Can you defrag your registry?

Auslogics, publisher of the popular Auslogics Disk Defrag, also makes another defragger: Registry Defrag. Does it actually work? Is it all smoke and mirrors, or does using this free program result in faster clock times?


The empirical, Friday afternoon answer is: it's hard to tell. If that sounds familiar to those of you who've used other registry cleaners and their siblings, it should. It's hard to gauge if these programs are effective because once you're done using it, you'd need more than a mere store-bought machine with store-loaded programs to judge CPU speed by.

Regardless of its effectiveness, the Auslogics Registry Defrag looks and functions much like the Auslogics Disk Defrag. When you run it, it tells you that it will perform a registry analysis, after which you will be able to review its registry report, and once that's done with you can run the registry optimization, requiring a reboot to defrag and compact the registry.

It's a fairly serious program, and once you begin the analysis it won't let you move the mouse outside the program window. It also "strongly recommends" that users close all other programs while it runs, although this is a standard warning for registry cleaning apps.

After having run the program on my main work machine, a Windows XP box that sees an average of four to six programs installed and then uninstalled per day, not to mention having an average of two dozen Firefox tabs open, a registry sweeper should make the computer run faster. Even though I run disk defraggers a couple of times a week and keep a vigilant watch on resources, I expected an empirical yet noticeable change in CPU speed.

That never materialized. Resource-intensive programs like Internet browsers and e-mail clients may be piggish, but they're necessary. They didn't load any faster or slower than normal after running the reg defrag. It may be that I'll only notice after a few days or so, but until a registry defragger or cleaner can demonstrate benchmarkable improvements to a computer, they'll be little more than 21st century snake oil.

Killer Download: Speed up your system by cleaning your registry

As a frequent downloader of new software, I test and review a ton of programs on my PC at work. But after installing and uninstalling so many programs, it doesn't take long for my registry to become a complete mess, which causes errors, sluggishness, and sometimes even crashes. The problem is that not all programs uninstall as easily as they install and often registry entries are left to stagnate in your system and may eventually cause problems.

To keep my registry lean and mean, I run a quick scan of registry entries using software designed to root out the garbage left behind by uninstalled programs. These apps check my registry for rogue entries so I can decide whether I want to delete them. Some programs also give me a description of what specific registry entries were once used for, thereby allowing me to decide whether I still need them.

A word of warning: Be extremely careful when deleting files from your registry. Some entries have strange names that you won't be able to identify, but might be necessary to run your favorite program or even your system software. A good rule of thumb might be that you only delete entries that you are sure are related to programs you no longer use. With that said, here are my three favorites for regular registry maintenance.

FixWinReg Settles Washington Spyware Charges

Company sent bogus 'security alerts' to computer users. Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna has reached a settlement with one of three California-based Internet affiliate advertisers accused of violating the state’s consumer protection and spyware laws.

HoanVinh V. Nguyenphuoc, owner of FixWinReg, sent anonymous “Net Send” messages to consumers’ computers that simulated security warnings but were actually ads for registry-cleaner software, according to documents filed today in King County Superior Court.

“Affiliate marketers and online merchants have enjoyed a certain level of anonymity, but they aren’t out of our reach,” McKenna said. “We’ve repeatedly proven that we will hold Internet companies accountable for violating our consumer protection and spyware laws.

“Internet advertisers must follow the same rules which apply to businesses that promote their products through TV, radio or print,” McKenna continued. “They must be truthful about any claims concerning a product’s cost or performance. Inducing a computer user to download software by falsely claiming the program is necessary for security purposes is unethical and illegal.”

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection High-Tech Unit sued Nguyenphuoc, of Redondo Beach, Calif., and others in February 2007 for allegedly marketing registry-cleaner programs through the use of Net Send messages and deceptive free scans and for transmitting bundled software that changes Internet browser home pages.

Civil charges are still pending against Secure Links Networks LLC and CEO Manuel Corona, Jr., of Brea, and NJC Softwares LCC and company officer Rudy O. Corella, of Lake Elsinore.

