Computer Maintenance

[100Aces]

Hello Boys,

There is an ad running alot on radio of late for a maintenance program called "Registry Mechanic." It is sold at PCTools.com. Also, came across another program, at pcdocpro.com called "PC Doc Pro" which sounds like it performs a similar function. I downloaded and ran both free trial versions and they each claim to have found numerous "serious errors" in my machine.

Is anyone familiar with either of these? Are they performing a necessary function? Can you recommend either or some other program that does the same task?

Many Thanks.

[km]

Be careful with those Ramos. They can mess things up worse than before, especially when dealing with the Windows Regsitry. Do you have any specific problems you are noticing on the computer? What errors did it say you had - or was that a come-on to make you buy the full version?

I have run all those program in the past and generally end up doing a >FORMAT C: to get rid of the mess. (do not attempt unless you know what you are doing!)

My suggestion is to first run the free Trend Micro "Housecall" scan. Many Windows Registry "errors" are really adware, spyware, grayware, etc and the Trend Micro scan will find them and not screw up the computer. Click the link below to get going =

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

"Grayware" is a new threat. below is the explanation -

Grayware is a general classification for applications that have behavior that is undisclosed or that some may find annoying or undesirable. Grayware encompasses spyware, adware, dialers, joke programs, hacking tools, remote access tools, password cracking applications, and any other unwelcome files and programs apart from viruses that can harm the performance of computers on your network.

According to Trend Micro, a leading network security firm, Grayware refers to applications or files that are not classified as viruses or Trojan horse programs, but can still negatively affect the performance of the computers on your network and introduce significant security, confidentiality, and legal risks to your organization. Often grayware performs a variety of undesired and threatening actions such as irritating users with pop-up windows, logging user key strokes, and exposing computer vulnerabilities to attack.

[Rick]

I use the Registry Fix in SystemSuite by VCOM. It does a lot of other things but that is about the only tool in the suite that I use.

Windows does such a poor job of maintaining the Registry.

Which is why you can run any of these Registry fixer programs and it will find plenty of things to fix.

Its been a while since I have seen a review of such programs and as I recall none were highly rated.

[hurrikane]

I use registry mechanic and have not complaints. Bazooka is better but you have to know registries pretty well.

I also agree with Ken. If you don't know or understand windows registry you will have aquired just enough power to screw your system really good.

[100Aces]

There has been no noticeable degradation in the level of my machines performance. But, after running the free trial versions of these programs and seeing warnings, highlighted in red, of as many as 190 serious errors requiring immediate repair, I thought I better look into it. Who better to ask than right here on this board? Thanks again guys. I appreciate the input.

[Victor]

Not a registry repair tool but I use it:

http://www.ccleaner.com/

[Donnie]

Personally I use Norton Systemworks....has the registry repair as well as a decent disk-defragmentor in it. Just installed it a couple months ago and haven't really tried everything in it yet. I once downloaded the "trialware" for Registry Mechanic.....they would let you scan your system, it comes back and tells you of all these problems, but you have to buy the program to fix the problems. Never bought it, cause how do I know I really have that many problems?.....some programs "count" your Internet history as a "problem"......or even your most recently used files list is considered a "problem".

[Rick]

http://registry-repair-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

Here is a recent review but some are not in the review.