registry cleaner

[davidmarsden]

does anyone know if its possible to get a free registry cleaner download.
tried several sites but they run a scan and then want payment.

[knockavacca]

my advice is to use the one in "ccleaner" or otherwise dont bother,most do more harm then good

[ChuckFickens]

Ah yes, Registry cleaners, a great way to screw up your computer with minimum effort.

Just leave the registry alone, you won't get any benefit from a registry cleaner and they are very likely to cause problems.

[SlackAlice]

^^
I quite agree.
Windows copes quite well with a untidy Registry. You only mess with the registry as a last ditch attempt.

Cannot understand this 'must use a Registry Cleaner' point of view, "if it aint broke, don't fix it".

The only way to have a clean registry is to re-install Windows, but don't forget to back all you documents, etc first.

[Old_Geezer]

Last time I stated similar view re reg cleaners I got more disagreements. Strange world.

Aye, clean in an "emergency" only. CCleaner is probably more trustworthy than many if you must use one. But if in a state you think you need one you might consider backing all useful stuff off safe, and then formatting & reinstalling your PC operating system and applications from scratch.

[Old_Geezer]

PS if you are trying the "press here for a scan" offers rather than "download our free (or trial) app" type, then they tend to only claim (read exaggerate) loads of issues and try to sell you their solution.

[chas2008]

why do you need it? unfortunately its often suggested by people who have limited knowledge of PCs to try and solve problems that have nothing to do with the registry.

[davidmarsden]

re my question.
i have a very limited knowledge of computers and i kept getting phone ca a "technical department" telling me my computer is running slow and when i told them to stop ringing i was told that i was assisting hackers and they would have to take action against my computer. now my computer is even slower and i have tried system restore but no change.

[Old_Geezer]

You didn't let the con merchants fiddle with it did you ? If so reinstall it from scratch and change all passwords, tell your bank, etc. etc. etc.

[SlackAlice]

What "technical department" ? Is this your computer or a works one?
If it's someone claiming to be from Microsoft, then it's a scam.

There are lot of reasons for pc's to run slow, ie insufficient memory, too many processes running in the background, to give just two examples.

It would be nice to know what O/S your running and your pc specs?