CCleaner

The versatile software known as CCleaner was introduced to me as a replacement for Windows Install/Uninstall component. After I got it I found it was so much more. In addition to removing stubborn programs which don't seem to uninstall using the Windows Install/Uninstall component, it is also a terrific utility for cleaning up temp files and other miscellaneous files left on your PC. It is also a pretty Registry Cleaner.

When you start the program, the initial screen is the Cleaner tab where you can search your PC for Temp files, Cookies and other files which are no longer of any use but still take up space on your hard drive. CCleaner will show you a list of these files and give you the option of deleting them.




The second tab is where you can search the Registry Integrity. While the average user will probably want to steer clear of anything that has to do with the Registry, advance users can use this to find Missing Shared DLLs, Unused File Extensions and other issues which may slow down your PC or cause errors.




On the Tools tab is the Startup and Uninstall options. The Uninstall portion allows you to remove applications which Windows Install/Uninstall seem to have trouble with. You can also remove entries still listed in the Windows Install/Uninstall component despite having already being uninstalled. The Startup portion will show you what programs start Windows boots. By highlighting and clicking Delete Entry, you can stop the program from running. It doesn't show system programs that startup but for the average user, this limitation isn't a concern.




All in all, CCleaner is a pretty good program and it doesn't cost a thing.