registry cleanup programs

Solution


Anything that says it is a Registry Cleaner, isn't.
Junkware, all of them.

At most, CCleaner, as mentioned above.
CCleaner, a file cleaning program, has a good registry cleaner/repair tool along with file cleaning as well. It also allows you to save you previous registry values before cleaning them, just in case something goes wrong. For the majority of the time the registry values that have errors will be deleted by CCleaner. Hope this helps and you may just like some other programs from Piriform, the maker of CCleaner.
 
Eusing is a good program to use, which I've found is a bit more in-depth than others.

Also, you can use CCleaner to wipe off some of the erroneous or redundant entries. While not as effective, it is a safer option.

Be sure to backup your registry whenever prompted, in case you delete something that you need. Also, comb through the suggested items for deletion; unchecking anything that you are unsure of.