Searched for help, now I'll ask

CCleaner for Windows
1

First, thanks for the help received 6 months ago for my hubby's laptop. Now I guess Its my turn.

No malware, viruses, etc....... that I know of. Just a slower running machine. I've deleted all old music, picture, documents, anything I don't really need (again that I know of). And I use CCleaner at least once a week, sometimes more. But I have noticed that my machine still seems to be running a lot slower than it used to, even when all those "old" files were first new.

After reading here in the forums, all over the site, and the CCleaner Beginner's guide, I have two questions. If I need to put them in different threads, I can, just wasn't sure.

First question is regarding the Registry Integrity Scans. I've scanned periodically but have been warned to not "mess" with the registry at any time (a know it all but dear friend). But here I see that clicking "Fix All Issues" really isn't going to do any harm. Then I search the forums and see that it could in some instances... so I'm a little mixed on this. But if it will help speed things please can someone explain this part of CCleaner in a little more detail for me, so I know what I'm doing next time? (link me to the right post i couldn't find in search if one exists even :P )

Second question is about the Programs to Remove page... That list has so many items I don't recognize, and many when pulled up through control panel/add & remove programs, cannot be uninstalled. I'm thinking this has a lot to do with slowing my machine down as well but again, figured I'd ask before clicking anything.

After all, y'all are the experts to help us lil folk ;).

Thanks.

2

Hello EternallyYoung,

New Users Advice

The Registry Integrity feature and the Tools feature of CCleaner are for more knowledgeable users.

You have a very "dear" friend.They may not want to tell you so but maybe they know you are not yet "techie" enough to be changing the Registry.For most users this statement is true.The benefits do not outweigh the risks, worries and possible problems involved.This statement is not true for more knowledgeable "heavy" users who are forced to become "techies" due to the way they use their computers.

Unless you are extremely tight on disk space,it is not necessary to Uninstall or Delete any Programs.

However,some software must be uninstalled to get rid of it.This is mainly security type software or malware type programs.Do so only with experienced help and proper back-ups..

NEVER DELETE OR UNINSTALL ANYTHING THAT YOU DON'T KNOW WHY IT IS THERE. ANYTHING!!!

NEVER INSTALL, DOWNLOAD OR ALLOW ACCESS FROM ANY WEBSITE THAT YOU HAVE NOT CHECKED OUT.

Use of CCleaner Cleaner function, ERUNT, NTREGOPT ,and Windows Disk Defragmenter program is sufficient to maintain most users PC's.

ERUNT and NTREGOPT are valuable programs for all users.This link is to the authors website.It is safe.

http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/erunt/index.htm Read all the links there.

To install just click on SERVER1,2, or 3 on the left side.This installs a complete package.

If you install it use all the "default" settings and locations.Also select AUTOBACKUP for ERUNT unless using Vista.

P.S. EDIT July 19,2008 Due to complications in Vista it is advisable to only do manual backups with ERUNT.

Weird names but invaluable programs.

When was the last time you compacted your Registry? NTREGOPT does this and initial results are

amazing.Run this only when you are ready to immediately re-boot.

When was the last time you defragmented your disk? This can speed up your computer if it hasn't been done in awhile or especially if it's never been done..

The Windows Disk Defragmenter can be used by > Start right click My Computer > Manage > Disk Defragmenter.

If the program says you don't need defragmenting then don't.If the program says you do need defragmenting then do it only when you don't need to use your computer for awhile.Like any maintenance programs Cleaning or Defragmenting are fastest and safest when they are the only program running.

Running maintenance type programs at the same time as other programs invites disaster.Turn off any security programs and it will run faster if necessary.Remember to turn security programs back on when finished.

CCleaning should be done as needed.For most users 1 or 2 times a week.

ERUNT is best run daily.

NTREGOPT and Disk Defragmenter maybe 1 time a month.

I refer you to another Reply I made to another member if you desire to learn more.

http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?showto...amp;#entry96299

Some malware programs can also slow down your computer but that is another topic.

Running more than 1 anti-virus program and 1 firewall can also slow down your computer.

http://internetrotsyourbrain.com/rridgely/freesoftware.htm Read his other Posts(Buttons on left)

Best Wishes,

:) davey

3

Thanks so much Davey. You've given me much to read.

