Registry Utilities

[Zirynx]

Yet another issue that, as a predominantly non-Windows user, I find myself needing to get my head around and make decisions about! Ugh

Anyway, after much updating, uninstalling, installing, SP2 etc... (all a T41 that has taken over my life at the moment!) I felt it was wise to check the state of the registry. In the past, I've successfully used Norton WinDoctor 2002 on a W98SE system. Without that to hand, and in any case, wanting something a little more recent, I started to scour for 'the best registry cleaner'. I searched for 'registry' in this forum which yielded surprisingly little, and so widened the search. Oh the pain!!

I first came across TuneUp2004, which was referred to as "very much like Norton Systemworks, but better". So I downloaded a trial version and gave it a whirl. Sure it found things (over a hundred!), but that set me wondering just how to tell whether you've got a good one, or a duffer! Finding lots is great... as long as it's not finding too much. And after all, the registry is kind of important for Windows

So I downloaded a few more...

RegScrubXP
Registry Mechanic
jv16 Power Tools

... to name a few. To summarise a very long-winded exercise, I ended up going round and round in circles with each one finding different things, not only from the others, but also from itself on multiple runs! Getting a clean result from [A] followed by a scan and fix with would then reveal errors in [A] again!

So, folks.... what registry scanners, fixers, optimizers and/or defragmenters do you all use? Such a critical issue and yet seemingly so variable and delicate

Hopefully we can build a list of the good, the bad and the downright ugly!

Thanks.[/i]

[jdhurst]

Take a look at:
http://www.rosecitysoftware.com/Reg1Aid ... rison.html
for further information.

Also, there are registry changes in most recently used (MRU) lists and file pointers and so on that are always changing and therefore will always be foiund over and over again.

I happen to use Registry First Aid because it has actually solved problems for me and never caused problems. YMMV

I used JV16 Power Tools for a bit, and in one early version, it deleted important keys it should not have. It never did anything positive for me. Again - YMMV

... JD Hurst

[DavidNZ]

I purchased RegSupreme by the same fellow who wrote JV16. Seems to work fine for me. Most of what it catches are missing registry values, and everything it does can be undone. I think having an undo feature is pretty critical, and I would think most of them have this. Of course, doesn't do much good if you can't reboot!

[ibmuser]

Chemtable's Reg Organizer is rather effective (much like jv16 power tools):

http://www.chemtable.com/organizer.htm

The best I've found is a component of VCOM's Fix-It-Utilities called SystemRegistry.

I don't care much for the registry backup feature of Rose City Registry First Aid.

[jdhurst]

<snip>
I don't care much for the registry backup feature of Rose City Registry First Aid.

I don't like that feature either - I don't use at all. However the ability to restore deleted entries is just fine. ... JD Hurst

[Zirynx]

Thanks for the repsonses.

So, my desktop is now gradually filling with downloads of trial versions of registry cleaners, and the hours of the day are slipping away faster than ever

Clearly, there is significant variety in the tools available which all claim to restore and/or maintain your machine in perfect health. But that seems to be where the common ground ceases. If it were just a case of choosing between the relatively superficial elements such as colours and menus, I'd have this sorted. But sadly, it isn't that simple. The results I've observed from a range of registry cleaners working on the same un-fixed registry aren't just 'interseting', they're plainly worrying! Some brief results:


RegScrubXP

Keys/Values examined = 190907
Problems found = 7

Option is to fix or not. No indication of the intended remedy.
Layout is clear, if a little 'agricultural'.


jv16 Power Tools v1.3

Problems found = 159
Items that are 'safe to remove' = 16
Items that are 'not safe to remove' = 143 (Ignored via built-in filter)

Default action appears to be delete where possible, although there is a (not very encouraging) 'try to fix' option!
Layout similar to RegScrubXP, but a bit more agricultural!


TuneUp Utilities 2004

Problems found = 9 (separated into sections)

Nicely presented in a clear, modern-looking graphical window.


Registry Mechanic

Quick scan = 8 problems.
Deep scan = 41 problems.

Simple, clear well presented full-screen main window. Each problem shows the individual proposed remedy, though it was always 'set to delete'!


RegistryFix v1.03

Problems found = 120 (sectioned)

Option is to 'repair problems', but no indication of the intended remedy.

Again, nicely presented, but the window wasn't resizable, although this may be a trialware limitation.


Registry First Aid

Total found entries = 304!
Total entries for correction = 268!

This utility identified the greatest number of problems, rightly or wrongly, by quite a margin. So much so that it gave me some cause for concern. Indeed, I even started to scan the proposed fixes (potentially very useful information) and I have to say that more than a couple seemed to make fix suggestions that didn't appear to ring true with the problem.

Immediately available as a full screen window. Very clear layout (especially the categories) with a contemporary feel.


WyvernWorks Registry Fix-Up

Problems found = 162 (sectioned)

Like RFA, each problem has a proposed method for fix (ignore, delete, change value) but unlike RFA, does not show that actual fix, where appropriate.

Non-resizable window, but otherwise a simple, clean layout.


Ace Utilities (Registry Cleaner)

Standard Scan:
Problems found = 84
Entries ignored = 128

Thorough Scan:
Problems found = 190
Entries ignored = 103

I just keep asking myself "why"!!

Anyway, full size window, well presented. Single method of remedy seems to be 'remove', as opposed to repair.


I started this search, not necessarily looking for something inexpensive, or freeware, but something that just did exactly what it should, in the best possible way. Right now, I'd happily shell out for that seemingly elusive utility!! I guess this warrants even more consideration, not before paying for a license (or two), but before actually putting the thing to work for real!

Any further input welcomed... especially if it helps narrow the choice![/b]

[Leon]

try CCleaner