The state alleges they worked together to market each other’s products, including Registry Sweeper Pro, Registry Rinse, Registry Doc, Registry Cleaner 32 and Registry Cleaner Pro.

According to court documents, Net Send messages sent by Nguyenphuoc informed computer users that their PCs contained registry errors and immediate attention was necessary to avoid data loss and corruption.

The phony security warnings directed users to a Web site where they were encouraged to download a free trial version of the software that will scan their computer for registry errors.

Assistant Attorney General Katherine Tassi, who led the state’s investigation, said the free scan always identified ‘critical errors.” In order to remove the errors, consumers were instructed to buy the full version of the software.

“Based on the defendants’ deceptive marketing, hundreds of Washington consumers paid $29.95 or more to remove files from their computer that in some cases were harmless,” Tassi said.

Nguyenphuoc will pay $25,000 in attorneys’ costs and fees. He’ll pay an additional $75,000 in civil penalties if he fails to comply with the settlement, which prohibits him from using Net Send messages to promote products or services and making other misrepresentations.

The Attorney General’s Office has brought five lawsuits under the state’s Computer Spyware Act passed in 2005.

to computer users

Vista Moving From Lethargy To Curiosity

Since the release of Vista in January of this year, I have witnessed a lethargy toward this new Microsoft operating system. Recently I have noticed a departure from the lethargy to one of curiosity.
Question: Why Vista?
The answer to this question could take more space than is available in this column. Vista is a new and exciting experience that arouses the spirit of accomplishment. The software has been well prepared in allowing users to tailor it to their own liking. There are four distinct editions with one to fit your individual desires and needs:
1. Home Basic is for those who want a "bare-bones" operating system for Web surfing, e-mail and the sense of security.
2. The Home Premium edition adds more features including the elegant Aero desktop (best choice for laptops), collaborating and sharing documents, extending Vista to secondary displays and sideshows to experience photos and entertainment with Windows Media Center.
3. The Business edition is excellent if that is your desire and need.
4. The Ultimate edition encompasses all of the above plus protection against hardware failure, Windows Fax and Scan, scheduled backup to automatically backup your files, remote desktop connection, network and sharing center, Windows Bitlocker drive encryption, Windows DVD Maker, premium games and Movie Maker in high definition.
For a sample of the choices you have to make Vista your system: Right-click the desktop; a screen will appear that allows you, by clicking Personalization, to change Windows colors and appearance, select a desktop background, select a screensaver, alter the sounds, etc. These are just some of the reasons for you to consider joining the millions who already have an edition of Vista on their PCs. If you have any questions or need assistance you can get them here: RJWhelpful4u@aol.com.
If this sounds like a commercial for Vista, far be it! These are my true feeling for this system, and the longer I work with it the more I enjoy it and welcome the change and challenge. I have in previous columns alluded to some of the pitfalls and things that can be disturbing, but like all new things, it has its bugs to be exterminated.
Question: What are Microsoft Power Toys?
They are tools, but Microsoft calls them toys. They are additional programs that developers work on after a product has been released. Microsoft states, "We take great care to ensure that Power Toys work as they should, but they are not supported by Microsoft. For this reason, Microsoft technical support is unable to answer questions about Power Toys." Power Toys are for Windows XP only and will not work on Vista. You can check them out at www.microsoftpowertoys.com. Set a restore point and enjoy.
Question: Can I restore the registry through system restore?
Yes, but bear in mind that when you use system restore, you are losing all of your input after you set the restore point. If your registry is in trouble and you have a suitable restore point, go for it. Check the date of the restore point and you will know how much input you have lost. Another drawback is if the restore point doesn't work, you can try another and another, then your alternative is a full reinstall. I recommend a full and complete backup at the end of each session. Then, if you have an emergency, you only lose one day's input. I also recommend a separate registry backup; then, if a problem occurs, you will be recovering only the registry and not the entire operating system. Problems with the registry that call for a recovery are an indication of an underlying cause. After the recovery, run the Free Registry Cleaner from Eusing, Ccleaner and Advanced Windows Care, Personal Edition - all are freeware. Then run the free registry defrag. If you still have a problem, contact me!
Question: I have taken your advice and backed up. How often do you suggest?
I know, backing up is about as much fun as a root canal, but it's a lot less painful. Think of it like putting a broken arm in a cast, only in this case, the cast never comes off! How often? Every time you use your computer! I know you think I'm paranoid, but weigh a few minutes of back-up time against hours of reinstallation. System restore is an alternative but not as good or dependable as a full backup.
Tweak and Tune (www.tweakandtune.com) is a utility that helps you fashion XP to you own desires. Prior to digging in, set a restore point. Some of the changes can be dangerous.
Question: My hard drive died. What can I do?
If you have a full backup, a hard drive replacement is necessary. That eliminates the trauma of a full system reinstall. The cost of the hard drive depends on what you choose and its capacity. Forget the installation cost and do it yourself. If you can use a screwdriver, you can save upwards of $45 or $50. That way you will have the old drive that is full of your personal information. Have someone else replace it and they have your old drive. All new drives come with a set of instructions for the installation. While you are in the tower, it would be a good time to clean the dust from the fans and/or add additional memory. So, there is always some good that can come from distress.
Here is a situation that I have mentioned on several occasions: the devious manner in which some companies attempt to lure unsuspecting PC owners to become customers and subscribe to their software. Case in point: As part of my tinkering, I recently downloaded RegSweep and ran a scan. It found 144 errors in the registry. Now, I have four of the best registry cleaners around, and I ran them one-at-a-time then I re-ran RegSweep. It came up with 143 errors. Pure scare tactics, since all of these errors would cause my PC to crash. To get rid of all of that bad stuff you have to register (pay for) the software. The alleged errors are part and parcel of their "teaseware." I have also come across the same situation with the Advanced Registry Optimizer. Do not take their stuff as fact. Be very cautious when surfing the Web. Some of these come-on offers can be bringing along "drive-by" malware.
Next week we get back to XP with "tweaks, tips, and tricks" to spruce up the software (sort of like a lube and oil change) and more of your questions like "Why does it take so long for my computer to start up?" Same old, same old, but I shall deal with it. Stay well! - Ray Wilson

