Those who have just recently started using CCleaner might reasonably ask: cleaning free space CCleaner what is it? In fact, there are two answers to this question:

freeing the disk from "garbage";
multiple erasing of files to make them impossible to recover.

Free space cleaning CCleaner what is it

The fact is that inevitably, sooner or later, each user is faced with such a phenomenon as "littering" operating system... Over the months or even years of work, Windows carefully saves temporary files, service folders and files of long-uninstalled applications and so on.

And as a result, the computer starts to "slow down", and the hard disk space is rapidly melting. With CCleaner, you can clean out all this "garbage" and free the system from all unnecessary things. To do this, go to the main tab "Cleaning" and check the boxes of those programs for which you want to analyze. You can also choose to clean the windows systems... It remains to click on the "Analysis" button, and then - "Cleanup".

Some users fear that this will delete important system files or their personal documents. But Ccleaner implements multilevel file verification functionso these fears are unfounded. Not a single really vital file will be deleted, let alone the user's own documents.

Despite the fact that after deletion the user does not see the files and folders, they are still physically located on the hard disk for some time. And you can extract them using special utilities recovery. This is not good for deleting classified documents and folders. Therefore it is possible make final erasure with CCleaner.

To do this, you need to go to the main tab "Service" and select "Erase Disks". If from the dropdown top menu check "Only free place”, Only the free space on the selected disk will be repeatedly (up to 35 times!) Erased. If - "Entire disk", then the entire selected disk will be erased. Naturally, all data on it will be deleted. But this operation should not be confused with formatting. So knowing what is it - cleaning up free space CCleaner, you can use this feature without fear of deleting any desired system file.

It just so happens that it is quite difficult to maintain the performance of a computer on its own. This is due to the fact that the system is gradually clogged with unnecessary files, folders, programs, settings in the registry and other information, which slowly but surely will lead to the fact that the computer will slow down. In order to perform a comprehensive cleaning of the system, the CCleaner program was implemented.

CCleaner - popular software, which is aimed at comprehensive cleaning of the computer. The program has in its arsenal a lot of functions and capabilities, using which correctly, you can achieve maximum performance computer. That is why we will look at how to use the CCleaner program.

First of all, let's say a few words about the program interface. The main tabs are located in the left area. Opening one or another tab, the functions and settings of the program (or another set of tabs) will be displayed to the right. The largest third part, located in the right pane of the window, as a rule, allows you to launch a particular function, as well as monitor the progress of execution.

How to clean the system of temporary files and garbage?

Over time, Windows accumulates a huge amount of garbage, which is left behind by the programs you install. The problem is that garbage remains on the system even after you delete everything. extra programs.

In the left tab open the tab "Cleaning" ... To the right, you will see two tabs - "Windows" and "Applications" ... The first tab is responsible for system files and programs, and the second, respectively, for third-party ones.

Under open tab a list of components with which the program will work will be displayed. Please note that not all items are checked in the program. Study all the points carefully and, if necessary, check (or uncheck) the boxes. If you do not know what this or that item is responsible for, it is better not to mark it.

So, for example, in the tab "Windows" in the block "Other" is the point "Free space cleaning" , which is recommended to be marked only in extreme cases, because otherwise, the progress of cleaning the program may take many hours.

An analysis must be run before the program can perform cleaning. In the center of the window there is a button "Analysis" which will run a check for junk and temporary files for both system applications and third-party ones.

Please note that to analyze the information accumulated in the browser, it is necessary that all web browsers on the computer be closed. If you cannot close the browser at the moment, then it is better to exclude it from the CCleaner list.

When the data analysis is completed, a report on the files found and the amount of space they occupy will be displayed in the center of the program. In order to clear all detected files, click on the button "Cleaning" .

You can also exclude certain files from the list. To do this, select those files that CCleaner should not delete (if there are several files, hold down the Ctrl key), and then click on the "Cleanup" button or right-click on the selected files and select the item "Cleaning" .

As a result, the files that we have selected will remain in the system.

How do I clean the registry?

The registry is an essential component of Windows, which is a database responsible for storing settings and configurations for both the system and third-party applications.

The registry gets clogged up quickly enough. By installing and uninstalling programs, the files in the registry remain, thereby eventually causing not only a decrease in the speed of the computer, but also the appearance of "brakes".

We have already described in more detail how to clean the registry in the CCleaner program in one of the previous articles on our website.

How do I uninstall programs using CCleaner?

