Jump to content

Optimizing Windows


Recommended Posts

Posted

Hi all,

 

I am looking for a software to optimize windows xp. Such as software that

can clean up the registry and fix windows errors amongst other things.I know

of a software by pc tools and a software called Speed Up My PC are any of

these software recommened.

 

Any response is greatly appreciated.

 

Regards,

Eric

  • Replies 14
  • Created
  • Last Reply
Posted

Re: Optimizing Windows

 

Not a good idea.

Freeware registry cleaners can trash your PC at no cost $$$ to you.

Those registry cleaner utilities that cost money are best known

for cleaning your wallet and then trashing your PC.

 

Example #1

Ran a scan to count the number of entries in my PC's registry

Total was over 260,000

So if a registry cleaner (if it worked properly) removed say 1,000 entries,

that would be less than one half of one percent space savings.

 

Example #2

I very recently ran a registry cleaner knowing in advance what some of the

fixes the cleaner should find and the suggested changes.

This was based on the fact I had uninstalled an application (knowing it

would leave some orphaned registry entries) and then reinstalled the same

application to a different directory location.

 

The cleaner's default suggested fix for the application's old directory

location (the orphaned entries) was to change these entries to the new

location, which was not necessary, so I manually deleted these entries.

 

Now here is where a registry cleaner could cause a real problem!

A few months ago I removed a large number but not all of the

$NtUninstallKBxxxxxx$ folders

(these are the folders and associated files left behind each time you

install the latest Windows Updates each month)

The cleaner reported the broken registry entries but the suggested fix was

to point the broken entries to remaining $NtUninstall files (on a random

basis) registry entries, thus royally screwing up the registry pointers. By

that I mean: if you go to uninstall (in rare cases) a MS KB patch that may

be giving you problems and due to the screwed up registry entry it instead

removes the wrong patch.

 

If all of the above isn't enough to convince you then read this:

AUMHA Discussion: Should I Use a Registry Cleaner?

http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=28099

 

 

JS

http://www.pagestart.com

 

 

"Eric" <NoSpam@hotmail.com> wrote in message

news:%23KoJywcGJHA.1160@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> Hi all,

>

> I am looking for a software to optimize windows xp. Such as software that

> can clean up the registry and fix windows errors amongst other things.I

> know of a software by pc tools and a software called Speed Up My PC are

> any of these software recommened.

>

> Any response is greatly appreciated.

>

> Regards,

> Eric

>

Posted

Re: Optimizing Windows

 

Absolutely Not.

"Eric" <NoSpam@hotmail.com> wrote in message

news:%23KoJywcGJHA.1160@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> Hi all,

>

> I am looking for a software to optimize windows xp. Such as software that

> can clean up the registry and fix windows errors amongst other things.I

> know of a software by pc tools and a software called Speed Up My PC are

> any of these software recommened.

>

> Any response is greatly appreciated.

>

> Regards,

> Eric

>

Guest David B.
Posted

Re: Optimizing Windows

 

These applications are snake oil, stay away from them unless you want more

problems than you already have.

 

--

 

----

Crosspost, do not multipost http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm

How to ask a question http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

Help Us Help You http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm

 

 

 

"Eric" <NoSpam@hotmail.com> wrote in message

news:%23KoJywcGJHA.1160@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> Hi all,

>

> I am looking for a software to optimize windows xp. Such as software that

> can clean up the registry and fix windows errors amongst other things.I

> know of a software by pc tools and a software called Speed Up My PC are

> any of these software recommened.

>

> Any response is greatly appreciated.

>

> Regards,

> Eric

>

Guest Ken Blake, MVP
Posted

Re: Optimizing Windows

 

On Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:22:01 -0400, "Eric" <NoSpam@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Hi all,

>

> I am looking for a software to optimize windows xp. Such as software that

> can clean up the registry

 

 

Registry cleaning programs are *all* snake oil. Cleaning of the

registry isn't needed and is dangerous. Leave the registry alone and

don't use any registry cleaner. Despite what many people think, and

what vendors of registry cleaning software try to convince you of,

having unused registry entries doesn't really hurt you.

 

The risk of a serious problem caused by a registry cleaner erroneously

removing an entry you need is far greater than any potential benefit

it may have.

 

 

> and fix windows errors amongst other things.I know

> of a software by pc tools and a software called Speed Up My PC are any of

> these software recommened.

 

 

 

All such software "to optimize windows xp" are almost always useless

at

best, and very often dangerous. Stay away from it.

 

--

Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

Please Reply to the Newsgroup

Posted

Re: Optimizing Windows

 

Optimizing my PC: That methodical procedure whereby the novice converts

a working computer into a paperweight.

 

Recommendation is to leave it alone and don't waste the money or time on

snake oil products.

