Bree, I like it for the same reasons. I've been using it since it first appeared 14 years ago. As everyone knows in the digital world, software evolves and not always the way we like.
I like using it to do a thorough cleaning before creating a system image. I've had times where I use the the registry cleaning with caution, and times where I don't use it at all. I can't say I've ever verified that it helped or caused damage.
Stitch194, In my experience on my PC it took several attempts in different areas, such as the program itself, Autoruns, Startup, and Task Scheduler to prevent CCleaner from changing the registry on every reboot. That's a very persistent piece of software. I agree there is a lot of monitoring and collecting of data from all devices, that doesn't mean we have to like it, or passively let it happen.
What's the point of having a checkbox for active monitoring?
Like many others, I have used CCleaner since the very beginning and it has always been my go-to favorite. But, I hate tracking, spying, and information stealing apps. Because of that I will not use CCleaner as a primary cleaner again.
I have the portable version of CCleaner V5.44.6675 and have a firewall rule to block outgoing traffic from it.
I also have been using Bleachbit for a good while and still have V2.0 portable.
Because of this thread I have been working with the developer of HDCleaner and have come to like it very much. The developer has corrected every issue that I have presented to him and now I think it is a great tool.
I intend to decide on one cleaner so I ran a normal day comparison test of the three cleaners. I use WinApp2.ini with them. CCleaner usually cleans 3 to 5mb consistently. Bleachbit on the other hand consistently cleans 35 to 48mb. HDCleaner is almost always 100+mb. Of course after a major update they all clean a more but they follow the same pattern with HDCleaner at the front and cleaning “much” more.
Just my 2 cents.
The details can be found here Unable disable monitoring in 5.45.6611 - CCleaner Bug Reporting - Piriform Community Forums
In reading thru this thread, I am convinced that I should stay with CCleaner. I at least know what it does to my pc. These others may be good, but I am not confident of their settings and as many have posted, I might be just be exchanging CC problems for other cleaners problems.
And therein lies the rub. Unless you have reliable knowledge from trusted sources of what the alternative program does, "better the devil you know". Or, if you prefer....if it ain't broke.....you know the rest
I had the same thought process and researched several alternatives, then Piriform pulled the offending version, I rolled back to 5.44, manually cleared the monitoring entries from the Registry and I'm now in "wait and see" mode.
At the end of the day, CCleaner works very well and I'm not going to over-react to this blip. If necessary, I can always block outgoing comms to CCleaner via the firewall if and when.
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