http://www.cleanregistryreport.com

Looks like it’s a guide from user reviews, so you know what to avoid and what is worth your time. Good luck.

Those actions remove the information about the file locations from the internal directory data maintained by the operating system on your hard drive, but they do not physically remove the data that is in all of those files. When the operating system needs space to save a new file, or to accommodate an existing file that has become larger, then it may overwrite some places where the data in deleted files had been written.

For all normal operations, that is all that you need to do.

If, however, you have something sensitive on your hard drive, then the data that was in that document or spreadsheet, or whatever, is still physically present on the drive. It is invisible to you and the operating system because the drive location information has been removed. this data can be recovered by using a program designed to find files that are still present even when they have been deleted by the operating system – which is sometimes a VERY good thing.

The only way to get rid of the physical remnants of the data is, as your mother says, to overwrite those locations with new data, or by using a program that specifically does that. There are many programs available for that purpose. I use a program called “eraser” (see source link). It is free and can be used to either erase a specific file (ie do the usual operating system delete, then to overwrite the physical location with multiple passes of random data – you can select the thoroughness of the overwrite).

You can also use it to erase all of the unused space on your drive. In that case, it will overwrite all of the presently unused space in a way that makes the data unrecoverable.

Keep in mind, though, that wiping the drive with a program like eraser is not necessary for ordinary operation. Deleting files in the usual way is perfectly good. In addition, using a product like eraser will make it impossible for you to recover any accidentally deleted files that you have purged from the trash.

For my understanding of what you are doing you’re mother’s information is completely irrelevant (A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing). As you don’t need to completely remove all possible traces of these files being on your computer from them accessing your registry.

I assume you are trying to speed up your computer by clearing cluttered registry entries.

There has been some debate on just how effective those registry cleaners are, but yes removing residual items from the registry should in theory make your computer run faster.

If you’re interested in software install/uninstalls having a negative impact on your computer performance, then you may be wise to figure out how to reinstall Windows – reinstalling is the *best* way to clean the registry. Of course, you will have to reinstall your software and data.

also, most registry cleaners will do an automatic backup of your registry. check the program and see if you can restore an old registry.

very likely, the cleaner deleted some necessary applications.

if these don’t work, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling explorer. go to add/remove programs, add/remove windows components, and remove explorer. then, run it again and install explorer.

It has a backup feature so all changes to your system can be easily reverted if needed.

System Mechanic 7 = Malware!, September 1, 2008

By 

A. Yeomans –

  

This product was purchased on Aug 31st, 2008 to be installed on a brand new HP Pavilion TX2510US notebook purchased on Aug 21st, 2008. Like a fool I bought this product again from iolo technologies on another laptop and it destroyed the Operating System. Thinking they would have fixed the bugs on System Mechanic Pro I figured I’d give this company another chance. Big Big mistake! Upon reboot after install the software corrupted my Windows Vista boot sector, so bad that I am now unable to even do an F11 System Restore. Spent over an hour with HP live support chat to get this fixed (no resolve). Iolo Technologies falsely advertises in the package they have 24 hour support (lies, lies, lies!) Shame on Iolo for misleading the consumer into believing when their product destroys any computer system there will be a technician to assist. Called the number which is not toll free and went on their website. All you will get is a recording on the number after business hours, holidays and weekends!!!! On the website which is allegedly the 24 hour support, all you get is a link to create a trouble ticket and they will get back to you later!!!!

If you value using your system, DO NOT PURCHASE IOLO’S SYSTEM MECHANIC PRODUCT, it will destroy your Windows Vista Operating System!!! I now have a $1,099.99 doorstop thanks to Iolo Technologies. To even make matters worse, I needed this system for a business trip the day after Labor Day. A $40.00 purchase destroyed my HP Pavilion Notebook!!!!!!!

Arch Yeomans

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]]> http://getregistrycleaner.org/bookfactory-vacuum-cleaners-registry-120-page-8-5x11-black-hardbound-xlog-120-7cs-a-l-blackvacuum-cleaners-registry/#comment-2338 Ronald Gaillot "Geek" Mon, 22 Apr 2013 21:12:10 +0000 http://getregistrycleaner.org/bookfactory-vacuum-cleaners-registry-120-page-8-5x11-black-hardbound-xlog-120-7cs-a-l-blackvacuum-cleaners-registry/#comment-2338

Does not work with Vista!, July 21, 2008

By 

Ronald Gaillot “Geek” (Lower Burrell, PA USA) –

  

I purchased version 7 Pro in early May ’08, because of the special pricing and because it had a three PC license. I installed it on my primary machine – a Dell desktop running Windows Vista. It installed fine but I noticed the virus database was marked as outdated. I tried to do an update, and went through the motions – the program indicating that it had updated, but afterward still indicated that the database was over 400 days old (how do you get that outdated on a fresh install)!
I contacted Iolo and they told me to uninstall and re-install, which I attempted. This created another problem. I had a prior version of the included Search and Recover 4.0 already installed on my system, so I did not install this component. I was unable to re-install the SM Pro as long as this program was there. The problem was that I couldn’t uninstall S&R using the uninstall on my machine.
I have been in constant contact with tech support but they have only sent links to FAQ’s that I have already read. I even got a link for a free upgrade to version 8 but it wouldn’t install either. I finally found a means to do a “clean uninstall” via registry editing. This also did not remove the iolo services from my machine. I found a tool from Microsoft to disable these two services. I now had a “clean” machine. I installed SM 8 Pro with no problems – until I tried to run it. None of the applications would work – they needed the ioloSystemService running. I click on the “start service” link under the advanced button of the service tab of task manager, but neither service will start (the other is called “ioloFileInfoList”).
I have been continually contacting Iolo tech support with my findings and was upgraded on June 25th to their “senior tech staff”. Since then I have not heard from tech support, even though I have continued sending information, requested support, opened new cases, etc. – no word from them.
As part of my experimentation, I installed version 7 on my laptop (running XP) and don’t seem to be experiencing any issues. However, my laptop is a backup machine that I rarely use, so it is not a good indicator of how well the program runs.
All in all, I cannot recommend this program. It has definite issues under Vista, it is almost impossible to remove all vestiges of the program once installed, and their tech support is abysmal. I gave Iolo notice that if I don’t get any more than an automated response to my last support request, I will be demanding a full refund. The program had great reviews, but if it doesn’t work, then it’s worthless.

