Unused file extensions

[Daisymae70]

Recently used Ccleaner on friends Windows XP.  When it came to the Registry it had a whole lot of "unused file extensions" asking me if I wanted them fixed.  Of course I backed everything up into a file on documents and then ran the fix but why wouldn't I just delete unused file extensions. Can someone explain to me what they are and their importance in this instance?  I would think backing them up would just add same clutter.

[Allan]

There was no "clutter" in the first place. The unused file extensions weren't hurting anything and there was no need to delete them. My suggestion is to not worry about it or anything else the registry cleaning module of ccleaner does.

[rthompson80819]

BTW, if you are curious about a file extension and what it's for this is a good source.

http://www.fileinfo.com/

[wa_94sound]

BTW, if you are curious about a file extension and what it's for this is a good source.

http://www.fileinfo.com/

This is a great resource, different file extensions are registered by programs or various processes that have run on your computer at one time or another. As Allan said, I wouldn't worry them because they really don't take up space on your drive. If you want a specific explanation of what each file extension that you have on your system actually does on your computer, Windows gives it to you as well. You can find it by going to start > control panel > folder options > then click on the "file types" tab. From there you can click on any registered extension and it gives you details at the bottom, but I wouldn't recommend on changing any settings here, as that is managed by windows very well and it might cause headaches later. Hope this helps.

[Daisymae70]

This is a great resource, different file extensions are registered by programs or various processes that have run on your computer at one time or another. As Allan said, I wouldn't worry them because they really don't take up space on your drive. If you want a specific explanation of what each file extension that you have on your system actually does on your computer, Windows gives it to you as well. You can find it by going to start > control panel > folder options > then click on the "file types" tab. From there you can click on any registered extension and it gives you details at the bottom, but I wouldn't recommend on changing any settings here, as that is managed by windows very well and it might cause headaches later. Hope this helps.

Great input!! Thank you so much for taking the time. I always need a little more when it comes to explanations.  Having something to take a look at helps. 

[Daisymae70]

Great input!! Thank you so much for taking the time. I always need a little more when it comes to explanations.  Having something to take a look at helps. 

I took a look. Thank you.  Sometimes I just need things spelled out.  Think I have a better understanding. Its like these extensions are available with windows just waiting to connect to the right file name.  They aren't hurting anything. Sort of like fonts (or not) just out there not taking up space. Available to be used.  Probably a little simplistic.  But when you are applying a Ccleaner for the first time to the Registry and you don't know what they are, to ask is damage control in my book. (well always asking is damage control in my book LOL)  Thanks again WA_94

[Allan]

Do not use any registry cleaner - including ccleaner's registry module. They do no good and can sometimes cause problems.

[Daisymae70]

Do not use any registry cleaner - including ccleaner's registry module. They do no good and can sometimes cause problems.

Wow! Interesting.   In the 7 months that I have been in computer forums as a beginner not one person has ever said that to me. Usually there is a big promotion everywhere in order to get the computer running faster.  Thanks for the red flag.  Duly noted and received.  I was going to ask you when you first indicated that is was not a good idea. You saved me the asking.  This is off topic but I have found the same difference when I went looking for input on  windows auto updates  On or off.  Some say on, some say off. Sure is a way to confuse a person.    Especially this beginner.  But that is another topic.

Thanks for your input.

[patio]

I'm glad you are willing to heed Allans heads up...i couldn't agree more with his assessment...

As to how to handle Windows Updates...here is how i do it.
I set it to never auto-update but to send notifications and ask...

I then peruse the list copy it to a notepad file and place it on the desktop.
Then i usually wait at least 2 to 3 weeks...while doing my Forum work and check at all Forums i volunteer on and see if anyone has any issues related to a specific update...if no issues after 3 weeks i go ahead and install them manually.

Beats having the headache of a sour update...it's happened in the past.

[Daisymae70]

I'm glad you are willing to heed Allans heads up...i couldn't agree more with his assessment...

As to how to handle Windows Updates...here is how i do it.
I set it to never auto-update but to send notifications and ask...

I then peruse the list copy it to a notepad file and place it on the desktop.
Then i usually wait at least 2 to 3 weeks...while doing my Forum work and check at all Forums i volunteer on and see if anyone has any issues related to a specific update...if no issues after 3 weeks i go ahead and install them manually.

Beats having the headache of a sour update...it's happened in the past.

Smart!! and good advice as well.   Thanks