CNET Editors' review
Free Registry Cleaner has too many problems to be a good choice for anyone except those who prefer to clean their own registries key by key.
Visually, the interface is clean, if unexciting. The program offers a few other functions as well, but nothing that isn't already possible through the Control Panel, Task Manager, or other integrated Windows utilities. It defaults to a wizard interface that not easy to use. Initially, we thought the unpickable picklist was the worst it offered; when asked to select the areas to scan, we found that Ctrl-click did not work. Instead, we could only make a single selection or check a box to select all, after which we were forced to choose to Scan or to Cancel, with no idea whether the program would clean or scan. We were relieved to find that Free Registry Cleaner simply scanned and returned a list. But we quickly became disturbed again, however, when we realized that the program had scanned everything, even though we had specifically unchecked the box to scan all. The error lies in the wizard itself; using the non-wizard Show Options button lets you choose the areas to be scanned and actually follows your instructions.
Free Registry Cleaner worked well for us in a few simple tests. Unfortunately, there are too many user interface issues--and too many good registry cleaners out there without similar issues--for us to recommend this application.
Publisher's Description
From AML Software:
AML Free Registry Cleaner is Registry-cleaning software. It will safely clean and repair Windows Registry problems with a few clicks and enable you to enjoy a cleaner and more efficient PC. The registry is the nerve center of your PC, and problems with the Windows Registry are a common cause of Windows crashes and error messages. With a detailed startup-manager you can see what all programs start automatically with Windows and optionally disable them. AML Free Registry Cleaner also finding and removing common junk files that accumulate over time. It comes pre-configured with 22 types of file extension that can usually be considered disposable, and you can extend the range by adding your own file types. AML Free Registry Cleaner also provides a detailed overview of running programs and processes. AML Free Registry Cleaner also allows you to search for words in the entire registry.
What's new in this version: Version 4.23 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 137 votes
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Current version:
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"Registry Cleaner gets temp files, disc clean-up misses"
Version: Free Registry Cleaner 4.22
Pros
It's easy to use. Easily remove what you want. Easily back up your files at each use. No need to clean your registry key by key. Can use it every day. Start-up manager can be cleaned, as well as uninstall manager. Easy to monitor running processes.
Cons
Cannot schedule scans.
Summary
I have used this program and recommended it to others, because it is easy to use and it works. It keeps my computer from bogging down and works where disc clean-up fails me.
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"it's scam. It's not free."
Version: Free Registry Cleaner 4.22
Pros
Only trial version. It scans your system and finds thousands of "mistakes", but it can only fix 100. In order to fix the rest they ask you to buy full version.
Cons
It's ARO 2011's trial version.
Summary
SCAM.
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"worked great"
Version: Free Registry Cleaner 4.22
Pros
worked as well as stated
Cons
none to speak of
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"Nice operation"
Version: Free Registry Cleaner 4.21
Pros
Sets up well, utilizes resources without bogging system
Cons
Updates were awkward and slow but may be a result of web traffic.
Summary
Easy to use for beginner to moderately skilled people.
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"Risky - Wintools is the safest."
Version: Free Registry Cleaner 4.21
Pros
Nothing much at all
Cons
Its file selection criterea
Summary
Used it twice but found it selected links that were infact required as when they were cleared I suffered fatal errors.
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"AML 4.21 helps me keep my pc clean and running right.."
Version: Free Registry Cleaner 4.21
Pros
Ease of use and thoroughness. You don't have to be a rocket scientist or a "techie" to use this program. You also don't have to defrag as often and your files can be backed-up each time you use it, IFsomething goes wrong. I've been happy for 5 years.
Cons
So far, there isn't anything that I don't like, except the color of the user interface. There are many, more pleasing, shades of blue.
Summary
Bottom line:
It does it's job well, helps to keep me from crashing due to full hard drive and registry problems.
I'm only re-installing because I added a, larger, master hard drive.
Thank you, AML. -
"very good and free"
Version: Free Registry Cleaner 3
Pros
fast and safe
Cons
multi languages
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"Saved my crashing pc!"
Version: Free Registry Cleaner 4.21
Pros
Didn't ask for anything, no annoying pop ups like others!
Cons
None so far. I hope it stays that way.
Summary
Underrated but this is really a very good software. People should give this a try.
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"Froze up and crashed"
Version: Free Registry Cleaner 4.21
Pros
[Could not evaluate]
Cons
Did not work on my 64 bit Vista laptop
Summary
I downloaded and use
WinASO Registry Cleaner instead and have no problems with it. -
"YOU'RE BETTER OFF WITH ANOTHER REG CLEANER"
Version: Free Registry Cleaner 3
Pros
* CAN'T THINK OF ANY *
Cons
* VERY SLOW AND NOT VERY REASSURING *
Summary
* RUNS A LITTLE CLUNKY * SCAN RESULTS LIST IS UPDATED WITH EVERY NEW ENTRY FOUND * BECAUSE THE PROGRAM DOES-NOT CHECK SYSTEM FLAGS (LIKE MOUSE LEFT-BUTTON SELECT) , AND THE PROGRAM SEEMS TO BE UNINTERRUPTABLE EVEN WHEN NOT-USNG 100% PROCESSOR TIME , THE RESULTS LIST JUST FLICKERS BUT YOU CAN'T VIEW MORE THAN JUST THE TOP OF THE LIST * THERE IS-NO INDICATION THAT THE SCAN HAS FINISHED * IT HAS AN EXCLUDE LIST THAT MUST BE EDITED OR ENTRY REMOVED ONE LINE AT A TIME (AND PRESUMABLY UNRECOVERABLE UNLESS YOU MAKE A LIST SEPERATELY AND REENTER) * THERE IS-NO CHECK BOX TO IGNORE THE EXCLUDE LIST WITHOUT DOING THIS MANUAL WORK * IT DOES FIND A GOOD NUMBER OF REGISTRY ERRORS BUT THE LIST IS LOST IF YOU SELECT ANOTHER BUTTON AFTER SCANNING (REQUIRING A RESCAN) * REGISTRY SEARCH (FOR KEY OR VALUE/TEXT) IS EXTREMELY SLOW * DISK CLEANER, STARTUP MANAGER, UNINSTALL MANAGER, AND PROCESS MANAGER ARE VERY LIMITED * THE PROGRAM DOES-NOT GIVE CONFIDENCE THAT IT IS DOING WHAT YOU THINK IT'S DOING *
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