What are registry keys? Should I delete them if they're picked up by Norton Spyware scan?

Answer 1

Download, update and run Spybot---http://www.safer-networking.org/ . Don't forget to use the Immunize feature.

Download, update and run Adaware---http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/products/select_your_product.php

Download SpywareBlaster---http://majorgeeks.com/download2859.html

SpywareBlaster doesn't scan and clean for spyware - it prevents it from ever being installed.

It's main features include:
- Prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers, and other potentially unwanted pests.
- Block spyware/tracking cookies in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox.
- Restrict the actions of potentially dangerous sites in Internet Explorer.

Download RegScrubXP--http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2048

Safely cleans junk out of the Windows 2000/XP system registry. All changes made to the registry are fully restorable to it's original condition. You can make an exclusion list of registry entries that RegScrubXP will not display as problems. You can sift through a list of file extensions, company names, run upon startup programs, Internet Explorer history, and uninstall programs to delete what you think is junk.

Answer 2

The Registry is too complicated to explain in this answer, but I will attempt to give you a proper answer.

The registry is a database for the windows operating system. The keys hold information for many things pertaining to how your system operates.

For example the serial code keys that you enter during a software install are stored in the registry. If you play around in the registry, while not understanding what you're doing you can render software on your computer useless.

Some software has features that perform registry defrags, but this is an invite to major problems becuase the software is not fool-proof in it's attempt to clean your registry.

The reality is that you should leave your registry alone unless you know for a fact what you are doing. Even the lasted Windows magazine had an article which stated the same thing.

The "Benifits" of messing with the registry DO NOT out weight the Benifits of leaving it alone.

The only edits I have done for the registry were to remove admin and other users from the welcome screen (security reasons). If that is something you need, send me an email, but I would stay out of the registry.

********* SIDE NOTE
When connected to the internet you should use a User account that is limited. Most people don't realize that standard setups leave them using Admin rights.

if you are compromised, the virus can write to the registry, however with a limited account you are safe (of safer).


Ron

Answer 3

Registry Keys are what Windows uses to store data and setting about each and every program installed, including Windows itself. The Registry in my opinion is a bad idea. If this file gets corrupted, buh bye Windows.

With that in mind, you should be VERY careful about deleting or changing things in the registry. I've never used Norton Spyware scan, so I honestly can't tell you if it is reliable.

I can tell you to use AdAware, SpyBot, or Windows Defender. They are all free, and do a pretty good job of cleaning out the junk. I'd recommend using all three, as one program never does seem to do the job completely.

Answer 4

Windows uses a database (loosly speaking) to hold information that programs use, it like the non-volatile option storage.

If anti-virus software finds registry keys for a virus then let it delete them, but don't go editing the registry yourself unless you are certain of what you are doing.

Having said that, you can run regedit and have a look around your registry, you'll find all the file associations, most recently used lists, and no end of other crud in there. But changing or deleting entries is a bit like brain surgery, an innocuous little change could kill the whole thing.

Answer 5

If you do not have proper understanding of KEYS, never touch them, it could make your computer crash when deleted wrongly.

You can delete them, assuming Nortan Spyware works fine.

But you will never know, whether it deletes only the bad keys.

SpyBot works fine and it is free

Answer 6

i assume you have something extra suitable or an entire antivirus kit previously you delete them ? you will possibly be finding out to purchase them as element of the BT kit or it relatively is a pair of month promoting ; extra suitable verify it out !

Answer 7

You can only scan computer they can't recieve youre info scanned.

Answer 8

Sure, and then call Symantec/Norton when your computer screws up.