No, I don't delete things I don't know why they are there. I learned that mistake after receiving an email about removing a little teddy bear icon a long time ago. The only reason I ask about the long list of programs is that there are so many HP related programs with no information. How can I find out which of these are no longer needed (many showed up after installing an all-in-one HP printer that is no longer used.

Yes, along with CCleaner and disk cleanup, I've run defrag on a regular basis. Knowing that I have a "small" machine as for memory and processor I felt this helped.

Will study the info you gave me before posting again. And Thanks again!

:rolleyes:

4

Your slowdown could possibly (but not necessarily) be to a fragmented pagefile which the freeware Microsoft Windows Sysinternals PageDefrag can defragment during startup amongst some other stuff.

5

EXPERIENCED ADVICE NEEDED REGARDING HP UNINSTALL !!!

The only reason I ask about the long list of programs is that there are so many HP related programs with no information. How can I find out which of these are no longer needed (many showed up after installing an all-in-one HP printer that is no longer used.

I also had loads of unneeded HP software that was pre-installed on this computer..

Seems to me about 500 - 600 MB worth of useless stuff for our needs.

We installed another HP printer 3 years later with a little CD.All we needed was the driver for the new printer.

I just uninstalled all the HP stuff at one time.This helped next defrag to get more important stuff closer to the edge of the disk.

Here is a link to HP.All you have to do is plug in the Product id at the top of the page.This should help you uninstall most of it. It is always best to use the manufacturers uninstall method as this has a greater chance of removing related files and reseting the Registry.

Do that first then you can CClean OPTIONS to get rid of the rest.I haven't used it yet myself.

It may be advisable to wait awhile longer because I know there other members who have uninstalled HP also.

http://h10061.www1.hp.com/ccsearch/search?...&submit.y=6

Yes, along with CCleaner and disk cleanup, I've run defrag on a regular basis. Knowing that I have a "small" machine as for memory and processor I felt this helped.

I too have only 256 MB of RAM.That is why I set off on my quest for more PC knowledge.If you are not careful,you may end up a "techie" or even a "Geek". :lol: Then you will go off and build your own SUPER PC.

Andavari's suggestion is excellent also. It helped my computer and evey little bit helps.

Get ERUNT and NTREGOPT installed and used.Run ERUNT first then NTREGOPT.They are simple and fast.Please let us know the percentage of compaction you got from running NTREGOPT.Also the old size and the new size of your Registry.

What are the specs for your computer?

What OS, Browser, security programs and other applications used i.e. Photo Shop,iTunes etc. This info may be important.

:) davey

6
I too have only 256 MB of RAM.That is why I set off on my quest for more PC knowledge.If you are not careful,you may end up a "techie" or even a "Geek". :lol: Then you will go off and build your own SUPER PC.

Andavari's suggestion is excellent also. It helped my computer and evey little bit helps.

Get ERUNT and NTREGOPT installed and used.Run ERUNT first then NTREGOPT.They are simple and fast.

:) davey

:blink: 256 would be really cool! When I first bought this machine 3 yrs ago I thought I was getting a great deal, a "fast" computer at only a couple hundred bucks!. Then I found out that 192 wasn't all that great, lol.

As for the "danger" of my becoming a "techie"....... My family members already refer to me as The Family Geek and come to me first, for all computer related problems. :P I guess I at least know that if I can't help them, to come here to the experts, eh?

Thanks for the info, both of you. I'll keep studying and be back.

7

Hi again,

Please let us know the percentage of compaction you got from running NTREGOPT.Also the old size and the new size of your Registry.

What are the specs for your computer?

What OS, Browser, security programs and other applications used i.e. Photo Shop,iTunes etc. This info may be important to help improve your performance.

What a "deal" to get you connected to the rest of the planet and the universe.I would say so.

If our grandparents could see us now !!!

:) davey

8
:blink: 256 would be really cool! When I first bought this machine 3 yrs ago I thought I was getting a great deal, a "fast" computer at only a couple hundred bucks!. Then I found out that 192 wasn't all that great, lol.

