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MyCleanPC.com, DoubleMySpeed.com, MaxMySpeed.com, RegCure, Registry Mechanic, etc., etc.. There are literally thousands of websites and programs out there that claim to "clean up" your PC. They say they will "scan your computer for free" which is technically true, but these are considered by many to actually BE infections, so paying for them is just crazy.
PC "Cleaning" websites:
These sites are advertised on TV and the web as the fix-all for any PC. What they do is install a program which shows many errors and problems whether you have any or not. Then, you must pay and give up personal information for the software to clean anything. However, many of them will actually infect the system and will continue to cause problems until removed by a technician. Never pay for security software.
The Registry:
Relax. The Windows registry is a database of system settings. It is controlled by Windows and the programs you have installed. It's just where the settings are stored. Normally, it requires no maintenance of any kind. That is why there is no registry cleaner built into Windows.
Some extremely rare cases of severe virus or malware infection can create a specific situation where you may need to do something to the registry, but the idea that it needs to be cleaned periodically is just not valid. If your system has been so badly damaged that your registry needs to be touched, you're probably better off bringing it to a technician.
In fact, using ANY utility on the Windows registry can and frequently does damage Windows so badly that it requires a complete system rebuild. Running one on a regular basis is a sure-fire way to wreak havoc in even a perfectly good system.
If you search the internet, you will see that most registry cleaners cost money. That is the first sign that they are not something you want. Really important software is free. Doubly so for security and stability tools.
Save your money. If you have good computing habits and follow the basic rules of anti-virus and spyware scans once per week or month, you should be fine. If your computer is noticeably slow or unresponsive, it is almost never caused by anything that can be corrected in the registry. Even when it is, there is always a better way to fix it.
If you think you have a registry problem, post here to find out. I guarantee there's a way to correct it without buying anything.
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