-=PCTechTalk=- Re: Registry Mechanic and similar programs
- From: GMan <gman.pctt@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:27:36 -0500
Don,
While it's common knowledge that everyone 'should' review the list (and
the advice is more than valid), that suggestion only works for tech-types.
Most folks don't bother because they don't understand the registry enough to
feel like they are making proper decisions. In past testing, I have
witnessed multiple registry cleaners suggesting the removal of entries that
would appear abandoned, but were actually needed for a specific program
who's process was not running most of the time. While 'I' knew that the
entries were not really abandoned, most non-tech folks wouldn't recognize
them and they'd be gone or the person will err on the side of caution and
everything, including entries that should go would remain.
Perhaps the problem is that they ARE pretty simple apps. It would be
incredibly helpful if they could better indicate what apps & processes
placed the entries there in the first place. Then it would be MUCH easier
to decide if it's still needed. Of course, that would be impossible for
most minor support entries that remain from something that's been removed.
I don't really have a definitive answer for this. I just know that I
don't trust them anywhere near as much as their marketing departments want
me to. If you have tried out a bunch and found any that are exceptionally
accurate, I wouldn't have any problem taking it to the testing lab for a
spin. :O)
Peace,
GMan
http://reddit.com
"The only dumb questions are the ones we fail to ask!"
----- Original Message -----
From: "don101" <don101@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2008 10:20 AM
Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- Registry Mechanic and similar programs
>
> Registry repair programs are generally pretty simple applications. They
> scan your registry looking for entries that are not valid and then present
> the list to you. You then review the list and confirm the entries are not
> valid and then tell the program to either delete them or repair them.
>
> Many invalid entries are caused by programs that you uninstall. The
> uninstall process leaves behind registry entries that were used by the
> uninstalled program or it deletes a shared file that should not have been
> deleted.
>
> Typical invalid entries would be a non-existent program calling a specific
> file or making a configuration setting or an existing program calling a
> non-existent file that may have been deleted by another program's
> uninstall process.
>
> Invalid entries can cause a range of problems such as loading a program,
> process or service that has no reason to be loaded or not loading one that
> is needed.
>
> The bottom line is that each time a registry cleaner is used, it is wise
> to review the list of errors before allowing the cleaner to delete or
> repair any entries.
>
> Don
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