With CCleaner, you can also remove unnecessary programs from your computer. It is noteworthy that you can uninstall not only third party programs and applications, but also standard ones, of which there are especially many preinstalled in Windows 10.

In order to remove unnecessary programs through CCleaner, go to the tab "Service" "Remove programs" ... The screen will display a general list of both third-party and standard programs.

Highlight the program you want to remove from your computer, and then click the button. "Uninstall" ... Complete the uninstallation process.

How to remove programs from Windows startup?

After installation, many programs really want to get into Windows startup. Startup programs will automatically start every time the computer is started and, accordingly, if there are too many of them, the system will slow down a lot, spending a lot of time launching all applications.

To edit programs included in Windows startup, open the CCleaner tab "Service" and go to subtab.

The screen will display a list of all programs installed on your computer. Some programs have a status "Yes" , about some - "No" ... In the first case, this means that the program is located at startup, and in the second, it is absent.

If you want to remove the program from startup, select it with one mouse click, and then click on the button "Turn off" .

The program is added to startup in the same way. To do this, select the program by clicking the mouse, and then click on the button "Enable" .

How do I disable browser add-ons?

Add-ons are miniature programs, an overabundance of which can significantly undermine both the speed and stability of the browser and the system as a whole.

CCleaner allows you to disable unnecessary add-ons from all browsers installed on your computer at once. In addition, CCleaner will become irreplaceable assistant in the event that the browser refuses to start due to the fault of an incorrectly working add-on.

To clear the list of browser add-ons, go to the tab "Service" and then open the sub-tab "Browser add-ons" .

The top center area of \u200b\u200bthe window will display a list of your browsers. Highlight the browser you wantto go to its list installed add-ons... Select the unnecessary add-on by clicking the mouse, and then click on the button "Turn off" ... In the same way, you can activate the work of disabled add-ons by clicking on the button "Enable" .

How do I remove duplicate files from my computer?

Over time, a huge number of files are typed on the computer, which twin brothers may have. CCleaner allows you to scan the system for duplicates and, if found, safely remove.

To do this, go to the program tab "Service" and open the sub-tab Search for duplicates ... In the window that opens, if necessary, configure the filter, for example, by specifying maximum size files or a specific drive on which the scan will be performed, and then in the lower pane of the window, click on the "To find" .

Highlight extra filesby putting a check mark next to each take, and then click on the button Delete Selected .

How do I restore the system?

When major changes are made to Windows, rollback checkpoints are created on the system, which allow the system to return to the selected time period.

If you need to perform a system restore, open the tab "System" and go to subtab "System Restore" ... All available rollback points will be displayed on the screen. To restore the system, select the point and then click on the button "Reestablish" .

How do I erase discs?

Erasing discs is one of the most interesting functions of CCleaner, which allows you to erase both the entire disc and only the free space on it.

The fact is that after uninstalling the program (especially in a standard way) traces remain in the system, which make it possible, if necessary, to easily recover a deleted file, program, etc.

To increase the stability of the operating system, as well as ensure the inability to recover files and programs, go to CCleaner to the tab "Service" and then open the sub-tab "Erasing Discs" .

In the window that opens near the item "Wash" you will have two options to choose from: "Only free space" and "Entire disk (all data will be destroyed)" .

Near point "Method" you will be prompted to select the number of rewrites. To make the process complete faster, 1 pass is marked by default.

And, finally, below you will be asked to select the disk (s) with which the program will work. To start the erasing process, click on the button "Erase" .

How do I update CCleaner?

CCleaner in the free version does not have a function automatic update, in connection with which check for updates and install new version the program will have to independently.

To do this, go to the tab "Upgrade" , and then in the lower right corner by the button "Check for Updates" .

You will be redirected to the developer's site, where you can see if it is installed on your computer current version program or it needs updating. From here, if necessary, you can download updated version programs that you later need to install on your computer.

CCleaner is really useful program, the skillful use of which will keep the computer "clean". We hope that with the help of this article you were able to understand the basic functions of this unique program.

CCleaner is an easy-to-use, effective software needed to protect digital privacy and ensure security. The program allows you to cleanly delete the history of visiting pages in the browser, cookies, and other temporary files created in the course of work, as well as clean up free disk space. CCleaner creates obstacles in the way of intruders who can track your habits and preferences or inject malicious code into your system.

