[Babbo]

Hoping someone can help me out. My PC has been running slowly and I wanted to clean my registry. I downloaded the free version of Abexo Registry Cleaner but I don't know much about it. Does anyone know if this is reputible software? Also, it found 835 items to clean. Can I go ahead with this clean up or will it cause any issues with my PC?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[redoak]

Please do not "clean" your Registry. A slow running computer is not caused by anything associated with the Registry.

See the pertinent "Annoiuncement" at the head of the Threads listing. Also, see below for info from another well recognized help site.

{redoak}

Advice and Info re Registry 'cleaners'- excerpts from TSG:

The main reason they are apt to cause problems is because the cleaners do NOT just clean up stuff left over from uninstalls. They also "guess" that other items need to be deleted, many times incorrectly. They also attempt to "fix" references to files that no longer exist.

As a result, you can end up with programs that no longer work, functions that no longer work and in some cases a PC that will no longer boot.

There is no performance gains to be had by running these things. Windows does not read the entire registry when it is looking for something. It uses the keys which allow them to go straight to the item that they are looking for.

References:
http://www.edbott.com/weblog/?p=643
http://www.computerhope.com/registry.htm


If you really want to see how active the registry is in your normal running environment, download and run Regmon.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-ca/sysinternals/bb896652.aspx

As you will see, the registry is constantly being accessed. If, for each of these, the entire file was being searched, your PC would be amazingly slow and not responsive.

Advice and Info re Registry 'cleaners'- excerpts from TSG, 10-07

The main reason they are apt to cause problems is because the cleaners do NOT just clean up stuff left over from uninstalls. They also "guess" that other items need to be deleted, many times incorrectly. They also attempt to "fix" references to files that no longer exist.

As a result, you can end up with programs that no longer work, functions that no longer work and in some cases a PC that will no longer boot.

There is no performance gains to be had by running these things. Windows does not read the entire registry when it is looking for something. It uses the keys which allow them to go straight to the item that they are looking for.

References:
http://www.edbott.com/weblog/?p=643
http://www.computerhope.com/registry.htm


If you really want to see how active the registry is in your normal running environment, download and run Regmon.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-ca/sysinternals/bb896652.aspx

As you will see, the registry is constantly being accessed. If, for each of these, the entire file was being searched, your PC would be amazingly slow and not responsive.

And, to repeat this again, they make no difference in the machine's performance because they are based on a false premiss about how the registry is accessed. Unused entries do not slow it down.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sorry I am unable to cite and give credit to the authors.

{redoak}

Another reference: http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=28099

 

[makinu1der2]

Hello Babbo,

As stated by redoak registry cleaners can do more harm than good.

Here is a good thread with steps to take to try and resolve your issue.

http://www.techsupportforum.com/f174/is-your-pc-running-slow-247566.html

 

[sobeit]

it depends what the 835 items are as to whether or not to delete them. Try going into your windows diskcleanup and see if you can reduce that number. Go to start - all programs - accessories - system tools and click on disk cleanup. It will go through your computer and get rid of most temporary files. Usually registry cleaners will also delete temporary files so I am almost willing to bet the 835 items is mostly those files.

I personally use a registry cleaner to get rid of temporary files - especially those that diskcleanup will miss. From my experiences with using registry cleaners is they can help and they can hurt. If you are having problems or have nasties or if you overdo cleaning options registry cleaners will do more harm than good.

If you decided you want to use your registry cleaner, then make sure you create a new restore point just prior to using it. Do not rely on restore points created by the registry cleaner.

 

[redoak]

A Restore Point will not help with damage done to a program seldom used. The RS will be long gone or you will not recall which one might overcome the problem.

Since no advantage accrues from "cleaning," why risk it?

"s": Are you sure Reg cleaners add "temporary files" to the count? I have not seen any listed when I have "eyeballed" a Reg cleaner listing.

{redoak}

 

[sobeit]

A Restore Point will not help with damage done to a program seldom used. The RS will be long gone or you will not recall which one might overcome the problem.

Actually I have tested several registry cleaner before for users who were seeking help. The restore point did save my computer - several times. :laugh: It will help in most cases.

"s": Are you sure Reg cleaners add "temporary files" to the count? I have not seen any listed when I have "eyeballed" a Reg cleaner listing.

yes I am sure temporary files are a part of the count for registry cleaners - I cannot say for all of them including Abexo but every one I had tested did. But thats why I suggested doing the diskcleanup to see if the count goes down.

 

[redoak]

"s": Thanks for the reply and info.
{redoak}

 

[Babbo]

WOW!!! Thanks for the great info everyone. I really appreciate your direction. I actually ran the cleaner not realizing I had replies to my post and it ended up causing problems with my HP printer. I Googled the error and was able to find a fix. I did export a copy of the registry and did a registry backup using Abexo. When things went wrong after the initial reboot I tried restoring from the Abexo backup but it was still having problems. I then imported the previously exported registry but with no success. Rest assured I've learned my lesson and it won't happen again. I'll check out the link MAKINU1NDER2 posted for a slow PC as I'm still having a problem and a friend is having even more of an issue with the PC running slow.

Thanks again to everyone. You guys are great.