do any "Speed up your old computer by clearing out junk" programs work?

[Big Chudungus]

They all say I'm got all this left over stuff and "broken reg" etc.

Computers are pretty old and I don't want to reset and need to re-install tons of stuff.

Any programs you recommend that actually made noticeable diff? Feels like a scam as they all want Credit Card, although I sorta might trust Avast or Malwarebytes.

Any Open Source apps that do this for Windows, that wont do more harm than good hijacking my browser to Yahoo or something?

[C.G.]

Best to clean up yourself.
If that is not an option for you try a free version of CCcleaner, although it won't do anything that you can do yourself and Microsoft does not recommend it due to the possible deletion of the registry that may be needed:

https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner

If you do use it make sure you back up the registry when prompted to do so.

[OldFinger007]

What version(s) of Windows?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ7QHt7i_x4

[Preston-CLB]

CCleaner will help but be sure you are getting the "real" version. Download it directly from Piriform Software.

I use the free version. If you do not use the Registry Cleaner option, there is no need to back up the registry. The portion of the app that cleans old cache files, temp files, etc. does not affect the registry at all.

It's nice little program for a freebie.
-p

[Big Chudungus]

thx, all. CCleaner free seemed to help a bit, might even upgrade and will review Youtubes.

[TonyKat]

Malwarebytes

You can trust this. Not much of anything else.

[Preston-CLB]

MalWareBytes is an app that protects your machine from malware. exploits and ransomeware. It does not clean cache files, temporary files, old Windows Prefetch data or leftover files from Windows update, among other things. CCleaner does.

I do not use the Registry cleaner in CCleaner even though CCLeaner will create a backup of the Registry in case of problems, mucking about in the Registry is dangerous unless you are well-versed with it.

It's a good idea to back up your drive before using CCleaner deletes any files just in case you hit a snag.
-P

[arrix]

format c:\

Install Linux

Profit

[johnthomas]

thx, all. CCleaner free seemed to help a bit, might even upgrade and will review Youtubes.

I have CCleaner pro. It has several features that help. The one that made the most difference for me was the performance optimizer. It will shut off programs that run behind the scene that slows the computer down and is not needed. You pick the once you want off, I chose all the suggested ones. There is also a drive updater that keeps you up to date. I use the health check and custom clean every night before I shut the computer off. If you use the registry cleaner, you have the options of backing them up. If something goes awry, just reinstall the saved registry values you deleted.
I know that many of the things CCleaner does can be done by people know more than the average Joe. But that aint me, so I use Ccleaner.

[Cowboy T]

format c:\

Install Linux

Profit

^^ This. With GNU/Linux, we don't have such nonsensical problems as "having to clean the registry". And we avoid a bunch of other problems as well.

The only reason, in my view, to hold on to Micro$oft Window$ is either A.) a masochistic streak, or B.) you play certain games that aren't (yet) available on GNU/Linux (e. g. through Steam).

[VRWC]

Windows and even Macs...

^^ This. With GNU/Linux, we don't have such nonsensical problems as "having to clean the registry". And we avoid a bunch of other problems as well.

The only reason, in my view, to hold on to Micro$oft Window$ is either A.) a masochistic streak, or B.) you play certain games that aren't (yet) available on GNU/Linux (e. g. through Steam).

Yup. Windows has always been susceptible to viruses, malware, hacking. Macs used to be pretty secure, but, alas, Steve Jobs is dead and Apple is "ok" but not what it once was.

Open Source operating systems Linux (and it's various distros) are worth considering. Lots of options on how/where to install. External hard drives are inexpensive and allow you to keep Windows for those times when software you NEED to use depend on it. Most of us know a guy (Computer Geek) that can help.

[Megalomegalodon]

More RAM and after that add even more RAM also and SSD if you happen to still have spinning platters.

[hermosabeach]

Ctrl alt del

Open task manager

What % of CPU is being used with all browsers closed?

What programs are running at start up that should be turned off?

It's amazing how much junk auto starts.

For things you don't use daily, consider turning off items from starting with the PC



Search your apps too

Sort by date installed and by app maker

Any old stuff you can uninstall

[gdr_11]

I have used CC Cleaner for years (started when it was still called Crap Cleaner). The two features I like are the cleaning of junk from net surfing and the wipe feature. I use the wipe empty space feature a few times a year to make sure what I delete is really deleted (military wipe with 3 passes) and I used that when I used to sell old PCs with the hard drive included. Now, I always the remove the drive and sell the PC without it and have not had any problems getting takers who want to build a new machine.

A couple of years ago, CC Cleaner changed their junk cleanup process and I have not been able to figure out how to keep it from erasing all of my auto logins, so I have been using System Mechanic for that purpose instead, but it is nowhere as good as CC Cleaner.

Another option is to pay $50-$60 to have a small computer shop do a tune up for you. I have an old retired guy I use in town and he charges a flat $60 and turns my PC around in a day and it always hums when I get it back

[Striker62]

I would also add, run Windows defragment and optimize program once a month or so. First run CCleaner and then defrag. If you computer is still slow, it may be time to upgrade. CPU, memory, drive type (SSD is best) and wireless adapter as all key components to your PC and overall experience.