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9 May 2011 By ABradney-George

Is Your Free Registry Cleaner Download Legit?

9 May

With so much spyware and malware out there it is important to see whether your free registry cleaner download checks out. Here are some of the telltale signs to look for.

As a vital part of PCs, the registry is something that needs to be looked after for general computer maintenance and functions. It can also be one of the first places to check when something goes wrong, but that is no simple task for any PC owner to undertake.

Like a plumber, mechanic or any other specialized trade worker, registry cleaners are designed by people with the advanced expertise and understanding needed to get a PC working well again. But do we have to pay for it, as we would pay a trade worker?

The simple answer is no. There are some free software programs, like CCleaner and Advanced SystemCare that include options to clean up the registry during the PC optimization process. However, these programs are better suited to people who do not have registry problems, or only have basic issues with their computer.

When Do Free Registry Cleaner Downloads Seem Appealing?

When something really goes wrong, most people panic and try to resolve the problem as quickly as possible. Viruses and spyware of all descriptions can mess up registry files, and slow down the PC even when the problems are removed with an antivirus program. That is where the dangers of free downloads can come into play.

With just a few minor differences to legitimate registry cleaners, some free options can end up being a harmful virus, such as the Essential Cleaner virus which is designed to look like an antivirus program that cleans up spyware and viruses that have allegedly corrupted the registry. Unfortunately this program is actually harder to remove than it is to accidentally download, and often makes registry cleaning essential afterwards.

The main problem is that many of the viruses and spyware programs out there are targeted at people who are looking for cheap and quick PC solutions. Simply using a search engine to try and find a free registry cleaner download could bring up hundreds of scams. But there are a few ways to tell whether software is legitimate or fake, including asking these three questions:

Is the download site legitimate?
Is the software actually listed on the website, or just an ad?
Are there reviews of the software online?

Websites like Software.com list only software that has been verified by the publishers, making it safe and secure to download. so if the site is trusted, the software in turn should also be. One possible exception to this is where advertising is concerned. Some websites and blogs use ads to generate revenue, and are not responsible for the types of ads posted on any page. If a scammer has paid enough money for advertising, or if it is an unfamiliar website, false registry cleaner ads could be there.

Asking the third question can provide a solution to these problems as well. Finding a free registry cleaner and doing a quick search for reviews and information will often weed out the fake downloads from the legitimate ones before any damage is done.

When it comes to a PC's registry, the most important thing is to consider what will benefit you in the long run. If that means leaving things as they are, downloading a paid version of registry cleaner software or spending a bit more time finding a free version, then at least it will keep your piece of mind and your PC clean.