Operating system: all Windows versions

License: free program

The version of the program used here: 4.16

Distribution volume: 3.3 Mb

The last revision of this material: August 2014

The head of our leadership

What will you get as a result

get rid of information about your "walks" world wide web (browsing history, cookies, saved forms, temporary browser files);
empty the Windows Recycle Bin;
delete information about recent documents;
get rid of "garbage" forever (deleted - it will never return);
scan windows registry and remove old (unnecessary) records;
can uninstall programs in Windows;
clean up unused disk space so that "deleted" Windows files cannot be recovered;
you can find duplicate files on the disk;
be able to determine which programs to run with Windows.

Analogs for GNU Linux, Mac OS and Microsoft Windows

Not a bad program for the reliable deletion of files (sometimes they say about such a "file shredder"), working under GNU Linux and Microsoft Windows - . BleachBit allows you to delete temporary system files and about 70 popular programsand also clean up free disk space. This is a utility with open source, there is a portable version (no installer), 32 languages \u200b\u200bare supported. Users Ubuntu Linux can refer to the Cleaning up all those unnecessary junk files ... guide to learn more about cleaning up your system.

Adherents Mac OS may like free programs from Titanium's Software: OnyX and Maintenance ... With their help, it is easy to get rid of traces of work on the computer and other "garbage". And the application Disk Utility allows you to clean up free disk space. To cleanse reliably Trash, open the menu Finder and select Finder\u003e Secure Empty Trash ...... To always (automatically) reliably clean Trash, select Finder\u003e Preferences and click by tab Advanced... Then mark option Empty trash securely... To free up disk space, run system application Disk Utility, select disk partition, select tab Erase, and then click by button Erase Free Space ...

Useful information before starting work

Default computer programs (including your internet browser) automatically collect information about your activities. Whether you like it or not, you have a digital tail that can be exploited by attackers. (As a hunter tracks prey). Whenever you launch your internet browser, text editor or another program, temporary files are created. They are also stored on the computer. In principle, an attacker could have access to lists of recently edited documents or visited web pages. For example, whenever you write a website address in the browser line, the program suggests pages that you have already viewed.

While having your browsing history handy in your browser can be handy, it's essentially a report of your browsing activity. What's more, your recent activity can be judged by the images downloaded to your disk when you browse the web, and emailsif you submit them by filling out forms online.

To get rid of traces of a particular program, you need to open the folder of the corresponding program, determine which files are "junk", and delete them manually. CCleaner just shows a list of programs and offers to select those whose traces need to be removed.

Important: although CCleaner deletes only temporary files, not working documents on the computer, highly recommended regularly back up documents. How and why to exercise backup, can be read in chapter "How to avoid data loss" .

After CCleaner does its job, you can lose not only the history of web pages, but also the passwords saved in the browser. It is worth reminding: never save passwords in the browser! Use reliable tools to store passwords, such as a program Keepass ... As for CCleaner, then this is precisely his task: to clean the computer of information that puts it at risk.

Installing CCleaner

Before you start installing and mastering the program, it might be worth reading the introduction to the "Necessary programs" section.
Clicking on the CCleaner icon... We go to the developer's website and download the CCleaner - Slim distribution kit to our disk. We launch it by double clicking.
Follow the steps in the "Installing CCleaner" section.
After installing the program, the distribution kit can be removed from the disk.
There is a portable version CCleanerthat does not require installation on hDD... Such a program can, for example, be carried with you on a USB stick. See Installing CCleaner for details.

Installing and configuring CCleaner

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Installing CCleaner

You can install CCleaner to your hard drive to run it like many other programs (Start button, etc.). CCleaner It also has a portable version: you don't need to install it, just unzip the files into the created folder (possibly on a USB flash drive). Functionally these versions do not differ. ABOUT portable version written, and now let's look at the installation process CCleaner.

Run the installation file.

First you need to choose a language. Select "Russian" and click "Next".
CCleaner will install the missing language files and show the same installation wizard window, but in Russian. Click "Next".
Installation parameters window. Can be left unchanged. Click "Install".
The installation process is complete. We can uncheck the "Program Information" box. Click "Finish".

If you left a check mark in the "Start CCleaner" field, then CCleaner will start immediately. A window will follow prompting you to perform an "optimal cookie search".

Better to choose "No." Cookies are small files from websites that you have ever visited with data about your visits. Tiny pieces of private information that can (and from a security point of view should) be deleted. CCleaner offers to automatically save some cookies. Let's not agree with him now - we'll leave ourselves room for maneuver.

