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TonyKlein

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Posts posted by TonyKlein

  1. You're very welcome. :)

     

    From the BOClean online support page:

     

    When the "Automatic cleanup of winsock connectivity" checkbox is checked, upon a detection of a nasty, BOClean will completely delete the HOSTS file from its location in order to circumvent corruption of the data present. The HOSTS file if used, will have to be replaced with a good copy. For anyone using a HOSTS file, it is therefore recommended that a backup copy be kept in order to replace the original if "file not found." This function ALSO removes any settings that are placed into the "ZONES" registry keys for "Domains," "Ranges" and "Protocol" Defaults settings since these are often populated with redirects to bad places or worse.

     

    In any case, it is recommended to use a Hosts file manager like Hostsman to maintain your Hosts file. It also allows you to simply back it up:

     

    http://hostsman.abelhadigital.com/

  2. Your computer will run just fine without a Hosts file. It's just that you won't enjoy the protection a good Hosts file can provide....

     

    Although there's plenty of malware that modifies the Hosts file, I don't recall any offhand that actually delete it, although some may actually do that...

     

    Also, there's some security software (I recall BOClean is one) that do delete the Hosts file whenever removing malware that's known to modify it...

  3. I have never heard of that site so I can't comment on its reliability...

     

    CastleCops' (formerly Computer Cops) reputation is beyond reproach.

     

    Paul and Robin Laudanski, the webmaster and mistress, both Microsoft MVPs, are well known and respected in seurity circles, and I can assure you this information has been amply researched as well.

     

    I actually know this because CC is in fact also my 'home' board, plus I created and maintain the CLSID database containing the BHO listing in question... :P

     

    For sure, it is to everyone's benefit that AOL is making such excellent AV software available for free, and it is only with the (optional) toolbar that there are these potential privacy issues.

  4. I have tried to delete the TIF folder but get a message that says this is a system folder and cannot delete.

     

    This is normal. What you need to do is log out, then log in as Administrator (just having administrative priviledges is not enough!), and then you'll be able to delete the entire Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files folder in your user profile.

     

    Windows will automatically create new one.

  5. I don't know about this.

     

    But I do know that Norton is the devil!

     

     

    Now, now, Eldmannen, I believe we've been through this before... :rolleyes:

     

    I found the problem...Spybot does not play well with Norton.

     

    As far as I know, SpyBot coexists fine with Norton, although I'm not familiar with NIS 2006 - but, as Andavari already said, by all means do take it up with both parties.

     

    In the case of SpyBot S&D the best way to go about that would be to post at the SB forum and see what they'll come up with: http://forums.spybot.info/index.php

  6. There IS a tutorial in pdf form:

    http://www.macecraft.com/html/jv16pt2006_d...dbook.pdf

     

    The registry cleaner hasn't given me any grief at all. Just like CCleaner it presents you with a list of what it finds.

     

    Then, again exactly like with CCleaner, you get a choice:

     

    Do you want to deal with every single registry entry manually, or do you want JV PowerTools (or CCleaner) to "fix" them for you (you can choose 'select all' with PT as well)

     

    If you want PT (or CC) to do the work for you, both will do that as best they can, and both export what they remove to a regfile, so that you can always revert to the state you started out with.

     

    Anyway, just my cts. By all means do choose the registry cleaner you're most comfortable with; I'm not on a mission...

     

    Should you still be interested in a second (or third) opinion, have a look at the comparative test I linked to previously; here it is again: http://www.informationweek.com/story/showA...cleID=171203805

  7. Well, as I already implied, with this kind of application there's always that balance to strike between being close to ineffectual on one hand and overly agressive on the other...

     

    I'm obviously a huge CCleaner fan, and the Issues option is certainly a nice and useful addition, but it's true forte is obviously cleaning those pesky MRUs...

  8. wgan, if you are running a WinNT based operating systems such as WinNT/2000/2003/XP then ERUNT and NTREGOPT are highly recommended.

     

    Absolutely, although NTregopt 'only' compacts the registry, which incidentally is certainly to be recommended.

     

    However, it does not actually remove redundant/orphaned registry keys and values, and thus cannot be considered a registry cleaner

  9. Still, the question remains what real benefits any registry cleaner will bring.

     

    Many of the 'invalid' entrries found will get recreated as you continue using your computer, not many issues you may have will truly get 'healed' or 'repaired', and, unlike for example is the case with Windows 98 where a bloated system.dat could really be a problem, registry bloat isn't really a huge issue in NT based systems.

     

    Still, if you want my 2 cts, I'm kind of partial to anything by Jouni Vuorio.

     

    I used to run his RegCleaner from the very start, and I found it to be one of the more useful and well designed ones.

     

    Nowadays his software is to be found here: http://www.jv16.org/

     

    RegSupreme Pro is excellent for what it does, JV16 Power Tools has a load of additional useful options.

     

     

    [edit] I just found you a test of 10 competing products by the renowned Fred Langa. That should hopefully help you make up your mind. ;)

     

    http://www.informationweek.com/story/showA...cleID=171203805[/edit]

  10. LOL

     

    If you're not 100% satisfied, return the unopened bottle in the original packaging within eight hours, along with the original receipt, a color copy of your drivers license, and a check for $12.95 to cover handling, restocking, and legal fees. You'll receive a complete refund within 10-12 weeks.
  11. I also like the disclaimers... LOL!

     

    WiFi Speed Spray? is safe and effective when used as directed. However, the product is known to the State of California to cause cancer; developmental toxicity; and/or male pattern baldness. For outdoor use only. Do not use near electrical appliances. WiFi Speed Spray? should not be used in the presence of pregnant women, women who have been pregnant, or women who may some day become pregnant. Keep away from children and household pets (especially birds). Do not take internally. If a persistent cough or partial paralysis develops, consult a physician,
  12. You're very welcome, and sorry we subsequently forgot ALL about your original question... LOL!

     

    I have A-Squared on my computer, so that'll be where it came from, I guess.

     

    Thanks for your help.

     

  13. I've heard that before about A2...

     

    You know, if you're running a good antivirus, there are not many AT's that represent a true boost in your level of protection.

     

    I've tried TrojanHunter, had TDS-3 installed for years in tandem with BOClean, and I have to say that BOClean is the one I recommend above all.

     

    It has a huge database, updates often, and support is absolutely first rate.

  14. But many times i have no clue what programs are in the unistall list

     

    It's why I previously suggested a 'regedit jump' option so that you would actually be taken to the relevant Registry key. The uninstall string there would immediately tell you what application a particular entry was related to...

     

    Until such a feature is (hopefully) implemented, as a workaround you can launch Regedit, and drill down to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall subkey in order to examine the contents of the subkeys there.

  15. IE toolbars do often get mixed up due to minor corruption of the related Registry keys. It is not particularly a CCleaner or Yahoo toolbar issue.

     

    I suggest you FIRST close all browser windows (important), then uninstall BOTH CCleaner and the Google toolbar

     

    Reinstall the Google toolbar, then (assuming you prefer CC without Yahoo!) go here and download and install CC Basic which does NOT contain the toolbar.

     

    Tell us how that goes.

     

    Whoops, our posts crossed, Andavari... ;)

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