As for the "danger" of my becoming a "techie"....... My family members already refer to me as The Family Geek and come to me first, for all computer related problems. :P I guess I at least know that if I can't help them, to come here to the experts, eh?

Thanks for the info, both of you. I'll keep studying and be back.

There is an old saying You can't have enough money or too much RAM

There are several places you can purchase a RAM upgrade and Crucial will help you select the correct chips for your system.

9
Hello EternallyYoung,

New Users Advice

The Registry Integrity feature and the Tools feature of CCleaner are for more knowledgeable users.

You have a very "dear" friend.They may not want to tell you so but maybe they know you are not yet "techie" enough to be changing the Registry.For most users this statement is true.The benefits do not outweigh the risks, worries and possible problems involved.This statement is not true for more knowledgeable "heavy" users who are forced to become "techies" due to the way they use their computers.

Unless you are extremely tight on disk space,it is not necessary to Uninstall or Delete any Programs.

However,some software must be uninstalled to get rid of it.This is mainly security type software or malware type programs.Do so only with experienced help and proper back-ups..

NEVER DELETE OR UNINSTALL ANYTHING THAT YOU DON'T KNOW WHY IT IS THERE.ANYTHING!!!

NEVER INSTALL, DOWNLOAD OR ALLOW ACCESS FROM ANY WEBSITE THAT YOU HAVE NOT CHECKED OUT.

Use of CCleaner Cleaner function, ERUNT, NTREGOPT ,and Windows Disk Defragmenter program is sufficient to maintain most users PC's.

ERUNT and NTREGOPT are valuable programs for all users.This link is to the authors website.It is safe.

http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/erunt/index.htm Read all the links there.

To install just click on SERVER1,2, or 3 on the left side.This installs a complete package.

If you install it use all the "default" settings and locations.Also select AUTOBACKUP for ERUNT unless using Vista.

P.S. EDIT July 19,2008 Due to complications in Vista it is advisable to only do manual backups with ERUNT.

Weird names but invaluable programs.

When was the last time you compacted your Registry? NTREGOPT does this and initial results are

amazing.Run this only when you are ready to immediately re-boot.

When was the last time you defragmented your disk? This can speed up your computer if it hasn't been done in awhile or especially if it's never been done..

The Windows Disk Defragmenter can be used by > Start right click My Computer > Manage > Disk Defragmenter.

If the program says you don't need defragmenting then don't.If the program says you do need defragmenting then do it only when you don't need to use your computer for awhile.Like any maintenance programs Cleaning or Defragmenting are fastest and safest when they are the only program running.

Running maintenance type programs at the same time as other programs invites disaster.Turn off any security programs and it will run faster if necessary.Remember to turn security programs back on when finished.

CCleaning should be done as needed.For most users 1 or 2 times a week.

ERUNT is best run daily.

NTREGOPT and Disk Defragmenter maybe 1 time a month.

I refer you to another Reply I made to another member if you desire to learn more.

http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?showto...amp;#entry96299

Some malware programs can also slow down your computer but that is another topic.

Running more than 1 anti-virus program or firewall can also slow down your computer.

http://internetrotsyourbrain.com/rridgely/freesoftware.htm Read his other Posts(Buttons on left)

Best Wishes,

:) davey

Hi Davey,

What is NTREGOPT?

10
Hi Davey,

What is NTREGOPT?

It is a tool we are going to use. But only with UAC turned off in Vista. Same thing with ERUNT.

It copies the Registry to another location. All the old ,deleted Registry entries are not copied so you end up with a new shorter Registry.

Nothing gets changed, just copied.

After learning and doing some cleaning and uninstalling here at the forum, I ran NTREGOPT and it made my Registry 17% smaller. So certain tasks run quicker as a result.

When I started my Registry was approx. 55 MB. After doing some of the things that you will or also can do, I am down to a 38 MB Registry. Think of it like waist size and you get the idea. I have more useful things and less junk on my PC and it runs better than the day it was installed in April,2004. Plus, it is a lot more useful for daily life etc.

:) davey

11

Hey davey, I ran NTREGOPT without UAC turned off.

I right clicked and ran as administrator.

