RegSeeker
hoverdesk.net (freeware)

Ditto mikie. Interface a bit obtuse, but it's the best one out there IHMO. If you're like most, you'll be amazed at the amount of crapola you've accumlated.

Mikie and Asolo,

I have been looking for a reg application to replace my old reliable RegCleaner. The Hoverdesk website does not address Vista compatability; or maybe I flat out missed it.

Googling RegSeeker and Vista together results in several reviews along with references to "evaluate the UAC". I know what UAC is, but I am not certain as to what they are really meaning. Ideas?

Either of you using RegSeeker on Vista?

DA

in the zip is a history text file...

REGSEEKER HISTORY :
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Version 1.55

- Introducing Vista support (you will need to elevate UAC) !
- Improved backup/restore functions (double-click for opening in regedit)
- Integrated Exclusion list editor with Import option
- Fix issue with StreamMRU cleaning (quicklaunch/desktop icons reorganization)
- Safer registry cleaning results
- some crashes fixed

Here's a page *or two on User Account Control.

i dont have vista but imagine you've already dealt with uac... it pops windows when you try to install applications and asks for permissions,,,and admin password.

Here is a link that might be useful: Understanding and Configuring Vista UAC

Duh!!!!! I night's sleep and some morning coffee makes their point on the UAC quite clear. The user, in this case me, has to set the privledges. Thus, I am evaluating. Talk about being in a fog at times.

I will give it a try when I get time.

Thanks.

DA

Well I finally got around to installing RegSeeker yesterday. The download was simple. The zip extraction easy. I ran the utility, which by the way is extremely similar to RegCleaner, and it reported 1428 invalid entries. I removed them. I ran it again and found the same entries. (?)

My system started acting up, and reporting associations missing. I could not locate any Help File. The website was no help either. When I tried to restore the backup file, UAC mandated I do one entry at a time. So I decided it was time for System Restore and to uninstall RegSeeker. No uninstaller pointer. I had to do it manually.

I am not going to stand here and say I didn't make errors in installing and running RegSeeker. However, I am comfortable in reporting I feel I didn't.

I question this utility, and do not recommend it. Particularly to inexperienced users.

DA

DA based on your post I ran my RegSeeker, version 1.52, in XP. On opening the program I elected to 'Clean Registry'. This brought up a window with 6 of 7 choices already selected which I left as is. So I then had the choice of Autoclean or OK. I chose OK because I like to see even if I may not understand everything. At the end I selected to remove all the items found and took that action.

Then I again ran the search as you had done and came up clean so I am wondering if in fact you really did select to remove those 1428 items.

Like Mikie and Asolo I have nothing but good to say about this nice little free program and I have used it for many years. You might prefer to use Crap Cleaner, it does similar tasks and again I have used it often

Here is a link that might be useful: CCleaner, Vista ready

I like RegSeeker. Works for me well enough on defaults. I have run it with the optional checking but normally just run the default settings. Really dont run it too frequently - Maybe every 3 months or so.

Just now ran it to see and 'invalid active X' and 'path does not exist' finds mostly, on 31 items. Deleted everything it found.

Looked in its invalid applications under Add/Remove, nothing there. Glanced down the list of Start-Up's .. nothing new/odd looking.
Done.

Registry on my laptop isnt much bigger now than when xp was a fresh install. At least according to the size NTREGOPT shows. So I'm happy.

We're quickly coming up on `2nd tuesday ... I wonder what new and exciting window updates are in the works. I worry more about them lately than RegSeeker deletes.

Only got a second as I just checked in to see if there were any responses. Yes I did select those 1428 entries. I watched the counter on the bottom spin them off as they were deleted. Both times. I used default settings only. There were no nefarious entries on any of the additional Tool services.

I feel the abundance of entries is flotsam from removing all the pre-installed hoopla that comes with a new system as I did recognize some of the entries.

Perhaps it's a Vista issue.

DA

DA, I use Advanced Windows care, which also contains a registry cleaner. I have used it on my XP machines for the better part of a year now, and I recommend it highly. It is similar to CCleaner, but more thorough, in my opinion. Take a look at it and see what you think.

Here is a link that might be useful: Advanced Windows Care

I've used 'Reg Supreme' from Macecraft for a couple years now with now problems. It has a backup so you can undo any changes. If I remember right you can try it for 30 days and $12.95 to buy.
Witz

Here is a link that might be useful: Reg Supreme

Witz, I also have Reg Supreme which I purchased back when I had Win 98. It is a good program, and I use it in conjunction with CCleaner and Advanced Windows Care. Each one finds things in the registry that the other ones overlook. I don't know if Reg Supreme is compatible with Vista or not.

Grandms,
Just checked and it is 'Vista' compatible with restriction.

Here is a link that might be useful: Reg Supreme Vista compatible

Just passing through again.

The Reg Supreme link above reflects JV16 Power Tools also. Correct me if I am wrong, isn't JV16 the original Reg Cleaner? The "JV" being the architect's initials and the "16" being the bit indicator.

DA

DA,
That I don't know.
Witz

Yes Reg Supreme was originally and still seems to be part of JV16. Check the link below. Scroll to the bottom and there are 2 versions available, a freebie and one for a fee

Here is a link that might be useful: RegSupreme and JV16

I had a couple of minutes before I was dragged into another meeting so I looked into Google for RegCleaner. A couple of the outdated links, 2001 and 2005, redirected me to the Macecraft page above. There is no doubt of a relationship.

I had tremendous confidence and success with RegCleaner. Tonight, if I have time, I am going to try the free version of JV16 Tools 2007.

DA

I downloaded and installed the JV16 Power Tools 2007 last night. Quite an interesting utility. The Reg Cleaner option is quite familiar as it strongly resembles the old RegCleaner.

I ran the "Cleaner" and it located 305 entries which I backed up and removed without a problem. Admittedly, I didn't spend too much time with the other options.

For me personally, I am much more comfortable with this application on Vista than the aforementioned RegSeeker.

Finally not to misrepresent to anyone my use of a registry utility, I do not believe a cleaner is part of a standard maintenance program. It is my opinion it should be used for cleaning up after a series of major application deletions or as a response to a system not operating as it should.

DA

I've been using "Registry Repair" by StompSoft with good results over the past 2 years; First in Windows98 SE, then on Windows XP Home Edition. It works well and you can choose which groups to clean. It does a good job of patching or deleting broken links and flotsam. One caveat however, if you perform the entire set of cleaners, it will clear away your settings for favorite programs on the left side of the screen when clicking on "programs". These are easily added back to the menu; It's just inconvenient.

I use Registry Mechanic & Crap Cleaner. Last week after my scans, I had big problems with my system. It couldn't be repaired. Windows had to be re-installed. I'm not sure what happened but now I'm apprehensive about re-installing these programs.