After installation, we see the main window of the program CCleaner:

Portable version of CCleaner

To download and install the portable version CCleaner:

Click on the link http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download/portable.
Download the archive file with the portable version CCleaner.
Create a folder on the disk (USB flash drive), name it according to your liking (for example, "CCleaner Portable").
We unpack the contents of the archive (all files) into this folder.
Click on the file name "CCleaner.exe" to start the program. Remember that some file managers (including Windows Explorer) file extensions (in this case .exe) are not displayed. If this is your case, look for a file called "CCleaner" with a matching icon.

If CCleaner launched with interface on english language, go to the "Options" menu (left column), click on the rectangular "Settings" button and in the first window (drop-down list) select "Russian" instead of "English".

Setting up and using the portable version CCleaner are the same as the version being installed.

Before setting up the program

Chapter 6 of our guide ("How to securely erase information") explains why you can't trust the standard deletion method microsoft files Windows (even if you "clean windows recycle bin"). The same applies to temporary files. To reliably delete temporary files from hard disk, you need to write random data over them. CCleaner can be configured to erase any files it deletes in this way. CCleaner knows how to reliably get rid of any unnecessary information, cleaning up free space on the disk (see "Free space cleaning").

CCleaner settings

Before using CCleaner, we advise you to configure the program to reliably delete temporary files.

Launch CCleaner.
Select in the left (vertical) column "Settings".
In the settings for "Cleaning mode", the default is "Normal delete (faster"). Let's choose "Permanent erase (longer)".

A list of several options is available: "Easy Overwrite (1 pass)", "DOD 5220.22-M (3 passes)", "NSA (7 passes)" and "Gutmann (35 passes)". The number of passes determines how many times deleted files will be overwritten CCleaner... It's no secret that even after rewriting with modern technologies an attacker can recover the original information. The more passes, the more reliable, but also slower. DOD - Department of Defense, US Department of Defense standard; NSA - National Security Agency, US National Security Agency; Gutmann is the name of a New Zealand scientist-researcher, a specialist who proposed an effective algorithm for reliable data erasure. We recommend choosing the second option (3 passes).

Now CCleaner will not only delete "garbage" data, but also overwrite them with a random sequence three times.

Removing temporary files

Here we will look at how to delete temporary junk files using CClener.

Launch CCleaner... The main program window opens.

On the right we see two tabs: "Windows" and "Applications".

In these tabs you can specify which system programs (Windows tab) and third party applications ("Applications" tab) CCleaner must pay attention. We advise you to select all tabs. This is a good move from a security standpoint. But the CCleaner program should be handled with care. You can accidentally delete data that is necessary for work. CCleaner helps you avoid mistakes. Some options are grayed out and disabled by default (no checkmark in the box). The program makes sure that we do not do too much, but still provides us with all the possibilities to clean the computer from "garbage".

Internet Explorer

Temporary browser files. The browser creates copies of the visited pages in special folder on the computer. These temporary files are used to render pages faster on repeat visits. They can also be used to judge which pages were visited, so these files should be classified as private information, and if you do not want to store them on your computer (besides taking up some useful disk space), you can get rid of them. No important information it will not be deleted.
Visit log. A visual list by which anyone who has access to your computer can see the history of your work (and therefore, judge your interests and preferences).
Cookies. We talked about them above.
List of entered addresses. Addresses that the user has ever entered into the address bar of the browser "Address". This list makes it easier to find the web pages you are looking for by suggesting suggestions as you type (called "Autocomplete"). For an attacker, the value of this information is about the same as the value of the log data.
Index.dat files. Temporary Internet files, cookies, history and a list of entered addresses store information about themselves in special index files. Windows protects these files from normal deletion. If you simply delete, for example, the temporary Internet files, the corresponding index.dat will remain (along with all the information). CCleaner offers a special option to delete these files too.
The last download path. Internet Explorer saves information about where the last file downloaded from the network was saved.
Form autocomplete and Saved passwords... Why are these two items left unchecked by default? Because (alas!) Many users today use the ability of the browser to save the entered forms (for example, login when entering the site) and even passwords. If a newbie (or just a careless person) ticks these two boxes and runs CCleaner, he may lose his passwords. Basically, from a security point of view, storing passwords in a browser is bad. An attacker, once gaining access to your computer, will easily gain access to all web resources where you are registered. He will be able to enter there with your logins and passwords, and who knows what this will lead to? Do not entrust the browser with such delicate work, use reliable methods of storing passwords and other important information. Having secured such a storage for yourself, you can then safely tick these two items and using CCleaner get rid of compromising information.

