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General discussion

PC system cleaners: Who's doing a better job of cleaning?

Jul 29, 2011 8:03AM PDT
Question:

System utility cleaners: Who's doing a better job of cleaning?


How come when you use 3 different utilities (CCleaner, Glary utilities, Advance System Care 4), they always find different things to clean? Is one doing a better job than the other? Is one cleaning out less and another cleaning out more than is needed? What gives? And who should I believe and is there any possible harm in these discrepancies? Any explanation around this mystery will help me better understand it all. Thank you.

--Submitted by: Guillermo O.

Here are some member answers to get you started, but
please read all the advice and suggestions that our
members have contributed to this question.

Purpose matters --Submitted by: stringboy
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-6138_102-5177221.html

PC System Cleaners --Submitted by: petelw
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-6138_102-5177753.html

The 7 P's --Submitted by: High Desert Charlie
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-6138_102-5177020.html

Thanks to all who contributed!

If you have any additional advice, suggestion, or opinions for Guillermo, click the "reply" to submit your advice, suggestions/opinions, or tips. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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IOBit Smart Defrag
Aug 15, 2011 12:19PM PDT

you can find smart defrag at this address http://www.iobit.com/iobitsmartdefrag.html .
I've been using many of iobits products, ie Advanced system care, Game booster as well as Smart defrag , for a long time and I've had nothing but great results from them . I would recomend any of thier products .
I also use Malewarebytes' Anti-Maleware and Avast! Anti-virus as well as free windows registry repair .

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Careful how you defrag a virtual machine
Aug 7, 2011 12:27AM PDT

If you use virtualization software (such as VMware Fusion or Parallels) to run Windows side-by-side with Mac OS, a program like Smart Defrag 2 may not be compatible.

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be careful!
Jul 30, 2011 6:24AM PDT

Different cleaners use different rules, most of the more well-respected ones do a good job, but you should have an idea of what you are doing before you use one. Always review the list before deleting anything, the best way to use these cleaners is as a tool to do the grunt work of finding garbage, and then to remove what you really don't want. If you can't do that, you are better off not using a cleaner.
Also, modern OS's need less of that kind of care than older ones did. Win Vista and Win7 both do a pretty good job of this, and don't have as many memory limitations as did Win95/98, so the registry doesn't "get full" the way that it used to.

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PC System Cleaners
Jul 30, 2011 11:58PM PDT

Over the years I've used a number of different PC system cleaners. I cannot reccomend one of the top rated ones over any other. As a matter of fact, I use three different products. As stated in the question, each one finds different things so what makes one better than the other? I will say stay away from those that do not provide you the opportunity to select what is deleted. I've had to rebuild a system using one of those. The rest are subjective, what's great to one user may not be so great for the next. I can only say that whatever product you decide to use execise due diligence in scrutinizing what is deleted. It's a tedious task but I believe a necessary task as a cluttered registry is a performace killer. I can tell you I have spent upwards of 3 hours scruntizing but the old saying, better safe than sorry applies. So as others have mentioned it basically comes down to what flavor you like, chocolate, vanilla, strawberry... all good but which do YOU like? How about Neapolitan, a combination of all three?

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PC Cleaners are beneficial and highly desirable
Aug 5, 2011 11:59AM PDT

I agree that different cleaners will pick up different issues. Basically different good programs have their own unique rules although there are plenty of similiarities so that hopefully what another program picks up will not be radically different. Personally, I think CC Cleaner is an excellent product for freeware and for a paid program, Norton Utilities version 15, their latest, is excellent. It clearly defrags the registry, cleans temporary files, can defrag your hard drives more effectively than Windows, has disk repair capablilities and intuitive logic that makes it unnecessary to perform tasks that don't require immediate attention. What I especially like about the Norton program is that it's very efficient and lightening fast. But I should mention my computer is new and I have 12 GB of RAM which helps.
Remember, the maintenance of a computer like any dynamic device requires occasional fine tuning to make it run at peak performance.

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The original question seems HIGHLY Neurotic and OCD Ridden!
Aug 5, 2011 8:28PM PDT

Some people spend more time deleting, "Cleaning", running virus protection software, updating, etc, etc.... than actually USING THE DAMN COMPUTER!

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get a life
Aug 8, 2011 8:22AM PDT

From a fully rational poster.

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PC System Cleaners
Aug 6, 2011 2:43AM PDT

Not helpful. No mention of System Cleaners used (i.e. System Mechanic Professional, etc.)or the ones found good or best.

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How to know what to delete from the list of files suggested
Aug 6, 2011 5:46AM PDT

Regarding due diligence? Oftentimes things are listed to be deleted when I use various cleaners, and I have no idea what the item is about or what it does. I'm afraid that some of the items really are needed to run my computer and other items just drag the computer's speed down. How do I really know what some of those files with strange names are and how necessary they really are or not are?

