Registry mess

[Zebra]

I recently did a system restore but instead of using Feb/05, I think I
might have used Feb/02. I have reinstalled most of my programs that
were missing files.....now the registry has lots of entries for programs
that I no longer have. What is the best way to clean this? Not too
comfortable in editng this myself. Do I need to use a registry cleaner?
Help

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

All System Restore checkpoints are deleted after 90 days, unless the default
setting has been manually changed. Therefore I don't see how you could have
restored from 3 years ago. Have you tried to use a more up to date SR
checkpoint and if so, what was the outcome?

 

[Ken Blake]

In

I recently did a system restore but instead of using Feb/05, I
think
I might have used Feb/02.

Not possible, The maximum you can go back with System Restore is
90 days. Whatever went wrong, this wasn't it.

I have reinstalled most of my programs that
were missing files.....now the registry has lots of entries for
programs that I no longer have. What is the best way to clean
this? Not too comfortable in editng this myself. Do I need to
use a
registry cleaner? Help

Don't use a registry cleaner; these can be dangerous. Read here:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_a.htm#addremove

 

[t.cruise]

Go back to System Restore and use the option: Undo My Last Restoration. After the reboot,
and use System Restore again, and select the Restore Point for the date that you want.
Although, as others have written, you definitely wouldn't have a three year old Restore
Point. I have NEVER found a registry cleaner that I would trust 100%. If you are just
talking about removing keys and strings for software that's no longer on the system, I
always do that manually. Create a Restore Point before you begin, in the event that you
DO make a mistake.

T.C.

 

[Zebra]

The earliest system restore point I have now is Mar 1 and that is when I
made the big mess. Nothing earlier now. Does it matter if I leave the
old keys and strings there?

 

[t.cruise]

It depends on what the keys and strings are for. If they are innocuous entries like
programs' names and default settings, or most recently used lists for the programs, and
none are listed in the Run keys, and you aren't getting any error messages or system
hangs, no problem just leaving them there.

T.C.