Windows explorer

Recent documents. The folder of the same name in the "Start" menu contains a list recent files and the documents that were being worked on. Such information very clearly shows a person who accidentally wandered into your computer, with which you worked recently.
Run (in the Start menu)... Allows you to issue a command: open a folder, web page or document, launch a program. All previous commands are saved there.
Search autocomplete. Windows offers suggestions for finding files or folders on your computer ... and keeps track of your entire search history.
Other recent objects. Other objects that contain information about the last use of the computer. They can be removed painlessly.
Network passwords. Same as "saved passwords" in the section above, but for the local network.

System

Emptying the Trash. Removing files from the Windows "Recycle Bin".
Temporary files. Windows components create temporary files to store intermediate results. As a rule, such files are deleted, but not always. You can periodically remove them yourself using CCleaner.
Clipboard. An area in the computer's memory where data can be stored for a one-time transfer or copy (what happens when we press Ctrl + X or Ctrl + C on the keyboard).
Memory dumps. Sometimes programs create "snapshots" of memory (capture the current state). For example, dumps are generated by Windows when there is a crash or a serious error in a program.
ChkDsk memory fragments. Standard windows application called ChkDsk analyzes file system looking for errors. ChkDsk leaves a lot of data that is not needed later. They can be removed using CCleaner.
Windows log files. These files contain messages about the system, running services and applications.

Ccleaner offers a number of other options for advanced users. They should be included with care and knowledge.

Applications

Not only Internet Explorer, but also other programs create temporary files and store various information about us and our work on the computer. The Applications tab are programs that CCleaner ready to check and, if necessary, clean up the "garbage" left by them.

Note: if you check the "Free space cleaning" option, it will take much longer to complete. CCleaner shows warning:

Advice: close all programs. If you leave any programs open, CCleaner may delete their temporary files and the system will crash.

When all options are selected, click on the "Analysis" button.

We click on the "Cleanup" button.

Note: CCleaner deletes only temporary application files, but not the applications themselves.

Before deleting CCleaner will ask you to give the go-ahead to clean up the disk from "garbage".

When cleaning is complete, the window CCleaner will look something like this:

This report CCleaner means that the procedure for cleaning the disk from temporary files is completed. CCleaner tells what exactly was deleted, how long the cleaning took, how much space was freed.

Cleaning the Windows registry and other features

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About the registry

The registry is a special database with Windows settings. It stores information about the equipment, programs installed on the computer, personal settings users, etc. Whether the system configuration changes, whether new programwhether its settings change - everything is displayed in the registry.

CCleaner allows you to clean the registry, save the system from multiple repetitions and outdated or incorrect information (for example, about old programs that once worked on the computer, but have long been removed). The operating system starts running faster and more reliably. It is best to clean the registry at least once a month.

Cleaning the registry with CCleaner

To clean the registry, select the left vertical column "Registry".

The Registry Integrity tab lists possible problemswho will try to solve CCleaner. All items are checked by default, so we will leave it.

Click on the "Search for problems" button. A list of detected problems appears in the window. As soon as the green bar reaches the right edge (100%), the "Fix" button becomes active.

Click "Fix".

CCleaner asks if you want to back up your changes. Mistakes are unlikely, but they do happen. In this case, the registry will be restored to its previous state. There is no redundant backup copy, so we answer "Yes" to the question. In the next window, select the folder to save the registry (later you may need to find this backup) and the file name ( CCleaner will offer its own version of the name, you can not change it). Click "OK". The backup has been created.

In the bottom row we see three buttons: "Fix" (fix this problem the proposed method), "Fix marked" (automatically fixes all problems) and "Close". Press "Fix marked" and wait for the message about the successful completion of the work. That's all. CCleaner helped us get rid of garbage in the Windows registry.

Restore the previous state of the registry

If you think that cleaning the Windows registry caused any problems on your system, you can restore the previous state of the registry (from a saved copy).

Choose "Start" - "Run", in the window that opens, enter "regedit".

We click "OK". The Windows Registry Editor starts.

Through the menu "File" - "Import" select the file with the previously saved copy of the registry.
The Registry Editor will report that the Windows Registry has been restored from backup... It remains to click "OK".

