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Shall I clean my registry files?


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#1
Vladimir123

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According to CCleaner there's 220 issues with my registry files and so far this is the most issues I have encountared.

 

Some time ago I used to regularly clean the registry files with CCleaner ( once a week or once on every two weeks ) and then it used to find about 10-20 registry issues.

 

Im not really familiar with registry files and this is the reason Im creating this thread, just to make sure I wont do a mistake if I clean the registry files.

I'd also be glad if someone can explain me what kind of effect do the registry files have on my PC ?

Does the registry play a role in PC's performance ?

 

What I mostly wanna know for now is, is it safe to clean the registry ? If not, what could go wrong ?

 

Here's a text log of the registry files ( CCleaner's log )

Attached File  registry.txt   79.26KB   321 downloads

 

Thanks in advance


Edited by Vladimir123, 14 September 2014 - 12:57 PM.

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#2
Plastic Nev

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Hi Vladimir, I am certainly not the first and won't be the last to say NO DO NOT use registry cleaners, too many folk who have done in the past come here for help after any one of those things has messed up the registry. The whole computers operating system depends on all the many thousands of entries in the registry for it to work correctly.

The only safe way to do any work in the registry is with a very comprehensive knowledge of just about every entry in there, I doubt there are many folks who do have that knowledge. Take it from me, and no doubt any other technical person who comes next, the odd redundant or orphaned entries left behind from uninstalls or other reasons are harmless.

 

If you have used cleaners in the past, you have been either very lucky and not had any damage done, or there may even be some damage you don't yet know about.

 

I also ask people who ask your question to have a read of these two articles, both written by respected experts.

 

http://www.edbott.co...istry-cleaners/

 

This second one takes quotes from Mark Russinovich, he is one of the top Microsoft guys.

 

http://www.whatthete...gistry-cleaner/

 

Hope that helps you understand why no one of any knowledge will ever recommend a registry cleaner.

 

Nev.


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#3
LiquidTension

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Hello, 

  • Some registry cleaners employ aggressive cleaning routines that may cause substantial damage to your system, and could render your machine unbootable. 
  • Not all registry cleaners backup the registry. When modifying the registry, one should always create a backup.
  • The usefulness of cleaning one's registry is disputable; there is no statistical evidence to support the claim that cleaning the registry will improve system performance. 

Furthermore, Microsoft does not support the use of registry cleaners. The risks far outweigh benefits (if there are any). I would suggest you stay well clear of any registry cleaner. 

 


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#4
phillpower2

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Nev iand LT are quite correct and have in fact reiterated what I advised you of in my reply #21 at your topic here

 

Anything to do with the registry should be left well alone for anyone other than advanced users as the potential to hose the OS is too high,

 


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#5
Vladimir123

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I see, thank you all for your answers.

After reading your comments I clearly changed my view on this, I'll just do as you said - avoid cleaning them


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#6
phillpower2

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Wise decision  :thumbsup:

 

If you consider your other topic concluded can you let us know back there please so that it can be marked as such.


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#7
Aura

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A lot of good articles have been posted in this thread !
Mind if I add one from HowToGeek that I use a lot when answering these kind of questions ? I find it more easy to read for the common user if you ask me :)

Why using a Registry Cleaner won't speed up your PC or fix crashes - via HowToGeek
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#8
Jared44

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In addition to what everyone else has said I go by the saying:

 

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"


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#9
Vladimir123

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A lot of good articles have been posted in this thread !
Mind if I add one from HowToGeek that I use a lot when answering these kind of questions ? I find it more easy to read for the common user if you ask me :)

Why using a Registry Cleaner won't speed up your PC or fix crashes - via HowToGeek

 

That's a great post, thanks for sharing it, I also read some other similar posts to registry files on HowToGeek. It just made it clearer for me, thanks once again


Edited by Vladimir123, 15 September 2014 - 03:27 PM.

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