 

 

Eric wrote:

> Hi all,

>

> I am looking for a software to optimize windows xp. Such as software that

> can clean up the registry and fix windows errors amongst other things.I know

> of a software by pc tools and a software called Speed Up My PC are any of

> these software recommened.

>

> Any response is greatly appreciated.

>

> Regards,

> Eric

>

>

Guest Terry R.
Posted

Re: Optimizing Windows

 

The date and time was 9/18/2008 1:22 PM, and on a whim, Eric pounded out

on the keyboard:

> Hi all,

>

> I am looking for a software to optimize windows xp. Such as software that

> can clean up the registry and fix windows errors amongst other things.I know

> of a software by pc tools and a software called Speed Up My PC are any of

> these software recommened.

>

> Any response is greatly appreciated.

>

> Regards,

> Eric

>

>

 

Hi Eric,

 

As you can see, most users suggest not allowing a program to sweep

through your system and make decisions that could render your computer

useless. If you haven't edited the registry and know how to work in the

registry comfortably, I don't recommend it either.

 

But if you know what you're looking at when using a registry cleaner, it

can be useful. How useful is quite subjective. The first key is to

NEVER allow a registry cleaner to run automatically and make decisions

for you. The second key is that you know 100% what is being removed or

modified, and if you don't, leave it alone.

 

You stated "windows errors". If you have specific errors happening,

report them here with details of how it happens. Most likely someone

can help you in resolving it. Start a new thread for each one. Again,

if you're what could be considered an advanced user and know how to work

in the registry, you may be able to solve it yourself with a registry

cleaner.

 

But by your question alone I would say that you're not, so I would leave

the problem solving to those that have the knowledge.

 

Hope this helps,

 

--

Terry R.

 

***Reply Note***

Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.

Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

Posted

Re: Optimizing Windows

 

The safest best is to use http://www.pcpitstop.com they have free online apps that

can help to safely optimize your PC, especially if you are not familiar with

how to do it safely.

 

--

marx404

<all gmail posts blocked>

_________________

"Terry R." <F1Com@NOSPAMpobox.com> wrote in message

news:%23swCJAeGJHA.1160@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

> The date and time was 9/18/2008 1:22 PM, and on a whim, Eric pounded out

> on the keyboard:

>

>> Hi all,

>>

>> I am looking for a software to optimize windows xp. Such as software that

>> can clean up the registry and fix windows errors amongst other things.I

>> know of a software by pc tools and a software called Speed Up My PC are

>> any of these software recommened.

>>

>> Any response is greatly appreciated.

>>

>> Regards,

>> Eric

>

> Hi Eric,

>

> As you can see, most users suggest not allowing a program to sweep through

> your system and make decisions that could render your computer useless.

> If you haven't edited the registry and know how to work in the registry

> comfortably, I don't recommend it either.

>

> But if you know what you're looking at when using a registry cleaner, it

> can be useful. How useful is quite subjective. The first key is to NEVER

> allow a registry cleaner to run automatically and make decisions for you.

> The second key is that you know 100% what is being removed or modified,

> and if you don't, leave it alone.

>

> You stated "windows errors". If you have specific errors happening,

> report them here with details of how it happens. Most likely someone can

> help you in resolving it. Start a new thread for each one. Again, if

> you're what could be considered an advanced user and know how to work in

> the registry, you may be able to solve it yourself with a registry

> cleaner.

>

> But by your question alone I would say that you're not, so I would leave

> the problem solving to those that have the knowledge.

>

> Hope this helps,

>

> --

> Terry R.

>

> ***Reply Note***

> Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.

> Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

Posted

Re: Optimizing Windows

 

JS wrote:

> Not a good idea.

> Freeware registry cleaners can trash your PC at no cost $$$ to you.

> Those registry cleaner utilities that cost money are best known

> for cleaning your wallet and then trashing your PC.

>

> Example #1

> Ran a scan to count the number of entries in my PC's registry

> Total was over 260,000

> So if a registry cleaner (if it worked properly) removed say 1,000

> entries, that would be less than one half of one percent space

> savings.

 

Less than 1% of what?

 

Time? Nah. Extra registry entries add virtually nothing to execution time

(the registry is not searched sequentially).

 

Space? Maybe. Depends on the size of the entries.

Guest Bruce Chambers
Posted

Re: Optimizing Windows

 

Eric wrote:

> Hi all,

>

> I am looking for a software to optimize windows xp. Such as software that

> can clean up the registry and fix windows errors amongst other things.

 

 

All such products are pure, unadulterated snake oil. None of them do

any good, and most can easily cause great harm when used by any both the

most experienced. Registry "cleaners" are the worst of the lot.

 

>I know

> of a software by pc tools and a software called Speed Up My PC are any of

> these software recommened.

>

 

 

Only if your goal is to create a door stop or boat anchor.