Other possibilities

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Uninstalling programs

CCleaner offers an interesting delete function unnecessary programs (or programs that make it difficult windows work and interfere with the boot process). As you know, Windows includes a standard uninstaller ("Start" - "Control Panel" - "Add or Remove Programs"), and many programs have their own uninstallers. CCleaner adds several useful features to this.

Note: Before uninstalling a program, make sure that you do not really need it, and its removal will not interfere with the normal functioning of the system.

Select the "Service" section, click on the "Remove Programs" button.

On the right, select the "Uninstall" button.

Through CCleaner you can change the name of the application (what the standard windows tools cannot be done). To do this, follow a similar path: select the program and click "Rename".

What then does the Delete button mean? With its help, the name of the program can be removed from the list, and the program itself will not be affected. Useful functionif you want to save the program, but hide its presence from strangers. Sometimes it happens that an application is actually removed from the system, but Windows (due to some error) believes that it is not. The application continues to be an eyesore in the list of installed programs. The "Delete" button will also help us here.

Configuring startup

Using this function, you can stop (or, conversely, enable) the automatic loading of certain programs when Windows starts. It happens that during autoloading, unnecessary (or not very necessary) programs get into memory, which create an extra load on the system. This is especially noticeable in laptops. The manufacturer often bundles Windows laptops with numerous "proprietary" applications, shareware (advertising) versions of programs, and so on. By turning off their automatic loading, you can improve the performance of your computer.

Specify the required software component and click on the "Turn off" button.

If, on the contrary, you need to restore a previously disabled startup item, use the "Enable" button. The "Delete" button serves to remove the program from startup altogether (but not to delete the program itself). Better to act carefully. An oversight can cause system instability, boot errors, loss of time to restore Windows.

Clearing free space

In the operating system Windows uninstall file does not mean erasing data. To delete a file means to mark this space on the disk as writable. Sooner or later, the operating system will write some new data to this place, but until this happens, even a not very advanced user can recover it. To deprive an attacker of this opportunity, it is customary to clean up free disk space. CCleaner also allows you to clear the file allocation table. This table ( Master File Table, MFT) contains a list of the names of all files, information about their location on disk, and other information. is an index of all file names, their locations, and other information. When Windows "deletes" a file, the data about it is saved in the MFT.

Note: Clearing free space and MFT can be a long process. This depends on the amount of free space, hardware, and the number of overwrites you specify.

Choose "Service" - "Erase Disks".

In the "Erase" field, select "Free space only". Attention: if you select the entire drive, CCleaner and erase the entire disk, including all programs, documents and other files. Be careful.
In the "Method" field, select the algorithm (the number of rewriting cycles). We recommend choosing DOD (3 times).
In the "Disks" field, select which disks need to be cleaned.
We click "Erase".

Search for duplicate files

In the process of work, duplicate files are often created. The same content appears on different disks and in different folders. CCleaner allows you to find these duplicates, delete unnecessary ones and thus free up disk space.

Choose "Service" - "Search for files".

We indicate by what signs of similarity to search for files. A tick in the "Name" field means that the searched files must match by name, "Size" - by size, and "Modified" - by date and time of modification. For example, if the first two fields are checked, then CCleaner will consider files c: .doc with a volume of 120 KB and d: .doc of the same size as duplicates, but the modification dates for these files may not coincide.
In the "Skip" area, you can specify which files CCleaner shouldn't pay attention.
Below we indicate where exactly to look for takes.
Click "Find".

In the resulting list, select unnecessary files and click "Delete Selected".

System Restore

System Restore (or "system rollback") - a procedure that restores Windows and installed applications to a certain (specified by you) control point in past. From time to time Windows takes such "snapshots", and then you can return to these states. They are useful in situations where the problem cannot be solved in the usual way, for example, if a virus has made significant changes to windows settings.

Attention: system recovery (if necessary) is not carried out using CCleaner, and by means of Windows ("Start" - "All Programs" - "Accessories" - "System Tools" - "System Restore"). CCleaner allows you to get rid of previous restore points (with the same purpose - to free up space and remove traces).

Choose "Service" - "System Restore".

Select a restore point and click "Delete".

Note: system recovery is a responsible procedure. It makes sense to resort to it as a last resort, when other means have not worked. After restoring the system, the desktop, the list of installed programs, design, etc. return to the designated point, to a certain date... If useful changes are made to the computer after this date, they will be lost. However, this will not affect user data, such as documents and spreadsheets: Even new files will be saved to disk. But all Windows settings will be a thing of the past, so think carefully before using this feature.