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]]> http://getregistrycleaner.org/bookfactory-vacuum-cleaners-registry-120-page-8-5x11-black-hardbound-xlog-120-7cs-a-l-blackvacuum-cleaners-registry/#comment-2337 A Teacher Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:45:05 +0000 http://getregistrycleaner.org/bookfactory-vacuum-cleaners-registry-120-page-8-5x11-black-hardbound-xlog-120-7cs-a-l-blackvacuum-cleaners-registry/#comment-2337

I do not recommend: serious issues, January 13, 2009

This product is not good for the “experts” as they can do
most everything this product does manually, and perhaps they
do it using a safer approach.

This product is absolutely inappropriate for the novices and
beginners: the installation process will install everything
(e.g., main tools, firewall, etc), automates many of the
tasks, and essentially will take over, regularly
carrying tasks that are unnecessary, CPU-demanding,
and can cause many error prompts. Given the poor (and
essentially non-existing) customer services, the beginner user
will be on his/her own to uninstall, disable, or to live
with the annoying, and sometimes scary responses (e.g.,
indicators showing absolutely poor “health”, “security”
and “overall” status).

Perhaps reasonably experienced users can selectively
install and run certain tasks, and take appropriate
precautions (e.g., do a backup of registry before running
the registry cleaner).

However there is a MAJOR problem with the above: if you
plan to do the above during a convenient time (e.g., when
you do not have access to the Internet and would like to do
some PC clean up and maintenance), you are out of luck as
you will get the following message:

“System Mechanic Professional was unable to connect to the
Internet. System Mechanic Professional must validate its
subscription information by communicating with iolo.com
over the Internet. Typical reason for this include the
following: A third-party firewall or Internet security
blocked …”

In other words, you will have to have access to the
Internet in order to run this software. That is absolutely
unacceptable. Consider if your other software (e.g.,
Office, Adobe tools, editors, etc) would require the same.

Listen IOLO and System Mechanic “Professionals”: If
your tools require Internet connection to work all
the time (i.e., after activation/registration), please
boldly inform the customer. It is rather unintelligent
to require access to Internet once the software has
been registered and activated (as IOLO requires both
of these); it renders the tool worthless.

Minor: every time I launched my version of System Mechanic
Professional (version 8.5.1), it showed the following
“Hints and Tips Today”: Send System Mechanic to a friend:
Send a Gift Now.
~

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]]> http://getregistrycleaner.org/where-can-i-get-a-free-trial-of-a-registry-cleaner/#comment-2336 Perfectest Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:49:04 +0000 http://getregistrycleaner.org/where-can-i-get-a-free-trial-of-a-registry-cleaner/#comment-2336 Microsoft Registry Problems = Slow Computer!

The registry records the relationship between hardware, memory space, and addressing. It contains information and settings for all the hardware, software, users, and preferences of the computer. Whenever you make a change to the Control Panel settings, file associations, system policies, or installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in the registry. The operating system continually references this information during its operation. you can see What is Registry? http://downloadlk.net/whatisregistry.htm
However, a centralized registry system presents some problems as well. The registry is considered a “single point of failure” – modifications can lead to disrepair. The resulting damage could range from poor performance to not being able to boot up your computer. In these most extreme cases, data could be unrecoverable and a full re-installation of the operating system would be required. You have to re-install your system always. To determine if your system is in fact running slow because of problems in your registry, you will need to run a Registry software such as http://downloadlk.net/themosteffectiveregistrycleaner.htm .This easy to use program will perform a deep scan on your computer and will report back on any issues or problems it finds for you at no charge – which means you can figure out what is wrong.

Whatever product you use, before you make any changes, make sure you backup your registry!

The above information is quite valid, however I would advise a great deal of caution when dealing with any registry repair programs. A number of them are scams that will cause bigger problems then you are trying to solve – these programs are called scareware. One of the worst offenders is Registry Cleaner XP. This program pops up unexpectedly while you are cruising the internet and gives you an error like this, CRITICAL ERROR MESSAGE! – REGISTRY DAMAGED AND CORRUPTED. It’s entire bunk! Always keep this in mind: Legitimate software will not install itself without your permission, nor will the designers of the software resort to this type of pop up message. If a message pops up while you are crusing the internet, and tries to scare you into downloading software to fix a problem, IT IS A SCAM!

Some are simply badly written. However, the one I have my customers use is CCleaner. There is a registry cleaning component in it that works extremely well. Do a google search for it. This is donation ware, so if you can afford it, I encourage you to donate a little bit of money to the developer. There is no charge for the software.

If you have a serverly corrupted registry, you may be faced with purchasing a stronger registry repair package (ccleaner is more preventative maintanence and good for speeding up slow computers). I’ve often found the cheapest and easiest fix is a reinstallation of the Operating System.

Hope it will help you…