Edward said:
Although you are correct that the benefits of running a Registry Cleaner in
WINXP are doubtful, I certainly do not agree with you over your blanket
statements that suggest they will damage the Registry in a catastrophic way
to leave the machine 'unbootable'.
I've never made such a blanket claim. They won't always leave the
machine unbootable, but they sometimes do. They don't always cause a
problem at all. But, because they provide absolutely *NO* bwenefit, why
take the chance?
You make this statement at regular
intervals ....
Because the question is asked frequently...
but as far as I know, have not offered any evidence other than 'in
your experience'.
What better evidense is there then years of first-hand observation?
It appears that other peoples opinion differ.
A very few people, yes, and they're free to express their opinions.
(Although I will submit that I've never met an experienced,
knowledgeable technician who recommends that the average user use
registry "cleaners.")
Individual cases prove nothing. I have had one case where a particular
program required an empty key that the 'Cleaner' I used would recommend to
delete. That was hardly catastrophic as the OS certainly was not damaged
and once that 'problem' was known it was simple to avoid.
Ah! One (worthless, by your own description) example of a registry
cleaner causing a problem, which fortunately wasn't catastrophic.
What's your point, then, if "individual cases prove nothing?"
If you can cite a specific case, say Product X when run on WINXP Home will
result in the following problem with the OS then your criticisms will have
credibility. That is please cite a problem caused by a Registry Cleaner
that results in damage to the OS and can be replicated on otherr machines.
Better still please provide the names of Registry Cleaner programs that when
installed on a machine with only WINXP installed will damage the Registry to
the extent the machine will no longer boot or remain functional. We will
agree that the Registry Cleaner will no doubt suggest removal of a large
number of Registry entries but maybe expereinec has shown these entries are
not required anyway.
I never claimed that every registry cleaner caused problems,
catastrophic or otherwise, every single time. That's your
misinterpretation. I simply warn people that the potential for trouble
is there, and not worth the risk, as registry cleaners are no better
than snake oil. If you want a list of registry cleaners that do
absolutely no good, and have the potential for causing harm to the OS,
use Google; I've better things to do then copy the list for you.
--
Bruce Chambers
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