Portable version of CCleaner

1.0 Differences between the Installed and Portable Versions of Portable CCleaner

Given that portable tools are not installed on a local computer, their existence and use may remain undetected. However, keep in mind that your external device or USB memory stick, and portable tools are only as safe as the computer you are using, and may risk being exposed to adware, malware, spyware and viruses.

There are no other differences between Portable CCleaner, and this version can be installed on a local computer as well.

2.0 How to Download and Extract Portable CCleaner

To begin downloading and extracting Portable CCleaner, perform the following steps:

Step 1. Click http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download/portable to go to the appropriate Portable CCleaner download site, and begin automatically downloading Portable CCleaner.

Step 2. Navigate to the designated download folder, and then right click to activate the Windows pop-up menu; select the Extract All ... item as shown in Figure 1 below:

Figure 1: The Windows pop-up menu with the Extract All ... item selected

Note: Step 2 will automatically activate the Welcome to the Compressed (Zipped) Folders Extraction Wizard window.

Step 3. Click to activate the following screen:

Figure 2: The Select a Destination window

Step 4. Click to activate the Select a Destination navigation window; navigate to an external device or USB memory stick, and then click to create the new Portable CCleaner folder in which to extract the installation file.

Step 5. Type in a name for the new folder in the document tree as shown in Figure 3 below:

Figure 3: The Select a Destination navigation window (resized)

Note: Choose a different name for the Portable CCleaner folder, so it may appear less obvious that you are using it.

Step 6. Click to close the Select a Destination navigation window and return to the Select a Destination window, then click to begin extracting its contents to the newly created folder.

Step 7. Click to automatically verify that Portable CCleaner has been successfully extracted to the destination folder, as shown in Figure 4 below:

Figure 4: The CCleaner program extracted to the destination folder on a designated external hard drive (resized)

Step 8. Double click to launch Portable CCleaner.

Please refer to the CCleaner chapter to begin configuring and using it.

Questions and test

Questions

Question: If I delete from my computer CCleanerwhat will happen to the data that CCleaner deleted earlier? Will they recover?

Answer: No, the data will not be restored.

Question: Let's say I copy CCleaner to my USB stick. Will I then be able to use CCleaner in an Internet cafe if I want to delete my "tracks" from this computer?

Answer: Yes, you can get rid of "footprints" this way. You need to use the portable version CCleanerthat does not require installation on a computer. You can download it from the developer's website. We tell you more about the portable version. However, keep in mind that you can be watched in Internet cafes. In addition, connecting a USB flash drive to an unfamiliar computer in an Internet cafe, you run the risk of infecting it with a virus.

Question: You said that when deleting information, three passes are more reliable than one. Then it is better to install seven passes, for reliability. Is not it so?

Answer: The more passes, the less chance of recovery deleted files, it's true. But the longer the removal itself takes. This is noticeable with large amounts of data. CCleaner allows the owner of the computer to choose the compromise between reliability and speed of work.

Question: Is it possible with CCleaner to reliably delete only individual files (folders)?

Answer: No, just clear free space. Just do it regularly.

Question: Our organization uses only licensed and free software. Suppose I discovered on one of the computers a "pirated" program installed by someone. I uninstalled this program and would not like anyone to know that it was installed on the computer at all. Can CCleaner help?

Answer: Yes. You need to clean up temporary files and then clean the Windows registry.

Mini test

1. The function of the CCleaner program is ...

Fine-tuning Windows settings
Recovering deleted files
Protecting your data with encryption
Removing temporary files and cookies

2. What is meant by "garbage" when working with CCleaner?

Rarely used (or not used at all) applications
Documents written by someone other than the computer owner
Web browsing history, temporary files
Files that Windows during creation marks with a special attribute "M" ("garbage")

3. If you increase the number of overwrite cycles, how will this affect the reliability of data deletion?

Reliability will decrease
Reliability will increase
Reliability will remain the same
You cannot increase the number of passes

4. What startup settings are available in CCleaner?

Turn on, turn off, delete
Automatic, semi-automatic, manual
Full speed, energy saving, sleep mode

5. Why clean the Windows registry?

To protect against viruses
To defragment files
To free up free disk space
To get rid of outdated and unnecessary information

6. What should be done before cleaning the registry?

Back it up
Disable antivirus program
To restart a computer
format c:

7. Which of the named CCleaner can't?

Clearing the Recent Documents List in Windows
Search and eliminate spyware
Excluding individual programs from "Startup"
Emptying Windows Recycle Bin

8. How can CCleaner find duplicate files?

Matching file names
Matching file sizes
File creation time coincidence
All of the above and their combinations

CCleaner for PC is an application that cleans up free space, cleans the registry and optimizes device performance under the Windows operating system. The program is distributed free of charge and is available for download on the official website: https://www.ccleaner.com/.

