Lacks a backup feature

It requires very little skill to use this system cleanup tool, but that's not necessarily a good thing when you're dealing with the Registry. Ashampoo Magical Optimizer is so easy to use because it removes most of the control from the user.

The colorful interface gives you the option of automatic or manual optimization. What you won't find is a way to back up your files beforehand. This safety net is a standard feature for most Registry cleaners, and one we want in place before any files get deleted. You can select the kinds of files you want to include in the scanning process, but from there the program scans and deletes on its own. You can't retrieve files the program accidentally picks up, and with no backup, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise the next time you try to run the program needing that file. We didn't experience any problems as we put the program through its paces, and it was fast to scan and delete files, but we were nervous about leaving everything up to the program to decide.

Ashampoo Magical Optimizer comes with a 10-day trial period that can be extended to 40 days if you're willing to give them your e-mail address. While we're all for simplicity, we prefer a Registry tool that gives users more say in the process, and we're reluctant to recommend a program without basic safeguards in place.