The following is from Lars Hederer: Question: Do ERUNT and NTREGOPT run on Windows Vista?

Answer: Yes. To make sure the programs are executed with proper administrative privileges, you should however turn off User Account Control in Vista?s system settings.

It seemed to run as it does on my XP system. Do you think I did any harm?

Thanks for the heads up.

P.S. I won't be doing that again.

Jamin4u

12
Hey davey, I ran NTREGOPT without UAC turned off.

I right clicked and ran as administrator.

The following is from Lars Hederer: Question: Do ERUNT and NTREGOPT run on Windows Vista?

Answer: Yes. To make sure the programs are executed with proper administrative privileges, you should however turn off User Account Control in Vista?s system settings.

It seemed to run as it does on my XP system. Do you think I did any harm?

Thanks for the heads up.

P.S. I won't be doing that again.

Jamin4u

I don't know if any thing has changed since he posted that FAQ.

I have read that people were trying to use ERUNT and NTREGOPT with UAC turned on because they wanted UAC on after some Vista fixes.

I know of one Vista user that has no problems at all even running ERUNT at startup. He has restored the Registry with ERUNT and used NTREGOPT with no problems. Then there are the others who insist on trying to install it their way and they have problems and blame it all on ERUNT and NTREGOPT. You know the kind of PC user I am talking about ? The self-approved experts. Then they try to give the product a bad name based on their "official experienced" opinion.

I can never understand those that refuse to do it the simple way and follow the instructions.

How long have you been using ERUNT and NTREGOPT with UAC turned on?

Any problems?

Knowing you ,I think you are probably all up to date with Vista SP1. I would think that with all the fixes from MS, that you can run Lars programs either way. But that was his statement back then. P.S. I would hold to that statement until the author changes it.

You might E-mail him and update us. MAYBE ??? MAYBE ???

I would not doubt that he made that a requirement so he didn't have to be involved with all the original UAC problems. Who can blame him. Many software companies did the same thing. Why run around trying to fight fires caused by someone else's software ?

I just wanted to re-emphasize Lars original statement. So I updated some of my previous posts to remind many Vista users who are now trying to keep UAC on now that it is working better.

:) davey

13

Hey davey, I've had ERUNT and NTREGOPT on my Vista system since January.

I remember having to always approve auto backup at startup.

I believe it was UAC and not my Host Intrusion Prevention System.

So I just manually backup the registry when I install something, or feel the need. (Run as administrator)

I've run NTREGOPT maybe twice with 10% reduction each time. (Run as administrator)

This discussion has sparked my interest in trying auto backup again. Since "yes" I have SP1 installed and have had many updates to my Firewall with HIPS.

I haven't had any problems with the way I'm doing it, but it sure would be nice to "set it and forget it".

I will update you when I'm done and have tested it out.

Thanks as always,

Jamin4u

14
Hey davey, I've had ERUNT and NTREGOPT on my Vista system since January.

I remember having to always approve auto backup at startup.

I believe it was UAC and not my Host Intrusion Prevention System.

So I just manually backup the registry when I install something, or feel the need. (Run as administrator)

I've run NTREGOPT maybe twice with 10% reduction each time. (Run as administrator)

This discussion has sparked my interest in trying auto backup again. Since "yes" I have SP1 installed and have had many updates to my Firewall with HIPS.

I haven't had any problems with the way I'm doing it, but it sure would be nice to "set it and forget it".

I will update you when I'm done and have tested it out.

Thanks as always,

Jamin4u

Good luck !!!

From everything I have read there is no such thing as Auto anything with UAC or with it turned off.

I don't have any personal experience using Vista but it seems like you ask for something to run and then 10 - 15 secs later it asks for your authorization. Good thing you don't have type in some random generated 6 character string or something. :lol: Do you?

Best wishes,

:) davey

15

I didn't think I could have auto backup with UAC turned on.

I thought this changed when you stated this:

I know of one Vista user that has no problems at all even running ERUNT at startup.

Erunt is definitely one of those programs that requires elevated (administrative) access.

I don't want to turn off UAC, so I will backup the registry like I have been.