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That's not an answer.
Aug 6, 2011 6:32AM PDT

A waste of space. Are you a lawyer? You didn't answer the question.

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Petelw - on the fence?
Aug 8, 2011 4:07AM PDT

The guy is looking for program suggestions not philosophy, why waste our time?

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response on Pc clearners
Aug 30, 2011 1:53AM PDT

Ur a typical salesman with a slick response..PC cleaners are like using ur daily newspaper to blow ur nose or wipe ur xxx..................

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Here is my answer to Registry Cleaners
Oct 4, 2011 1:05AM PDT

This is my computer specifications. I assembled it in April 2010. Intel i5-750 cpu, ASUS P7H55D-M-EVO Motherboard, ASUS EN9500GT(1GB) Graphics Card, 4GB Memory(That is all it can use), 60GB OCZ SSD as my C drive and a 750GB Western Digital Black Caviar as my D drive, and a Samsung CD/DVD drive all crammed into an In Win BK623 MicroATX Mini Tower case. The 300w power supply is more than adequate for my setup. My normal configuration is Windows 7 (32-bit). Normal start up time for Windows 7 is about 35 seconds. I am currently using BitDefender Total Internet Security for virus protection. I also use Ccleaner. For several years I have used Acronis True Image for backup. I can make an image of my C drive in 3 minutes and restore the image in 5 minutes. Currently I have 10 different Images including Windows XP, Windows 7 (32-bit) and (64-bit) and Windows 8 Developer Preview stored on my D drive. I have tried most of the "Optimizing Software" that offer a free trial and I can't really determine if any of them do much to "SPEED UP MY PC." They all seem to find a lot of empty registry key, thereby claiming to find a lot of stuff. What does an empty key do to slow down a computer? I don't know, but I suspect "NOTHING." Yes, I know how to edit the registry. I am also leery of any websites that report on the top ten of any on these type programs. Is the review influenced by money? There is no way to know. So here is what I do. After I download and give these programs a try I do not try to uninstall them. I just restore the Image and that keeps my computer running smoothly.

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System utility cleaners
Jul 31, 2011 2:58AM PDT
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Questionable results
Jul 31, 2011 5:27AM PDT

I am an avid reader of PC adviser, they have just ran an article about utility programs and they bench marked each one on identical computers (using system restore after each test). Their findings were not good, in most cases they only improved performance by 1 or 2 percent, one actually made the system slower. Different cleaners clean different areas, I use Ccleaner and Norton utilities (part of Norton Internet Security) and that works fine for me.

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PC system cleaners
Jul 31, 2011 11:40AM PDT

Dear Member,
I am using C Cleaner and Advance System Care. In my experience Advance System Care 4 is better than C Cleaner.
C.Chockalingam

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Don't rely on system cleaners
Jul 31, 2011 9:40PM PDT

My opinion of system cleaners is that they are a waste of your money. If you need to speed up your computer, try the following helpful methods (carefully):
1. Format your hard drive and reinstall Windows.
2. Use the msconfig utility to stop services and disable autoruns that you don't need.
3. As a better alternative, use the Systinternals Autorun tool to disable excess autoruns.
4. Upgrade to a better computer.

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My 2 bits on system cleaners
Aug 5, 2011 11:11AM PDT

I tried many various ones and yes though I too have 20 years experince in the pc realm has nothing to do with the software subject matter of this thread.

So to begin with as some others have posted I do agree that System Mechanic is my favorite.
But my favorite version of System Mechanic is version 5 which was before they destroyed the easy to use interface.

CCLEANER comes in second place and all otehrs I worry and do not use unless you really have to.
Why?
Some cleaners go to far.... Other cleaners go not far enough.
But yes the cleaner with the most consistent postive overall results I have used for the past 10 years is
System Mechanic. Even when virus damgd a NT 4.0 box SM made it usable again to where antivirus software could update and remove infection whereas it just rebooted over and over again.

But I am seeing a different future where all these cleaners are cloud based like my favorite F-secure blacklight and I am sure there will be a free cloud PC cleaner soon.

