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FREE Legal Registry Cleaner from Microsoft
Comments
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busterkeye wrote: »i keep getting an error saying please try again with a error code 0x0C600C03 ???
Are you running 64bit windows. It doesn't work with 64bit and will throw that error up0 -
I got that last night when I initially tried to run a full scan but then reverted to quick scan for virus and spyware and then customised the full scan to exclude those two and it seemed to run OK. Not sure if it will for everyone but that's what I found after playing around with it a bit.busterkeye wrote: »i keep getting an error saying please try again with a error code 0x0C600C03 ???0
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Hi,
Just like to tell everyone about this free service from Microsoft. I have been using it now for over 6 months - and I think it is great.
First time I used it, the scan found 264 'items' in my registry. It removed them all in under 10 minutes and my PC has run sweetly ever since. I run this programme about once a week and have never had any problems.
This will only work with authentic MS software, so if your OS is a pirate copy - don't bother.
Here's the link if you want to give it a try:
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/cleanup.htm
And here is some of the blurb:
Get a free PC safety scan
Windows Live OneCare safety scanner is a free service designed to help ensure the health of your PC.
Check for and remove viruses
Get rid of junk on your hard disk
Improve your PC’s performance
Get high-quality, hassle-free antivirus protection for your home PC now.
Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that helps guard against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.
Speed up your PC with our free registry cleaner
As part of its Clean Up scan, the Windows Live OneCare safety scanner offers a free registry cleaner. Running this scan is a great way to rid your PC of clutter and keep it running at its speediest.
What is the registry?
The Windows Registry is the place on your PC where Windows stores information it might need to retrieve later—for example, when you open an application or change a system setting. The registry contains profiles for each user, the applications installed on the computer and the types of documents they create, what hardware exists on the system, and the ports being used.
Why should I clean my registry?
Over time, the Windows Registry can begin to contain information that's no longer valid. Maybe you uninstalled an application without using the Add or Remove Programs function in the Control Panel, or perhaps an object or file in the registry got moved. Eventually this orphaned or misplaced information accumulates and begins to clog your registry, potentially slowing down your PC and causing error messages and system crashes. You might also notice that your PC's startup process is slower than it used to be. Cleaning your registry is the easiest way to help avoid these common problems.
How do I clean my registry?
The Windows Live OneCare clean up scanner will find and remove any invalid registry items on your PC. It's easy—it’s part of a full-service Windows Live OneCare safety scan. Or, for a targeted approach, click Clean Up Scan in the Clean Up Center. The clean up scan will check your registry and locate any items that can be removed safely. You can then choose to remove all the items the scanner finds or select items individually for removal.
Can't I just delete registry items on my own?
We don't recommend trying to remove registry items on your own. It's often difficult to determine which items correspond to which applications, and by attempting to remove items yourself, you might accidentally remove a valid registry item, causing software crashes and errors. The Windows Live OneCare clean up scan is a safe and effective way to clean your Windows Registry.
And remember, when you want to remove a program or software application from your PC, always use the Add or Remove Programs tool in the Control Panel. Doing so ensures that any registry items associated with that application are removed safely.
What if I accidentally remove something I need in my registry?
Not to worry. Just like Microsoft Word, your PC has an "undo" option. In this case, it's called System Restore. Once it's finished scanning, the Windows Live Safety scanner creates a System Restore point on your PC. This allows you to revert your system to its original state, before you performed the scan, in case you inadvertently remove any valid registry items.
To access the System Restore Wizard inWindows XP:
1. Click Start, then select All Programs.
2. Select Accessories, then System Tools, then System Restore.
3. In the System Restore wizard, make sure Restore my computer to an earlier time is selected, then click Next.
4. Now you can use the calendar to select the date you performed the clean up scan and instruct your PC to revert to the way it was before you ran the scan.
Hope this helps you and your PC.
All the best.
DDYou have to fight, fight and fight again just to get what's yours.0 -
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windows vista and windows 7 users need to go here:
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/whatsnew.htm0 -
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It is only "Free" in the sense you don't hand over any money
Isn't that the usual meaning of free?Microsoft Big Brother will be checking your PC for pirate/unlicenced Microsoft software and operating system, so I wouldn't use it if you don't have official MS software.
I don't blame them. If someone stole some software I'd written I'd be mad at them. I certainly wouldn't then go and give them some free software to scan their PC.
Just my opinion.
Cheers,
Mark.0 -
MarkFromMullion wrote: »Isn't that the usual meaning of free?
In the past maybe. But not today.
Just ask the Daily Mail how "Free" their DAB radio they are offering in todays newspaper is0 -
Can anyone tell me if this will be OK to use with OpenOffice? I got windows XP, but I refused to fork over another £60 to have word & excel, so got them for free from OpenOffice. (Well done, Sun Micorsystems!) All other stuff I have is also freeware, like Picasa, AVG, CCleaner ...I wish I was a glow worm, a glow worm's never glum
Cos how can you be gloomy, when the sun shines out your bum?0 -
Can anyone tell me if this will be OK to use with OpenOffice? I got windows XP, but I refused to fork over another £60 to have word & excel, so got them for free from OpenOffice. (Well done, Sun Micorsystems!) All other stuff I have is also freeware, like Picasa, AVG, CCleaner ...
yes they will only check your operating system not other vendors software.
One other thing to note you can't use this with firefox it has to be internet explorer.0
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