Maybe a future MS update in a galaxy far far away, we will have the ability to exclude programs from UAC.

16
Hello EternallyYoung,

New Users Advice

The Registry Integrity feature and the Tools feature of CCleaner are for more knowledgeable users.

You have a very "dear" friend.They may not want to tell you so but maybe they know you are not yet "techie" enough to be changing the Registry.For most users this statement is true.The benefits do not outweigh the risks, worries and possible problems involved.This statement is not true for more knowledgeable "heavy" users who are forced to become "techies" due to the way they use their computers.

Unless you are extremely tight on disk space,it is not necessary to Uninstall or Delete any Programs.

However,some software must be uninstalled to get rid of it.This is mainly security type software or malware type programs.Do so only with experienced help and proper back-ups..

NEVER DELETE OR UNINSTALL ANYTHING THAT YOU DON'T KNOW WHY IT IS THERE. ANYTHING!!!

NEVER INSTALL, DOWNLOAD OR ALLOW ACCESS FROM ANY WEBSITE THAT YOU HAVE NOT CHECKED OUT.

Use of CCleaner Cleaner function, ERUNT, NTREGOPT ,and Windows Disk Defragmenter program is sufficient to maintain most users PC's.

ERUNT and NTREGOPT are valuable programs for all users.This link is to the authors website.It is safe.

http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/erunt/index.htm Read all the links there.

To install just click on SERVER1,2, or 3 on the left side.This installs a complete package.

If you install it use all the "default" settings and locations.Also select AUTOBACKUP for ERUNT unless using Vista.

P.S. EDIT July 19,2008 Due to complications in Vista it is advisable to only do manual backups with ERUNT.

Weird names but invaluable programs.

When was the last time you compacted your Registry? NTREGOPT does this and initial results are

amazing.Run this only when you are ready to immediately re-boot.

When was the last time you defragmented your disk? This can speed up your computer if it hasn't been done in awhile or especially if it's never been done..

The Windows Disk Defragmenter can be used by > Start right click My Computer > Manage > Disk Defragmenter.

If the program says you don't need defragmenting then don't.If the program says you do need defragmenting then do it only when you don't need to use your computer for awhile.Like any maintenance programs Cleaning or Defragmenting are fastest and safest when they are the only program running.

Running maintenance type programs at the same time as other programs invites disaster.Turn off any security programs and it will run faster if necessary.Remember to turn security programs back on when finished.

CCleaning should be done as needed.For most users 1 or 2 times a week.

ERUNT is best run daily.

NTREGOPT and Disk Defragmenter maybe 1 time a month.

I refer you to another Reply I made to another member if you desire to learn more.

http://forum.piriform.com/index.php?showto...amp;#entry96299

Some malware programs can also slow down your computer but that is another topic.

Running more than 1 anti-virus program or firewall can also slow down your computer.

http://internetrotsyourbrain.com/rridgely/freesoftware.htm Read his other Posts(Buttons on left)

Best Wishes,

:) davey

Davey,

I have been having the same issue with CCleaner. I ran the registry cleaner and did a backup of the files, and then after a restart of my computer my mozilla firefox won't open. I click on it and it brings up the hourglass icon for a split second then it goes away and the program does not open. Also which is weird is that whenever I access youtube, videos only load a certain portion (not sure if this has anything to do with this or not).

I have done several system restore's and the issue is not resolved, so I think I need some guidance. I had read some previous posts by Davey and downloaded and installed the ERUNT and NTREGOPT, and ran both programs and nothing Mozilla still does not work. Please Help!!

I am also am running windows XP

17
Davey,

Hello ugafan412,

Welcome to the forums !!! :):D

VERY IMPORTANT THING You must always reboot immediately after using NTREGOPT.

Any registry changes that you make after running NTREGOPT will be lost when you do reboot. Reboot now if did not do it then. You must do this before restoring your Registry changes.

It sounds like you have certainly done your best to resolve your problems.

When you ran the Registry cleaner did you keep scanning for "issues" until there were no more issues found? Some users do not realize that this is necessary. Try this again and see if there are still issues to be "fixed".

Then Reboot(restart) your PC.

If this does not help then try this next.

