Remove all unused file extensions?

[Zak]

When I run my registry cleaner, it says that I have a lot of unused
file extension associations and it suggest that I remove them.

A lot of the file extensions it lists look so unusual that I don't
think I have ever loaded software to create them. So I figure they
may have come standard with XP.

Is it safe to delete unused (i.e. undefined) file extension
associations?

 

[Abhilash Tibrewal]

It should be safe if you trust the software with your registry. Ideally it
must create an undo registry file, in case something goes wrong. For
cleaning the registry, you can also try Microsoft Regclean:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download458.html

 

[Malke]

When I run my registry cleaner, it says that I have a lot of unused
file extension associations and it suggest that I remove them.

A lot of the file extensions it lists look so unusual that I don't
think I have ever loaded software to create them. So I figure they
may have come standard with XP.

Is it safe to delete unused (i.e. undefined) file extension
associations?

Do a search of this on Google Groups (advanced). Use the search term,
"registry cleaner". You will see many, many threads which you can read
for yourself. Bottom line, you will see that most techs (including me)
do not recommend the use of registry cleaners.

If you don't know what something is and you are not capable of editing
the registry by hand, don't mess about with it. If you are capable and
knowledgeable in the registry, you don't need third-party software.

Malke

 

[Malke]

It should be safe if you trust the software with your registry.
Ideally it must create an undo registry file, in case something goes
wrong. For cleaning the registry, you can also try Microsoft Regclean:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download458.html

RegClean is not supported for Windows XP machines. "Should be safe" is
not good enough. Please see my answer to the OP. Using a registry
cleaner and not knowing what one is doing is taking a large chance.

Malke

 

[Zak]

On Mon 28 Mar 2005 16:27:10, Malke wrote:

Do a search of this on Google Groups (advanced). Use the search
term, "registry cleaner". You will see many, many threads which
you can read for yourself. Bottom line, you will see that most
techs (including me) do not recommend the use of registry
cleaners.

If you don't know what something is and you are not capable of
editing the registry by hand, don't mess about with it. If you
are capable and knowledgeable in the registry, you don't need
third-party software.

But in this case I am asking about something quite specific (well I
*think* it is specific!) -- can I delete unused file associations?

I suppose I could avoid accessing the registry directly by deleting
file assocations in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | File
Types.

But the question is ... is it ok?

 

[Jone Doe]

On Mon 28 Mar 2005 16:27:10, Malke wrote:


But in this case I am asking about something quite specific (well I
*think* it is specific!) -- can I delete unused file associations?

I suppose I could avoid accessing the registry directly by deleting
file assocations in Windows Explorer | Tools | Folder Options | File
Types.

But the question is ... is it ok?

Back up first, then delete to your heart's content. If it causes problems,
restore. If not, relish in the idea that you now don't have unused file
associations cluttering up your hard drive.