Vista Registry Fix - Get the Maximum Efficiency Out of your System

There are various symptoms of registry related problems, some of which may be identified as overall slow performance of your system, untimely error messages while working with your Windows Vista, or sudden crash of your system. In other words, registry problems make your system behave in such a way, which it should not or you do not want it to behave. The remedy for this problem is to go for Vista registry fix.



Now, for fixing the registry, the utmost important thing for your concern is to get a Vista registry cleaner. However, beforehand, you need to understand what exactly is the Windows Registry or simply Vista registry. The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database of settings that is used by Vista to store the information relevant to its configuration, application, hardware and software files. Whenever an application is opened in your system, the registry adds information to it and this process follows for every application that is opened in your system. With the prolonged use of Windows applications, the registry can get cluttered with information, which many a time may no longer be required or becomes irrelevant. Therefore, in such situations you need to perform an instant Vista registry fix, and for this you need to use a Vista registry cleaner.



The registry cleaner enables you to remove the various inconsistencies in the Windows Registry and thereby helps in enhancing the performance of your system. The primary function of the registry cleaner is to scan your Windows Vista efficiently and effectively, and delete the various unnecessary entries in the Windows Registry. A good registry cleaner always offers registry backups before deleting the unused registry entries so that whenever you need any particular registry entry in the near future, you can restore immediately. It also deletes the registry entries made by spyware and adware programs to provide network security to some extent. So, using the Vista registry cleaner, you can perform Vista registry fix to keep your Windows Registry up-to-date and also schedule, backup and restore the registry according to your convenience.

A little Q & A

Q. I am paranoid about doing anything to my XP PC that may cause a problem. You often suggest using a hard disk cleaner called CleanUp and a registry cleaner called Regseeker. Are these programs necessary? What do they do and will they cause me any problems?

A. . CleanUp is relatively safe (99 per cent) as it simply cleans up cookies, internet history, and temporary internet files, etc. I use it daily and apart from freeing up disk space it reduces the risk of getting viruses and spyware from all the rubbish that is downloaded to your system every time you open a web page.

