Registry Cleaner Programme

[trish1234567]

I find Microsoft has deliberately corrupted a lot of my files because although I occasionally use MS Word (which I can get into) I have never paid for it. I much prefer OpenOffice which is so much simpler and easier to use! Also, e.mails seem to prefer MS documents as opposed to OO. So I admit it's probably my own fault.

However, I once had a programme that checked the registry and cleaned up the computer. I used it on recommendation by others on Answer Bank. It was a free download and one that could be trusted but I just cannot remember the name! Looking for another, I come across AVG PC Tune Up which Ithink could be trusted and ok, and it offers a free download OR buy now for £25.00. Why would one choose to pay £25.00 given the choice?

If anyone can remember the name of the original programme I mention (which appears to have just disappeared from my computer) I'd be very grateful. Thanks.

[SlackAlice]

I'm not sure but I do not think anyone here would recommend using a registry cleaner, unless your a very competent computer technician.

I think your problem arises from a Microsoft update last week that went wrong and changed the file associations on MS Office documents, bit of info here

http://windowsitpro.com/microsoft-office/kb2589275-microsoft-gives-update-and-workaround-office-file-associations-bungle

I suspect another MS update will arrive soon so I'd hold fire on doing anything just yet. A registry cleaner would not solve this issue anyway.

[Evilninja]

Hi

Having used computers daily for the last 21 years I would personally recommend the following it is free and called CCleaner it is the only one that has never caused any conflicts problems etc and works without slowing anything...and has a fantastic registery cleaner and manager with a super friendly interface.

In those 21 years I have never used any anti - virus or similar and I have never had any problems whatsoever, it really does depend on what you do with your PC, there are 2 resident programs that have seen me clear of any trouble, both freeware one is the ccleaner and the other is malwarebytes, and before anyone criticises I spend all day long surfing and downloading and common sense, lets face facts everyone knows if they are going to download something dubious, so just dont...simples.

Hope you try them, they really do work, on XP, 7 haven't migrated to 8 yet so no comment on that.

Cheers

[Alston]

As said by SA...."Hold fire on doing anything just yet."

Furtheremore, just like SA, I would Not recommend you use any Registry Cleaners. They are often a con product and, if Not used carefully, can cause serious problems, even to the point of rendering Windows inactive.

Al.

[trish1234567]

Thank you all – I will hold fire on doing anything just yet. I didn't know about the MS update???

Evilninja, you had it in one ….... it was CCleaner & I agree with everything you say. I have used CCleaner many times and have never had trouble.
I do however pay for InternetSecurity. I use Trend Micro Titanium which I cannot praise enough.

Many thanks all.

[Alston]

trish.....CCleaner is probably the one to use if you insist on messing about with your Computers Registry.

Incidentally, there is Not any need to pay for Internet Security when you can get both Microsoft Security Essentials as a free download; along with Malwarebytes.

Al.

[trish1234567]

Hi Alston, haven't done anything up to now as all a bit precarious! What is annoying me though is the fact that I have numeous files I cannot open. I have only ever used CCleaner in the past as it has been recommended on this site many times by the known experts on Answer Bank, you'll know whom I mean.

I do pay for Internet Security though as I do internet banking and I do like to play extra safe. It costs me about £39 p.a. but I am nevered bothered with unwanted malware of viruses – not to mention all the pop-ups I once used to have - regards trish.

[SlackAlice]

trish1234567
I'm assuming the files you are trying to open are MS Word documents? Basically the 'duff' update changed the file associations from .doc to .docx

Older MS Word programmes are unable to open these files and unfortunately neither can OpenOffice. All is not lost though because you can open them with Libre Office available here, it's free

http://www.libreoffice.org/download

Some people on here reckon Libre Office is superior to OpenOffice. It might give you a temporary solution until MS undo their screwup.

[SlackAlice]

Meant to add, I have no problem with CCleaner and provided you use it without using the registry cleaner, it's good at what it does.

[flobadob]

Avg free, Malwarebytes and CCleaner are all free and are all I ever use with very few issues. I usually run ccleaner then do a registry clean and then run it again every couple of months,

[trish1234567]

Hi all - I've noted several free downloads on the web to enable the opening of files, but are they trustworthy? Have you used 'LibreOffice' sAlice? I will look at it now, it sounds interesting.

I have learned a lot about 'file endings' from the wellknown experts on here (including you sAlice) and I'll go on digging away because I like an end result, i.e. not to be beaten.

Thank you for your interest flobadob and all other Abbers. Sorry about time delay in anwering as I'm dashing to the computer in between jobs! Trish.