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pc system cleners-suggestion by skippee93-
Aug 5, 2011 2:46PM PDT

hi skippee93
can u pl tell which are the minimum autoruns required for windows xp to run smoothly without execess load on the computers?
pl be elaborative
thanks
rnraj412

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Microsoft is doing a GREAT job . . . . .
Aug 1, 2011 1:42PM PDT

Microsoft is doing a great job . . . . of cleaning out our wallets. The real solution to all of these problems is, a class action law suite against Microsoft for selling such incomplete products.
When you buy a car do you;
have to go to Norton or Mcafee to get locks put in/on your doors?
have to go to someone like CC to add a fuel filter?
have to go to some one like Glary to add an oil filter?
have to go to someone like Pitstop to add an air cleaner?
have to go to someone like . . . . well you get the idea. No one else in the World is allowed to continue marketing and selling such 'incomplete' (in my opinion) product line.
Like High Desert Charlie, I have been involved with computers for a long time, since college in 1961. Have written programs for Pacific Bell. And like roughbeast, I also reinstall everything once or twice a year, as needed. Yes it takes a day to reinstall everything. Cry
The only thing on my computer is Spybot.
You can spend $19.95 to $600+ for after market products that take up disk space and (in my opinion) don't do what they claim they can, or reinstall fresh. It's your money, your time.

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OR just stay AWAY
Aug 5, 2011 11:02AM PDT

from microsoft software entirely and install Linux, which is self-cleaning and easier to use. It's much more useful, as well. Microsoft is SELLING software that should be FREE. They don't even provide the coding source so you can write your OWN OS from it! They have used code they picked up FREE and incorporated it in their PAID FOR products. (And they're suing OTHER people for "stolen ideas" (by the way you CAN'T patent an idea, OR software, it's impossible))
Until Microsoft provides all their source code, and a free copy of each new Windows OS and makes sure you can write your OWN copy of Windows OS, DO NOT USE IT!

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You can have Linux
Oct 4, 2011 3:48AM PDT

I tried Linux and there are not the kinds of programs I need for my purpose. I have owned computers for almost 20 years and I and will continue to use Windows. Your post just sounds like sour grapes.
Yes I use my real name. I don't hide behind some fake name.

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Windows has more services than you think
Oct 4, 2011 11:38PM PDT

Congratulations on 50 years of computer knowledge. That a long, long time. I don't know what version of Windows you are using but I do know this. Windows 7 includes a tool for defrag, a tool to check for disk errors, a tool to partition a hard drive or even a SSD, Windows Defender to protect from the BAD Stuff and a FREE download of Microsoft Security Essentials. You may not like these programs but they are THERE. It doesn't include a registry cleaner but I'm not sold on them anyway. If you will continue reading you will see that I can restore my computer in 5 minutes.
This is my computer specifications. It is a fully functioning computer, with internet service. I assembled it in April 2010. Intel i5-750 cpu, ASUS P7H55D-M-EVO Motherboard, ASUS EN9500GT(1GB) Graphics Card, 4GB Memory(That is all it can use), 60GB OCZ SSD as my C drive and a 750GB Western Digital Black Caviar as my D drive, and a Samsung CD/DVD drive all crammed into an In Win BK623 MicroATX Mini Tower case. The 300w power supply is more than adequate for my setup. My normal configuration is Windows 7 (32-bit). Normal start up time for Windows 7 is about 35 seconds. I am currently using BitDefender Total Internet Security for virus protection. I also use Ccleaner. For several years I have used Acronis True Image for backup.I can make an image of my C drive in 3 minutes and restore the image in 5 minutes. Currently I have 10 different Images including Windows XP, Windows 7 (32-bit) and (64-bit) and Windows 8 Developer Preview stored on my D drive. I have tried most of the "Optimizing Software" that offer a free trial and I can't really determine if any of them do much to "SPEED UP MY PC." They all seem to find a lot of empty registry key, thereby claiming to find a lot of stuff. What does an empty key do to slow down a computer?I don't know, but I suspect "NOTHING." Yes, I know how to edit the registry. I am also leery of any websites that report on the top ten of any on these type programs. Is the review influenced by money. There is no way to know. So here is what I do.After I download and give these programs a try I do not try to uninstall them. I just restore the Image and that keeps my computer running smoothly.

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I use two programs
Aug 5, 2011 11:05AM PDT

System Mechanic 10.5 Pro and CCLeaner. Although System Mechanic has a 'clutter' remover it is slow, so prefer CCleaner for that task. But I prefer SM for registry clearning, Between the two of them, system is kept free of spyware, viruses and hd remains free of clutter.

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Keeping your computer Clean! Anyone can do it!
Aug 5, 2011 11:20AM PDT

Here are easy steps for keeping a computer clean and running optimally. Most or all programs used are free or one can purchase upgraded programs. Depending on the computers usage these programs can be run twice a month or so.

1. Download Malwarebyes (free) and scan for malware, etc, if anything pops up it will have instructions what to do

2. Download Crap Cleaner, (free) and run and get rid of all temp files etc.

3. Download Eusing Registry cleaner, (free) scan for all registry keys which can be deleted off system (there are other programs a great one is jv 16 which I have used for years)

4. Use AVG free for virus protection

5. Download a free Defragger program, and run this after all others are done. I use Diskeeper but you have to purchase it.

