While the geeks are here, How about "Registery Error Software"

[Fudd]

The computer has been running a little slower lately, with an occasional freeze up.

Somebody suggested that I run a "free scan" of my registery.

The program said that I had over a thousand errors that needed fixing or my computer would explode.

Like an idiot, I purchased the thing.........then upgraded to a 3 yr plan.........then bought 2 more copies, for friends.

I ran the program "RegGenie" and it cleaned up everything!  All errors fixed!  None ignored!

THEN.....I ran a competitor's scan that claims that I have 981 errors left.

I re-cleaned the "new" 70 or so errors with RegGenie and once again using the other software publisher's scan.... still 981 errors.

RegGenie does not reconize my email address as being that of subscriber when I try to contact them.  It is, however, the same email they sent my "keys" to run the damn thing.

I have 3 more days before my "30 day money back if not completely satisfied" period runs out, but cannot contact anybody there for help.

Did I get jacked for $60?

If it actually did anything, it would be a good value, keeping 3 computers clean for 3 years!

Anybody have experence with this?   

[hubcapsc]

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Are-registry-cleaners-necessary

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_xp-files/registry-cleaners/5311416e-e8f5-460b-981c-925abf7c22bd

-Mike

[DFragn]

Most freebies will do that to 'entice' you to purchase.

Most AV programs like Norton or McAfee are free from your internet carrier and can clean your registry too.

I double duty with Norton &  Microsoft Security Essentials - both do your registry.

I also use {Free} CCleaner, one of the few free reg cleaners that 'works' for you.
Get it here: http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download

In essence I triple clean. I need my system relatively clean for programming. And, the above suit me very nicely & without expense.

Note: Reg cleaning for most is simply for broken reg links and such left over from old programs, some web sites [malicious or not] & even AV programs.

As posted above you may not need to clean your Reg. And if you do you should know how to "Fix" it. If you don't understand reg code then going in manually is a very bad idea.

I would suspect your slow problem is more related to adware or malware. Go after those first with a good AV program as above. Use multiple ...ware cleaners and run several times.

I use the reg cleaners because I'm constantly effecting my reg files. If I have to, I could go in manually. They save me time, unless of course I have to repair one. Which btw has never happened.

[Jess Tolbirt]

as stated above CCleaner
never purchase anything untill after you try it and are happy with it.
most will give you a free version 100% working and if you like it you can upgrade if you want to..

[Fudd]

Even though I haven't been able to contact RegGenie, I still feel I may have an ace in the hole by paying through Paypal.  Forty-five day dispute period.

I want this crap out of my computer and my money back.

Thank all of you for your replies.