Richard4168:
that's right Bez. Using Registry cleaners removes bits and pieces of your operating system.
Registry cleaners can be dangerous, but it is a bit misguided to pass them off as somehow tearing into your operating system.
The first and most important rule of any registry modifications is to make a COMPLETE backup of the registry before doing anything to it. This allows a complete recovery in the case of something going wrong, with no losses whats-so-ever.
Also, a good registry program will not do anything until the user gives it permission. A good program will warn novice users of which pending registry modifications are for registry entries that are considered critical system files, and which are not. With the right program, it is very easy for a novice to follow the programs instructions, and very safely remove broken or unneeded registry entries, and fix those that are fixable. This is also an absolutely efficient way to optimize a computer and get it responding faster, and one good cleaning can make a world of difference.
I understand the caution being thrown out here about registry changes, and the dangers, but don't pass all registry modification software off as programs that shred your operating system. They are there to help, and when used properly are right up there adding more memory as one of the most efficient ways to restore responsiveness to an older, bogged down system. A registry defragmentation is also a great tool, which most people never consider. most of these programs offer this function as well.