[FeistyCat]

I've seen advertised "error cleanup" disks. Apparently these are supposed to "clean up" all the errors on your computer. When you use the "scan" it shows I have over 1,000 errors. Do these "cleanup disks" really work. They usually want around $50 for them. Would appreciate comments.

[mt2002]

Some of them might work somewhat; but the general rule of thumb is to never trust them. I personally recommend against using any of those types of software as they generally cause more harm then good.

[1002richards]

Hi,
As mt2002 says, there's not much support for reg cleaners here at TSG 'cos of the problems they can cause.
Below is an extract of a posting from the fall of 2007 by two well qualified respondents here at TSG. Another member (redoak) put the comments into this file for questions like this.
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


Richard

[FeistyCat]

Thanks for the information. Guess I'll just put up with it the way it is, but it's nice to have some place to go ask these questions. Kat

[TheOutcaste]

Welcome to TSG!

I 102nd-ith the recommendation to stay away from Registry cleaners.

But no reason to "put up with it the way it is" (unless it's working OK)

If you are having problems, post a question in the appropriate forum for your OS or Application.
Include the exact text of any error messages, and the exact steps to cause the error.
Adding your hardware info and complete OS info (including Service Pack and XPHome/XPPro or Vista Starter/Basic/Premium/Ultimate/Business/Enterprise, 32bit or 64 bit) to your profile info or in the post will help as well.

Jerry