System Mechanic 5

[Guest]

We installed System Mechanic 5 last week and ran a general cleanup (not the
registry). Since then, the computer won't start normally - we have to go
into safe mode and do a system restore. As a result, we uninstalled the
programme but yesterday the computer wouldnt even boot up. It froze a couple
of times on boot up. After a few re-starts we got it working and safely
restored (to an even earlier date). I think we'll take the programme back to
the shop, but i was wondering does anybody have any idea why this was
happening? Is it something to do with SP2 "fighting" with it??

 

[R. McCarty]

Not Fighting at all. XP is just a platform. It provides basic services.
3rd-party apps layer additional functions or expanded functions on
top of the OS. It's a very complex, intertwined arrangement. If you
turn loose a program that proclaims it can smooth out or improve
the operation, you'll likely break all sorts of things. Best to learn how
to do basic,routine maintenance yourself and not rely or turn over
those operations to a "Magic Pill" type of program.

 

[Guest]

OK thanks. As I'm not an experienced operator, can you give me any
suggestions on just basic cleaning?. I'm too scared to go into the registry
but how would I search, for example, for the leftover bits of old programmes
we have uninstalled? Also, do you have any suggestions on what to if the
computer won't boot into windows?
Thanks for your help so far.
Regards

 

[Guest]

OK thanks. As I'm not an experienced operator, can you give me any
suggestions on just basic cleaning?. I'm too scared to go into the registry
but how would I search, for example, for the leftover bits of old programmes
we have uninstalled? Also, do you have any suggestions on what to if the
computer won't boot into windows?
Thanks for your help so far.

First of all, the person who responded to your original post gave you
terrific advice. Stay away from any program that promises to improve how XP
operates. It's mostly snake oil. This includes System Mechanic,
Systemworks, Systemsuite, Wincleaner, BoostXP, and countless other programs
of this type.

Second, you never need to go into the registry for any reason, and you
SHOULDN'T go into the registry for any reason unless you know exactly what
you are doing. Having said that, do a Google search for a Microsoft program
called "tweakui.exe", download it, and install it. This program will give
you safe access to registry keys that safely change how XP operates in ways
to suit your specific needs.

Third, maintenance of XP is very easy. There are three basic tools that you
should use at least monthly (preferably weekly): Disk Error Checking (a/k/a
chkdsk), Disk Cleanup, and Disk Defragmenter. That's essentially it. If you
do these three things, and keep Windows firewalled, secure from crudware, and
fully up to date, your system will run like a champ. If you want it to run
like a dynasty instead of this year's champion, you may also want to monitor
Event Viewer and fix any errors it finds, but most people don't need to do
this.

As for your last question, I don't know what System Mechanic may have done
to your system, so I have nothing constructive to offer. Maybe others can
help you out more here.

Ken