[retiredguy123]

Most newer computers have a "C" drive for system and program files and a "D" drive for data files. If you are routinely storing data files on the C drive, move them to the D drive. If you run out of space on the D drive, you can buy an external hard drive for a very low cost, or you can use a cloud drive.

[alwann]

Thanks to all who responded. Most helpful. Actually, I was referring to registry back-ups created after cleaning. Now I know what I can do with them. It's great having smart people around who share knowledge.

[YeOldeCurmudgeon]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

The OP has not identified any problem with their computer. Are you suggesting that he/she do something? Why? My advice would be to leave it alone.

If it's not broken, don't fix it.

Generally, I agree with this maxim. However, unnecessary files on a computer can slow it down and cause problems. As some posters suggested there are programs that can delete these unnecessary files. My antivirus (AV) comes with a tool to do this, and probably other AV software have such tools.

[Babubhat]

Today’s window 10 update left behind over 1 Gb of junk. One click and gone in 20 seconds with Glary

[HJBeck]

My understanding is that cleaning the registry files does nothing (doesn't save space or improve speed). The windows documentation says that deleted registry files just get bypassed in the programing. If you delete them after they have been bypassed it just creates a space in the registry and does no compacting. Thus programs you may buy to "clean" your registry have no impact on consolidation of the registry, thus: Useless process. Leave the registry files alone, windows takes care of it's own stuff.

[Babubhat]

It deletes invalid registry items . your choice to delete with a utility. I usually get if uninstalling a program.

[SFSkol]

Originally Posted by JoelJohnson

You know, I never have to worry about those types of things with Linux!

I regularly use a Linux program called BleachBit that does the same things that Crap Cleaner (CCleaner) does. It removes temp files from specified applications. Runs also as Admin for deep cleaning/ fixing.

[SFSkol]

As far as Windows goes... I have used various utilities that clean the registry. I've customized the registry hundreds of times adding / deleting security entries, for large corporations. There always has been a controversy about the registry since XP. Microsoft doesn't want you fooling around with it. From personal experience on hundreds of PC's over the years that regular CCleaner of the registry does in fact do something. PC's run faster after cleaning. Leftover install / delete pointers must take up some space, registry files definitely get smaller. The drive properties does a pretty good job of getting rid of temp leftover files.

I once cloned a year old drive to an exact copy PC. Ran CCleaner registry fix. It loaded and ran faster. Go figure?

[Freehiker]

Originally Posted by Arctic Fox

I use ccleaner - a free utility that removes some (but probably not all) unused registry entries

otherwise, I leave the registry well alone

This is the correct answer.

If you are unfamiliar with editing your registry entries, use CCleaner and move on.