Help2Go Forums - Blogs - arraknid http://www.help2go.com/blogs/arraknid/ Help2Go provides free computer help, advice, tutorials, and spyware help. en Sun, 26 May 2013 04:26:04 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.help2go.com/images/misc/rss.jpg Help2Go Forums - Blogs - arraknid http://www.help2go.com/blogs/arraknid/ Comparing Registry Cleaners http://www.help2go.com/blogs/arraknid/23-comparing-registry-cleaners.html Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:43:36 GMT There's been some recent discussion on the forum about Registry cleaners and it seems that many people consider them to be some kind of cure-all for slow machines or intermittent problems. Looking at the availability and marketing of such programs, it's easy to see why. A quick search found nearly 70 different offerings, including 25 or so free versions, though some of those offer free scans only. Curing the so-called 'problems' then costs money.

There are many sites offering comparisons of Registry cleaners - though most, it has to be said, are far from independent and their conclusions should be viewed with some degree of suspicion.

So, are they actually necessary? Personally, I'm with those that have their doubts. This is a quote from Wikipedia...

Most notably, critics say there is no reliable way for a third party program to know whether any particular key is invalid, redundant or neither. Poorly designed registry cleaners may not know for sure whether a key is still being used by Windows or what detrimental effects removing it may have. This has led to examples of registry cleaners causing loss of functionality and/or system instability.
That said, problems can occur when Registry entries become corrupted or changed by malware or viruses, though I've yet to see any product that will cure those problems. Most products use a set of algorithms - effectively a set of instructions based on rules determined by the writer, and as every product is different, so will be the results.

There seems to be a view that the more 'problems' a program finds, the better it is. Again, that would depend on what the software writers have set as the search criteria. Some programs are much more aggressive than others, though whether they need to be is questionable. I get the feeling sometimes that the marketing of the product demands such fantastic results to supposedly raise it above others in the market.

It is true that uninstalled programs have a habit of leaving redundant entries behind which will eventually clutter the Registry, and cleaning it from time to time can only help. Whether it speeds up the operating system is debatable. It's also true that, as with a hard drive, data becomes fragmented - hence the appearance of products that will defrag the Registry. Again, in theory, that should speed things up, but probably only by a few milliseconds.

The majority of Registry defrag products run within the Windows environment which is hardly ideal when there are so many programs running and needing to access the Registry. The ideal option is to defrag before Windows loads, in the same way that chkdsk does. My preferred option is to use PageDefrag which does just that - either at each boot up, or on a one-off basis.

I recently had to clean out a machine loaded with XP SP2 after they clicked on a nasty. With EvilFantasy's help, it's now clean, but as it has never had even a defrag in 4 years, I thought I'd run a few tests comparing some Registry cleaners. The choice is based on what I had available so isn't in any way definitive, merely something to satisfy my curiosity.

I only compared four products, because to have an accurate comparison, I needed to restore each system from a backup image after each test, and that takes more time than I had available.

Products tested were Registry Mechanic, Ccleaner, Eusing and RegCure - each one in its latest version. The first stage was to simply run the scan options to see what the results were. The number of 'problems' found was as follows....

Registry Mechanic 1678
Ccleaner 963
Eusing 658
RegCure 858

Next stage was to run the fix option and restart. Results as follows....

Registry Mechanic
Refused to start reporting config/system error

Ccleaner
Started up OK, most programs ran fine, but froze when IE was started.

Eusing
Started up and ran OK. Tried most programs without problem.

RegCure
Started up and ran OK. Again no problems running programs.

Trying to compare what each program had actually done would also have taken far too much of my time, but the wide variation in 'problems' found would tend to confirm a more aggressive set of algorithms in Registry Mechanic and Ccleaner, leading to subsequent system problems.

Comparing the last 2, Eusing and RegCure, they performed much the same, being less aggressive, but one is free and the other isn't! That's not to say that under different circumstances on another machine, the results would be the same. It would depend on the system configuration and what software was installed.

Hopefully, what the tests achieved lends weight to the argument that Registry cleaning software can cause more problems than it cures, so should always be used with caution.

Let me add that I have no interest, commercially or otherwise, in any of the products tested, nor should the test results be seen as favouring one product over another.