All these programs are on Download.com and using these will help keep your computer running smoothly and with less problems. however, a person still has to be vigilant when on net, the net is a bad place sometimes!

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App of choice
Aug 5, 2011 11:58AM PDT

I use Uniblue SpeedUpMyPC (I know, sounds like a "as seen on TV" product) and couldn't be happier. I have a work laptop (Lenovo T60 with XP) that has been a dog and after running the suite of apps the machine now starts up much much quicker and isn't sluggish at all. It's an older model so anything to help speed things up is welcome.

I paid for a subscription to updates and found the latest version (2011) still has a slick UI and has impressive power. You can also buy the apps included in the Suite a la carte. I think I first tried DriverScanner to help identify issues I had with my wireless and decided to get the whole Suite that Uniblue had a deal on for those trying out DriverBooster.

It's amazing how many things are junking up your registry or are old or just plain wrong.

Highly recommended!

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RE: PC system cleaners: Who's doing a better job of cleaning
Aug 5, 2011 12:00PM PDT

I'm sure it's been answered however I'll try to break it down into a simple answer and throw in a few things that may not have been presented.

1) First of all, every system is different. Now this is blatently obviouse to most people but when it comes down to it the problem first lies within the Windows core operational "system" for lack of a better word. I.E System32, System, and of course your Registry. Compare this to Unix based operating systems and the core problem is very simply the Windows Kernel and Registry, for the most part, and in most (even advanced users) systems has left over DLL's, Registry Entries, broken paths and simply put "junk files" left over from installation and removal of software, spy-ware, viral infections, installation, SP upgrades... the list goes on. Whereas with Unix based operating systems most users know what should and should not be in their /bin /usr/bin and fstab etc. Making it much easier to "clean house". There is also a lot of "bloatware" which simply is what it sounds like. Mix that with a lot of applications that come with poor quality removers that iether purposfully leave files behind or do so in simple laziness from the development team.

2) Because of the above mentioned issues (which hopefully gives a basis to understand what you're in effect 'clearning) different "cleaners" work in different ways. Some simply look for active references between the system->reg->low level data. Others simply clear out your temporary files (offline/online) and remove rogue DLL's and invalid reg keys, some do both and others take it a step further and may create a sort of "sub shell" within the application to test each DLL and reg entry followed by removal of suspected leftovers. (For the advanced users please bear with the very low level explanation)

So basically it's like having a friend of the family clean your house. He will decide what is and what is not garbage by trying to reference what it belongs to, why, when it was last used and whether it still works. Different cleaners look for different attributes and thus come out with different results. Some are more "cautious" than others, some are known to be more dangerous to amateur users as you need to know what you are actually approving the removal off (specially when you are running corp applications that aren't digitally signed, dual booting etc).

And finally sometimes while you are running a cleaner an application or perhaps even yourself browsing the web will end up downloading additional temp files and cookies after that directory has been scanned therefore leading to files being present when you re-scan. As a general rule I always Defrag and run Malware/Spyware and on the rare occasion CCleaner but I do so offline.

Hope that helps a little.

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My housekeeping routine
Aug 5, 2011 12:36PM PDT

About once a month, I do the following-

Run AntiMalwarebytes and Spyware Search and Destroy - after downloading the latest definitions. I reapply the SS&D immunization scan on the internet cookies. Then run CCCleaner - both the file cleaner and the registry cleaner. Then run Auslogics Defragger to make the HD run a little faster. I will use FileHippo's Update checker and Secunia PSI to check the status of my application software to see if any updates are available. That's about it...never have any system related issues with any kind of malware, as far as I know.

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I am so sorry Guillermo
Aug 5, 2011 12:55PM PDT

but the chosen suggested prime answers to your question are simply put TERRIBLE! They are incredibly blabla without giving any specific recommendations. I myself use Glary's and Malware by Anti-Malware and Microsoft Security Essentials for cleaning and protection -- and couldn't be happier. No problem, everything clean, computer running like a champ. Sorry about the frustration you must be feeling by reading these zero information posts.

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Cleaners that I've had good luck with...
Aug 5, 2011 1:32PM PDT

I've been in IT and on computers since 1982 (not very long compared to some others who have posted). However, I've had great luck with WinASO, and CCleaner, and DeFraggler. I've also had (in the past) some partially good luck with RegMechanic, but RegMechanic missed some things that WinASO fixed.

I especially like the WinASO Registry File Optimizer - really neat feature.

I use Kaspersky anti-virus, but that's another story. I've had good luck with ZoneAlarm, as well as Spybot-D search and destroy, and ad-aware.

Just my two cents.