On first use, set the options to Standard and you should be fine. If in doubt, make a backup of valuable data. CleanUp will not greatly improve system speed and, while free, the author does appreciate donations. It works on XP and Vista.

Regseeker is also relatively safe (90 per cent) but it is more invasive as it cleans the registry of unused and obsolete entries. It makes a backup that can be restored if there is a problem. The only issue I have ever had was with a multifunctioning printer that refused to work after running Regseeker. I use it monthly and it typically removes 200-plus obsolete entries. The first time you run it you may be shocked - it will find several hundred items. It will improve system speed. It works with XP and Vista but you need to have administrator privileges (UAC) to run with the latter.

If you want to purchase a commercial program that does what CleanUp and Regseeker do, look at PC Tools Desktop Mechanic (www.pctools.com/desktop-mechanic). Commercial programs have a duty of care not to harm your PC and to provide user support. Free ones generally do not.

Warning: There are hundreds of free programs that all offer to do something marvellous. But Windows performs sufficiently well not to worry about memory and download accelerators, world time checkers, obscure cleaners, smiley faces or anything else. The strongest advice is that no one should load any so-called free program other than ones that I, or readers, have checked out and are pretty sure are OK.

Let ASO spruce up your PC

The care and feeding of your personal computer is a never-ending saga. Sure they are powerful, but don’t be fooled: These temperamental beasts require constant pampering.

There are two ways to approach computer maintenance software. If you’ve got the time to do the research, the best strategy is to build your arsenal of tools piece by piece, selecting only the best applications, regardless of publisher.

It’s a lot like building a computer or stereo system - matching up the best components to get the job done. If price matters, this method is also the most expensive.

The second approach involves minimal time, effort and expense. Instead of piecing together your software, why not just buy an all-in-one package that has everything you need and more? Besides, when all your tools come from the same box, compatibility issues are nonexistent. Good software suites also share a common interface, making it all easier to learn and use.

The all-in-one software package that has my eye these days is Advanced System Optimizer, or ASO, from Systweak Inc. Now at version 2.01, ASO features a stunning array of more than 30 tools for fine-tuning, cleaning and repairing your PC, including more than 200 tweaks to customize Windows and improve its performance.

The program’s main interface gives you instant access to every tool in the suite, divided into nine categories. Here are some highlights from ASO V2:

● System Cleaner tools can help you revive a sluggish system. Here you can find and remove junk that litters your system, hidden in places you’d never find on your own. This tool will locate all duplicate and temporary files from every corner of your hard drive.

You’ll also find tools to back up and clean your Windows registry, as well as manage exactly what loads at Windows startup.

● System Optimizer offers a nice array of tools to defragment and optimize memory - both physical RAM and Windows resources.

You can also defrag and optimize the Window registry, after making a back up and restore point, of course. This section contains that massive collection of 200-plus Windows tweaks, all nicely grouped and easy to understand.

● System Tools includes such items as System Information, which scans your hardware and software and presents a detailed report - extremely useful for tech support and troubleshooting.

The System Analyzer and Advisor take this information and offer tweaks to improve performance. There’s also a tool for viewing detailed information about any of your files and folders.

● Privacy and security tools include a new Spyware Detective that scans your media for bad stuff your firewall or antivirus software might have missed. To secure your data, there’s a data shredder that prevents recovery of deleted files and tools to erase your tracks in all aspects of computer use.

The list of mini-apps and tools just keeps on going. There are tools to repair corrupt .zip files, split and join large files, manage your Windows log-in settings, blacklist and block certain programs from running on your system and encrypt files or folders for security.

There are even some tools here you wouldn’t expect in a system optimizer, like sticky pad reminders, appointment planner, media files organizer and a host of aesthetic options to personalize your operating system.

Absolutely busting with features, Advanced System Optimizer Version 2 is available for Windows XP and Vista, currently discounted to $35.95 at the Systweak Web site, www.systweak.com. Take ASO for a test drive before you buy, and while you’re there, check out the rest of Systweak’s impressive product line.