I'm simply reporting what I found. :) ]]> arraknid http://www.help2go.com/blogs/arraknid/23-comparing-registry-cleaners.html How to stop Flash Player creating cookies on your computer http://www.help2go.com/blogs/arraknid/21-how-stop-flash-player-creating-cookies-your-computer.html Sun, 07 Nov 2010 14:34:15 GMT Recently, there have been a number of posts and blogs here at Help2Go related to *Flash cookies* (or *Local Shared Objects* as they are more... Recently, there have been a number of posts and blogs here at Help2Go related to Flash cookies (or Local Shared Objects as they are more accurately described) and how to remove them from your computer. This stems from some degree of paranoia which abounds on the internet related to personal security and the ability to track your internet habits - more often than not based on a lack of understanding of how Flash works, a hatred of anything Adobe (!) or for commercial reasons.

There are a number of dedicated browser plugins - mainly for FireFox, that delete Flash Cookies after each session, and cleaner software like CCleaner also has an option to remove them, but the simplest option is to stop them being placed on your system in the first place. This isn't a difficult thing to do and takes just a few minutes - and is provided by Adobe themselves.

First thing to do is visit the Adobe website...

Adobe - Flash Player : Settings Manager - Website Storage Settings panel

Once there you'll see a window labelled Global Privacy Settings panel with tabs along the top edge. That isn't simply a static image, it's the actual settings window for your computer, so may take a few seconds to load.

Just copy each of the settings shown below to obtain the maximum security level, minimum intrusion and have no cookies placed on your computer.







In the following window, you can choose to be informed of Flash Player updates if you wish. If not, leave the option unchecked...



The next window relates to licenses that may be required to play commercial movie files using the .flv format that you may have downloaded. Choosing Reset License Files will delete them which will mean you'll need to re-acquire them from the publisher. If you have none, leave as is and move to the next tab.







In the last window, place a check mark against Disable P2P uplink for all, then clear any entries that may be listed...



Once completed, you can simply close the browser window. The settings will be automatically stored on your computer in a file called settings.sol which is checked by your browser each time you open any Flash content to check your preferences. If you, or a cleaner program, deletes the file (which is unlikely), it'll be recreated automatically with Adobe default settings, which will mean you'll have to repeat the above processes.

Any plugins you may have - particularly Better Privacy, FlashBlock and Objection can be uninstalled once the above has been completed. They only slow down your browser performance anyway.

Hopefully, that's removed some of the mystery (and fear) regarding Flash cookies. ]]> arraknid http://www.help2go.com/blogs/arraknid/21-how-stop-flash-player-creating-cookies-your-computer.html Is your computer slow to start up? http://www.help2go.com/blogs/arraknid/20-your-computer-slow-start-up.html Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:08:25 GMT One of the most common complaints by computer owners is that their machine takes a long time to start up. Whilst there can be a number of reasons why... One of the most common complaints by computer owners is that their machine takes a long time to start up. Whilst there can be a number of reasons why that happens, the usual culprit is the operating system having to load numerous processes that may or may not be required.

Those that are definitely required include your antivirus software and third-party firewall (if installed), but there may be others depending on your machine configuration. That could be a UPS battery backup, an external audio controller, or programs like Skype or MSN if used regularly. Pretty well everything else can be removed from the Startup list (see below for instructions on how to do that).

In addition to speeding up the startup process, you'll also gain some RAM memory which will be particularly noticeable on machines with 512Mb or less of installed RAM. Additionally, some of those processes may also have access to the internet, particularly updaters, which will be 'calling home' regularly, checking for the latest versions of installed software. The most common include Java, Adobe, Quicktime, Google and RealPlayer, none of which are required to run at startup. Stopping those processes will prevent them using valuable bandwidth. For dial-up or slow connections, the difference will be noticeable.

So, how do you find out what's running on your system?

The traditional Windows option is to run the inbuilt utility called msconfig (see below), which does require some degree of computer experience, but there are much simpler ways.

There are numerous small programs (see list below), all free-to-use, that will show the programs in the startup list, and which will allow you to disable or remove entries completely. Of course, that implies you know which ones are required and which aren't.

Certain of those programs, particularly Startup Inspector, are able to link to a website which contains lists of 90% of known startup processes. Once started, the program checks what you have in your startup list and displays them. When you press Consult, each of the entries will be classified as to whether they are required or not, so you can choose to disable or remove. Startup Optimizer does a similar job.

Alternatively, or in addition, for the more-technically confident, there's always the option of running a HiJackThis scan and choosing to create a logfile. The startup entries are designated as 04 in the logfile, but that still doesn't tell you whether they are needed or not.

For a definitive explanation of what the startup entries are and whether they are required, you can enter each one into the search box here...

SystemLookup - Startup List

Highlight the .exe file on each 04 entry, then individually copy and paste into the Search box on the webpage, then click on the magnifying glass. The next window will tell you what the .exe does. If classified as Y, leave the entry. If U, you must decide if you need that utility at your finger tips 'pre-started' or remove it. If the latter, check the box next to the entry in HiJackThis. This does not delete the program, just the entry.
There is also an N for 'Not needed' - check the box on these also. If noted as an X or ? leave alone and check out the following tutorial...

