Free registry repairs

[scottishwarrior]

Can someone explain 'free' registry downloads for me? Every site I visit goes so far, then when you get to the stage where you click to finish the repair, lo and behold you get a site where for only so many $$$$ you can complete the repair - where's the 'free'

[evilfantasy]

There is now software that can "repair" a registry other than a Windows Install Disk.

You can do the same thing as the repair tools with all free solutions. As follows...

CCleaner Slim
Defraggler

Also run your antivirus and that's it. The registry repair tools are just a scam to try and get your money.

Also see here > Myth #1: Registry Cleaners and here > Registry Cleaners, not recommended

Note: Always back up your registry before making any changes.

[2x3i5x]

yup registry cleaner can keep your pc clean but deleting an incorrect value in the registry can make your pc unusable when one min ago it was ok.

[Broni]

Free registry repairs = costly computer repair

[2x3i5x]

Free registry repairs = costly computer repair

lol, your computer right now ain't broke so why do something that can make it go broke?

are you happy that you can go broke when you've just made it go broke?

[patio]

They are called "rogue" applications...
They use unscrupulous advertising methods...offer the impossible ...and then demand payment of normally $29.95 to fix issues you don't have.

NOTE: If you are getting these popups often then i'd suggest a visit to our Virus and Spyware section as chances are you're already infected.

[Rob Pomeroy]

I don't care what the experts say - I run Eusing Free Registry Cleaner on a semi-frequent basis.  That said, I do run an educated eye down the list of entries it proposes to remove before letting it get on with it.  The main reason I do this is because it irritates me the way many applications leave traces of themselves about the registry even after uninstallation.  I'm under no illusion that it frees up space or makes my system run quicker, but I like the "clean and fresh" feeling it gives me.   

[kpac]

The main reason I do this is because it irritates me the way many applications leave traces of themselves about the registry even after uninstallation.  I'm under no illusion that it frees up space or makes my system run quicker, but I like the "clean and fresh" feeling it gives me.  

Then use Revo Uninstaller.

[Rob Pomeroy]

Then use Revo Uninstaller.

Looks like a good app, kpac.  Does Revo uninstall all the crud that apps add to the registry after first use, as well?

[evilfantasy]

Hi Rob.

Yes Revo does. I've used it for a few years now. Install something small just to give it a test. It's unbelievable how much junk is left behind by even the smallest applications uninstallers. Revo will even completely remove software that has a missing or broken uninstaller. It even has a portable version! http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html

I don't care what the experts say......

Agreed. But if you have to ask then it is probably best you just stay away from them.

[ALAN_BR]

Well intentioned "Registry Cleaners" can make mistakes  that prevent rebooting.

Registry Cleaners downloaded from unknown sources may have bad intentions.

Registry Cleaners that are on-line and interactive would need full access to the entire computer before they can determine whether a registry key refers to an executable that does not exist (e.g was un-installed but left remainders in the registry).

I am sure that if you search the Internet hard enough you will find sites that will "fix" your registry while on-line and do NOT demand $$$ when you "click to complete repair";
but they may have already got your credit card details and financial records, and installed backdoors so that after they have "maxed out" your existing credit cards they can come back in to pick up any future cards ! ! !

If you want an exciting life full of technical dangers and financial risks this is the way to go ! ! !

Regards
Alan