 

 

--

 

Bruce Chambers

 

Help us help you:

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

 

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

 

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary

safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

 

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

 

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has

killed a great many philosophers.

~ Denis Diderot

Guest Bruce Chambers
Posted

Re: Optimizing Windows

 

marx404 wrote:

> The safest best is to use http://www.pcpitstop.com they have free online apps that

> can help to safely optimize your PC, especially if you are not familiar with

> how to do it safely.

>

 

 

I wouldn't recommend anyone use that site. The first thing it tries to

do is install crap when one clicks for an allegedly "free" scan. I know

of no reason to trust that site, especially since it reads like a

carnie's spiel. The claims are simply too good to be true.

 

 

--

 

Bruce Chambers

 

Help us help you:

http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

 

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

 

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary

safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

 

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

 

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has

killed a great many philosophers.

~ Denis Diderot

Guest David B.
Posted

Re: Optimizing Windows

 

That is far from the safest bet, the safest bet is to avoid all such apps

like the plague.

 

--

 

----

Crosspost, do not multipost http://www.blakjak.demon.co.uk/mul_crss.htm

How to ask a question http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

Help Us Help You http://dts-l.net/goodpost.htm

 

 

 

"marx404" <404@404.com> wrote in message

news:gauqpc$g12$1@registered.motzarella.org...

> The safest best is to use http://www.pcpitstop.com they have free online apps

> that can help to safely optimize your PC, especially if you are not

> familiar with how to do it safely.

>

> --

> marx404

> <all gmail posts blocked>

> _________________

> "Terry R." <F1Com@NOSPAMpobox.com> wrote in message

> news:%23swCJAeGJHA.1160@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

>> The date and time was 9/18/2008 1:22 PM, and on a whim, Eric pounded out

>> on the keyboard:

>>

>>> Hi all,

>>>

>>> I am looking for a software to optimize windows xp. Such as software

>>> that can clean up the registry and fix windows errors amongst other

>>> things.I know of a software by pc tools and a software called Speed Up

>>> My PC are any of these software recommened.

>>>

>>> Any response is greatly appreciated.

>>>

>>> Regards,

>>> Eric

>>

>> Hi Eric,

>>

>> As you can see, most users suggest not allowing a program to sweep

>> through your system and make decisions that could render your computer

>> useless. If you haven't edited the registry and know how to work in the

>> registry comfortably, I don't recommend it either.

>>

>> But if you know what you're looking at when using a registry cleaner, it

>> can be useful. How useful is quite subjective. The first key is to

>> NEVER allow a registry cleaner to run automatically and make decisions

>> for you. The second key is that you know 100% what is being removed or

>> modified, and if you don't, leave it alone.

>>

>> You stated "windows errors". If you have specific errors happening,

>> report them here with details of how it happens. Most likely someone can

>> help you in resolving it. Start a new thread for each one. Again, if

>> you're what could be considered an advanced user and know how to work in

>> the registry, you may be able to solve it yourself with a registry

>> cleaner.

>>

>> But by your question alone I would say that you're not, so I would leave

>> the problem solving to those that have the knowledge.

>>

>> Hope this helps,

>>

>> --

>> Terry R.

>>

>> ***Reply Note***

>> Anti-spam measures are included in my email address.

>> Delete NOSPAM from the email address after clicking Reply.

>

>

Guest neutrino
Posted

Re: Optimizing Windows

 

> >>> Hi all,

>

> >>> I am looking for a software to optimize windows xp. Such as software

> >>> that can clean up the registry and fix windows errors amongst other

> >>> things.I know of a software by pc tools and a software called Speed Up

> >>> My PC are any of these software recommened.

>

 

The best way to handle Windows is to start from a Re-installation of

your operating system,

get it all up to date and all basic software installed, and all

looking good and working fast.

then you take a complete backup!! ( "Norton Ghost' or "Acronis") take

this back up and save it

to another disk - if you have one, or to another Partition- if you

don't have one of those,

look at Norton Partition Magic.

Once done - you have a nice fast fresh install of windows, and also

fully backed up.

Now you begin installing your personal collection of programs - being

aware of any that may have caused problems!

install,test, check all is still looking good, proceed to the next~

etc etc

Once you get to a point where you have severla programs installed,

checked and still working perfectly - you could always take some time

out ~ and perform another backup, either overwriting the previous, or

making a new backup, as at this point. with a backup such as this -

you always have a point you can go back to should anything go wrong!

Posted

Re: Optimizing Windows

 

Thanks for all the answers.

Posted

Re: Optimizing Windows

 

Think they were unanimous?

"Eric" <NoSpam@hotmail.com> wrote in message

news:OroaH2oGJHA.3640@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

> Thanks for all the answers.

>


×
×
  • Create New...