The first thing that I would try is to use those CCleaner Registry Issues backups.

They will be by "default" in My Documents. You need to restore them one at a time in the reverse order that you created them. Part of their name is a "time-stamp". This helps identify the order that they were created.

Point at the last one created and right-click on it. Then click on the word Merge at the top of the menu. You will be asked if you want to merge these into the registry. Reply "Yes" and the changes will be restored for those issues. Then do it again for the prior "fix". Do this until you have restored the changes for that "day or time period" then reboot and try again.

Come back and let us know what happens. There will be other things that you may need to do.

1.Tell us what OS, edition and version that you use. I use WinXP Professional SP3. You can find this at the top of CCleaner window.

2.Also tell us the same about Firefox and 3. some information about your PC.

Good luck,

:) davey

P.S 4.How long you have been using CCleaner ?

5.What was happening with your PC, that you were trying to fix originally?

What we are trying to do right now is get your PC back to the condition it was before these new problems began. :P

18
Hello ugafan412,

Welcome to the forums !!! :):D

It sounds like you have certainly done your best to resolve your problems.

When you ran the Registry cleaner did you keep scanning for "issues" until there were no more issues found? Some users do not realize that this is necessary. Try this again and see if there are still issues to be "fixed".

Then Reboot(restart) your PC.

If this does not help then try this next.

The first thing that I would try is to use those CCleaner Registry Issues backups.

They will be by "default" in My Documents. You need to restore them one at a time in the reverse order that you created them. Part of their name is a "time-stamp". This helps identify the order that they were created.

Point at the last one created and right-click on it. Then click on the word Merge at the top of the menu. You will be asked if you want to merge these into the registry. Reply "Yes" and the changes will be restored for those issues. Then do it again for the prior "fix". Do this until you have restored the changes for that "day" then reboot and try again.

Come back and let us know what happens. There will be other things that you may need to do.

Tell us what OS, edition and version that you use. I use WinXP Professional SP3. You can find this at the top of CCleaner window.

Also tell us the same about Firefox and some information about your PC.

Good luck,

:) davey

P.S How long you have been using CCleaner ?

What was happening with your PC, that you were trying to fix originally?

Davey,

Thanks!

To answer your first question I at first ran the CCleaner until there were no more problems left to fix on the registry. However, I could not get mozilla to work so I did a system restore and then went on to running the scan again (making sure to do a backup) and then tried mozilla again and it did not work... so then I right-clicked on my backup file that I initially saved and did a "merge" to restore what I had done. That is what brought me to where I am now.

Since I did a restore after running the CCleaner I could no longer locate my previous backups so the only .reg file I have is the one I spoke about in the paragraph above.

Are you saying that after I merge the files back into my registry I should run the registry cleaner and fix all problems until no more are present?

As far as my computer itself: I am using Windows XP SV pack 3. The computer I am using is my work computer so it is a desktop and some more information about it is:

Intel Pentium D CPU 3.4 GHz, 2.0 GB RAM, 128 MB ATI Radeon X1300

To answer the question regarding when all of this occurred, it was all today (12/4).

I will merge the file one more time and then restart my computer and then log back on to here.

Thanks for your help so far.

- Nathan

19
- Nathan

Ok Nathan, we will start from where we are right now !!!

Do not do any more registry cleaning or restoring for now.

Your problem may be that some things like "cookies" or "flash cookies" have been deleted.

I do not use Firefox but I am sure we will get some advice about that. What version of Firefox are you using ?

What are the Firefox options settings that you have on your Applications tab?

This information may be important to give you the correct advice. :) davey

20
Ok Nathan, we will start from where we are right now !!!

Do not do any more registry cleaning or restoring for now.

Your problem may be that some things like "cookies" or "flash cookies" have been deleted.

I do not use Firefox but I am sure we will get some advice about that. What version of Firefox are you using ?

What are the Firefox options settings that you have on your Applications tab?

This information may be important to give you the correct advice. :) davey

I am using the current version of Firefox which is 3.0.4

Since I cannot access my firefox and I not sure how and what information to provide you. Are you referring to add-ons? If so I believe that I had Ad-Block on there, and then a download bar add-on.