How to start removing viruses spyware your computer

In HiJackThis, after you've checked the box next to the ones you want stopped, click the Fix Checked button and reboot the machine. Do not check any other entries unless specifically asked to by a volunteer. To do so, may damage your machine, so be warned.

Once you've completed the above you should be left with no more than 4 - 6 entries.

For Laptop owners, you'll also need to leave the touchpad software entries in place.

Monitoring future entries

So, now you've trimmed down the number of applications set to run at startup, how do you stop them reappearing without you knowing? Or new entries being slipped in without your knowledge when installing new programs? Or malware installing itself in the registry and set to run every time you start your computer?

Actually, it's very easy. There are a number of small, free, utilities that will monitor the startup list and the registry, and let you know when anything tries to add an entry. You'll then have the option of allowing or denying the change. The best known is probably Mike Lin's StartupMonitor.




Recommended free software

HijackThis

Startup list management software

Startup Control Panel

StartUp

Startup Inspector

Startup Optimizer

Ccleaner Please note that we don't advise using the Registry clean option unless you are able to understand what you are seeing. If you don't, you may cause major problems. See here and here for more info.

Autoruns (for advanced users)

WinPatrol (for advanced users)

StartupLite

Startup monitoring software

Startup Monitor

WinPatrol (for advanced users)

One thing to bear in mind is that both of the above programs will install themselves in the startup list by default. That's normal and necessary for their operation. Of the 2, my choice would be, and has been for a long time, Startup Monitor which is dedicated to monitoring and nothing else.

For those wishing to learn about Windows msconfig utility, this will explain how it's used.

How to use MSCONFIG: NetSquirrel.com ]]> arraknid http://www.help2go.com/blogs/arraknid/20-your-computer-slow-start-up.html Adding Windows 7 computer to an existing XP/Vista network http://www.help2go.com/blogs/arraknid/13-adding-windows-7-computer-existing-xp-vista-network.html Sun, 04 Apr 2010 11:03:00 GMT One of the many new innovations included in *Windows 7* is a much improved system of home networking called *HomeGroup*. As well as offering easier... One of the many new innovations included in Windows 7 is a much improved system of home networking called HomeGroup. As well as offering easier and more diverse allocation of permissions to shared content, access is protected by a password which, for small business networks, is a necessity.

As soon as Windows 7 is installed, it creates a default HomeGroup. If it detects an existing HomeGroup, you will be given the opportunity to join, but you will need the password. For home and small business users, HomeGroup is an excellent tool, but there is a problem.

HomeGroup only works when all other machines on the network have Windows 7 installed, which in the short term, may not be the case. There will be many situations where the network has XP or Vista machines as part of the network, in addition to Windows 7. So, how is it possible to get them all to work together?

Actually, it's not that difficult. The trick is to avoid the HomeGroup option which, by default, users are led into when trying to add a Windows 7 machine to an existing network, and do the following instead. These instructions assume that all machines are connected to a common hub/router, either cabled or wirelessly, and that all necessary permissions exist. If you are adding the Windows 7 machine to an existing network, that should already be the case. As this is aimed at home users, only the Workgroup option will be addressed.

First thing to do is note the name of the existing Workgroup, together with the password, if applicable. For this example, we'll use MSHOME, which is the Windows default. If yours is different, change as necessary.

On the Windows 7 machine, click on Start and right click Computer, then Properties. That will open the following window.



At the bottom of the window you'll see Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings. Click on Change Settings. This window will open.



Under the Computer Name tab, click the Change button. In the next window, select Workgroup and enter the name you copied earlier. Click on OK and you'll be prompted to restart.



You should now see your XP/Vista machines shown on the network, and shared files/folders will be accessible, but you may need the network password if one has been allocated. The Windows 7 machine will appear on the rest of the network, but when you try to access any shared files/folders, you'll probably be asked for a password. That's because, by default, Windows 7 requires you to enter one.

To turn that option off, open Network and Sharing Center and, in the left column, click on Change Advanced Sharing Settings. That will open the following window.



Scroll down to Password Protected Sharing, select Turn off Password Protected Sharing, then Save changes at the bottom of the window. You can change other settings in that same window, such as Printer Sharing, etc.

One final word, don't forget to set the sharing options on the Windows 7 machine. ]]> arraknid http://www.help2go.com/blogs/arraknid/13-adding-windows-7-computer-existing-xp-vista-network.html