[MaxCast]

Ok, I did an upload download test at speedtest.net  and got terrible results (.65dl, .32ul)  clicked the speed up computer test thing and said they found 900 various errors.  For $30 they will sell you the reg clean and photostudio software.
This is an older Vaio computer which will hopefully be replaced and then I get it to run room EQ wiz. and maybe my music library as it is pretty quiet.

Will this software really speed up the computer?

thanks for any insight on these issues.

[David C]

Dont know about that software but I use CCleaner. Its free but be sure and use the backup/save feature when you run the reg clean. I have used it for 5 yrs and it works great. Cleans up temp files and separate cleaner for the registry

[WGH]

If you want to clean your registry then use jv16 power tools, it is the best. I have used it for years, it is tried and true and does no harm.

I use the last free version (google for it)
The latest version has a 60 day trial.
http://www.macecraft.com/

What type of internet connection do you have? A dirty or loose connection can greatly reduce DSL speeds. If you can, check your download speed from another jack.

Wayne

[eclein]

+1 on CCleaner a fellow AC'er turned me onto it a few months back and I've used it without any problems. TY srb!!!!

[rms]

+ another 1 for CCleaner, great program. I also use Registry Mechanic which does a nice job of cleaning up the Registry, been using it for at least 5 years and it works very well. Haven't tried jv16 so I am going to take a look at that too, thanks for the recommendation WGH. Also if you don't already have a good anti-malware program then try Malwarebytes, it has saved my PC several times.

[satfrat]

I use to use Registry Cleaners and I found I was running into more operating problems than I had before I used them. Since then I've been told by 2 different computer repair services to stay away from aftermarket (nonWindows) Registry cleaners. I haven't used them for 2 years now and have no issues while my system is quicker than ever in it's 6 year life. I do use 3 different spyware/virus scan programs, each running a scan on a different day of the week. And once a week, I do what was recommended by 1 of the computer repair services and use the Windows Error-Checking program on my systems hard drive that requires a reboot and about 2 hours. To do this, click My Computer/ right click your system hard drive & click Properties/ 1st run Disc Cleanup/ when that's completed click onto Tools and and check Defragmentation (I use a daily monitoring Diskeeper Degrag program so I skip this myself)/ after Defrag is complete Check Now the Error Checking and check off both boxes. A notice will pop up that a reboot is necessary to complete the Error Checking.
 
Since I've been doing Windows own tools, my system has been running better than ever. And I leave the Registry alone. Because of the length of time it takes to run Error Checking & repair, I do a reboot before I retire for the night (morning actually  ) but I always turn off my internet router as my Windows XP is password protected so when I reboot, it doesn't take me straight to my desktop, therefore my firewall hasn't been activated yet. I was told leaving my computer on the Windows password page exposes my system to a connected internet w/o a firewall. That's nice to know,,, so I just reconnect my router before logging onto Windows.
 
I previously used a handful of Registry cleaners including Registry Mechanic but I can say w/o a doubt that my system has been running much better since I weened myself off these nonWindows programs and put my faith in what Windows provides for their system error checking. 
 
Cheers,
Robin