup function for the whole registry in RegSeeker as a result.

The backup function shown in the image only backs up the things the cleaner lists for removal,I believe.

Either way, make a backup registry file and restore point before you run before you run RegSeeker, just to be on the safe side.

[Grumpus]

I am a great believer in the regular use of a regristry cleaner. I have been using one called "Registry Mechanic" for years. It ain't free, but it does a great job.

I also advocate the regular use of an anti-spyware program. One such program is called AdAware, is free, can be d/l, and does a nice job.

[Azeem]

So I've noticed. I use Adaware and Spybot myself. :)

[Keith]

As long as you have a registered copy of Windows XP you can get a free copy of the Microsoft Anti-Spyware program (http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx#run). I posted about this months ago. I recommend it...so does Consumer Reports magazine. They rated it as the top anti-spyware software they tested. I still use the free Ad-Aware program daily, but have MSAS scheduled to run automatically every morning.

MSAS is extremely thorough and has many nice options like a "tracks eraser"' that eliminates things like history files in your browser, MS Media Player and other installed software history files as well. It has a browser toolbar restore option that will remove all installed browser toolbars you may have picked up and restore the browser to its original default state, or you can pick and choose what you want removed.

It also offers realtime protection and blocks many attempts to a add things to your system without your knowledge.

Updates are sent automatically and installed.

[Keith]

So I've noticed. I use Adaware and Spybot myself. :)

Did you try RegSeeker?

[Azeem]

Yes, I've used it. Makes things much easier. :)

[Keith]

Cool. :cool: I was just wondering.

[angelisis]

As long as you have a registered copy of Windows XP you can get a free copy of the Microsoft Anti-Spyware program (http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx#run)..



ummm so what do ya use if your windows is not registed then??? hmmm keithy:o

[Keith]

You'll have to used one of the other numerous 3rd party anti-spyware programs out there such as Ad-Aware, Spybot, etc., but free versions don't do as much as the registered versions. Sometimes it pays to have a registered version.

[angelisis]

tell me about it!! :rolleyes:

[Keith]

You might want so shorten your location information. It throws the board out of whack.

[angelisis]

ummm no.....lol throws the board out of wack:rolleyes:
thats the second time you made me roll my eyes today keith.....even my man does not hold that record! LOL

[Keith]

It does when the browser is not maximized (see image below), which is the way I typically use my browser, because I often have multiple browser windows open and it makes getting to them easier.