Do I need registry cleaner?

Ann D, Which version of Windows are you using?

Note: If you're asking for technical help, please be sure to include all your system info, including operating system, model number, and any other specifics related to the problem.


As far as a registry cleaner if you're not familiar with the registry stay away from them as they can do more harm than good.

Which programs when you try to run them cause the error message?

You can easily create new shortcuts.

There are many hits on this problem at the link below.

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=windows+host+process+has+stopped+working&meta=&aq=0&oq=windows+host+process+h

Tufenuf

Unaware of the cleaners you mentioned. However, I have good success with CCleaner. On its defaults it does a pretty good job. You can change some setting but overall just at default setting will do a very good job. Its a freebie and has gotten good press on its usefulness, so enjoy its use. As for using registry cleaners in general, they shouldn't be constantly engaged, just a once in awhile use is fine. You can then clean or fine tune your system if required. No mention of what your OS is, etc., but take heed and proceed 1 step at a time, use the restore feature and create a save point.

tada -----Willy

Hi Ann, I have used CCleaner many times, and had limited success with the registry part. I have yet to really "see" any major advantage to using it. The computers that I have used it on showed little difference in speed of operation or booting. One issue that I have come up with that I am not positive I can attribute it to is System Restore. After using the registry cleaner on several computers I was unable to use the System Restore feature. The only thing I can link as common to all the computers is CCleaner. So I can only issue a Caveat on the registry cleaner part of it. I currently use System Mechanic Pro and use their registry tools and so far I have had no issues. In my experience of staightening out computers, I have found that the usual 4 antispyware tools with the usual system clutter cleaners did more for me than registry cleaners ever did. The major problems I encounter are usually the result of expired/outdated software, particularly the Anti-virus and/or OS. Hope this helps you out a little.

The free version of CCleaner (a.k.a. "Crap Cleaner") is a safe and effective program for Windows XP, SP 3, when set at defaults for cleaning your registry if that's what you need to do. But I don't know what operating system you are using.

Make sure you have an effective anti-virus program. In addition, check for malware. I use the freeware versions of Spybot and Ad-Aware. They each find things the others do not recognize.