Old Windows 7 System. Slow. Can I clean it up without losing apps?

I agree. I just put that out there because it seems that using registry cleaners today is du jour and that someone else would suggest it. I have an old version of Norton System Works which has a little program called One Button Checkup that checks for registry errors. It typically finds and fixes things like broken links or ActiveX problems. Nothing earth shaking. I have it scheduled to run once a week.

wither 2 said:

I agree. I just put that out there because it seems that using registry cleaners today is du jour and that someone else would suggest it. I have an old version of Norton System Works which has a little program called One Button Checkup that checks for registry errors. It typically finds and fixes things like broken links or ActiveX problems. Nothing earth shaking. I have it scheduled to run once a week.

Same here. Been using Ccleaner's registry cleaner function for 15 years and never once had an issue. I install and de-install a ton of freeware on my machine and like to minimize the registry bloat. As long as your System Restore is turned on, its not a big deal. The risk comes in when an inexperienced user just downloads whatever google tells him to.

RoWin7 said:

Who wants to bother with System Restore over a few reg entries?

Just said its there if you need it. I've never had to use system restore due to a registry cleaner, ever.