computing

[Gennifer36]

Sorry -Don't know if I am in correct section-
Can anyone tell me how I do a Registry Cleanup on my laptop (Dell Inspiron 6000 Windows XP Home) .Do I use Run & REGEDIT? I am following instructions for removing *pf files in the Hidden Applications folder . been told to remove certain files , empty recycle bin & then do registry cleanup & then defrag. & Reboot. Thanks in advance jenny

[Ethel]

You should not mess with your registry unless you know what you are doing.

Even using registry cleaners can be a bit of a minefield, but if you must use one, I like this free programme:

http://www.ccleaner.com/

Before using it, make sure you have set an up to date system restore point.

[vehelpfulguy]

I will support what Ethel says.

The registry is THE most important file in Windows. It contains ALL the settings for ALL the programs that you run.

The program REGEDIT does allow you to delete entries from it, but get one wrong, and it could stop the whole of Windows working.

If you do not know what you are doing then keep clear of REGEDIT.

[vehelpfulguy]

The best section for questions like this is in Technology.

Within that is a section for Computing (and another for Internet)

[peanut]

Try a program called regcleaner found here after opening the program, close it and open it again (you must not skip this step) You only need to do it the first time you run the program. Then go to "tools", "registry cleanup", "do them all". It will scan your reg for any invalid files and give you the option to delete them. I have always deleted them all and never had a problem. By the way, it does create a backup so you can restore back if needed. I also use crap cleaner as ethel suggested to you, it is also a great program that ive been using for a long time but it does not find everything. Between ccleaner and regcleaner you should be in good shape.

[Gennifer36]

Hi everyone thanks for your help , used Ethel's advice and hope I have deleted things correctly , I wasn't deleting any thing to do with Windows just something I had downloaded from Internet. I am just about to defrag my laptop so fingers crossed! must say I find AB very helpful Thanks again Jenny