It has a Russian-language version of the interface and is installed in a few minutes even on weak workstations, since it is not demanding on system resources

This product is installed on most home computers, but their users often do not know anything about the functionality of the application or use only the "Clear" button, and this does not limit its capabilities. This article is marketed as a detailed use of CCleaner. Carefully read its content in order to be able to keep your computer in working order for many years.

Things to think about before cleaning

Before using the program, you should configure CCleaner for proper cleaning.

Indeed, with the parameters set by the developers, the application deletes a lot of information, some of which may still be useful, so it is worthwhile to pre-configure the utility.

It is worth starting with how to use CCleaner, or rather the browser cache, which is a collection of elements of already visited sites used by Internet browsers to speed up the reloading of these resources. Of course, clearing this parameter will free up a lot of space on system disk, because the cache on the computer is located in this section. But at the same time, if you delete the cache from your computer, then the speed of loading web pages will drop significantly, so it is recommended to clear the cache as rarely as possible and in cases of emergency, for example, when the space on the system disk runs out.

The second item that CCleaner cleans up using the default options is the thumbnail cache. It is responsible for saving thumbnail copies of the images contained in the folders on your computer to the "Thumbs.db" files when they are initially displayed in Explorer. Deleting data electronic documents will force the system to recreate them, which will adversely affect its performance when working with directories containing images.

Removing temporary application files

It is very easy to use CCleaner to delete temporary application files. To do this, follow these steps:

Go to the "Cleaning" tab.
Open the Applications tab.
Check the options you want to clear. For example, for browsers, there is a cache and history of visits, history of downloads and sessions, passwords and auto-complete, as well as cookies, which will be discussed in the next section.

Advice! Think carefully before deleting certain files, because you will not be able to restore them later. For example, for office applications it is worth saving a list of the last edited documents, and for browsers it may be critical to save passwords, which could well have been forgotten and access to resources after deleting them will have to be restored using lengthy identity verification procedures.

If CCleaner configuration is finished, click on the "Cleanup" button and wait for the process to finish

Cleaning the registry

You can clean the Windows 7 registry using CCleaner by manipulating it in a separate menu tab called "Registry". This will fix some problems associated with this parameter of the operating system, but it will hardly help speed up the PC. After all, the registry contains more than one hundred thousand key entries, and cleaning it will delete a hundred or two keys, even if you clean the registry after removing the program.

Before clearing the registry, be sure to make copies of the erasable keys, this action will be suggested by the utility itself, because the keys that are required for the functioning of installed applications are often destroyed.

To start cleaning cCleaner registry click on the "Search for problems" button, and to complete click on "Fix"

Setting the deletion of cookies

When standard setting clearing the cache and deleting cookies is performed completely. Cookies are fragments of text data stored on the user's computer and used by browsers to store user personal settings, as well as authentication data. Cookies are cleared because there is a possibility of their substitution for tracking cookies that are used by fraudsters to track the actions of Internet users. But for trusted sites, you can not delete these documents, because they significantly speed up the work in global network. Configuring CCleaner to create exceptions when deleting cookies, the following algorithm is performed:

Go to the "Settings" tab.
Click on the "Cookies" link.
All available cookies will be displayed on the right side. They will be removed by default during cleanup. To edit the list of exclusions, right-click on this list and in the drop-down menu click on the line "optimal analysis". A list appears on the right. cookieswhich the program will not delete - cookies of the most trusted sites.

Edit the list of exclusions by adding or excluding site addresses using the corresponding arrow buttons on the interface

Editing autorun

You can use CCleaner to configure startup applications when the operating system boots, and manage plugins and extensions for installed web browsers. The settings of these parameters significantly affect the performance of both the OS itself and browsers. To edit autorun, follow these steps:

Go to the "Service" tab of the main menu and click on the "Startup" button.
In the window that appears, click on the program of interest by RMB and either turn it off or delete it. The first is preferable, because it may be necessary to activate autorun for it in the future.

Quite often, various accompanying programs are placed in the startup, which are installed when installing drivers for phones, printers, cameras, and so on.

These applications, as a rule, are never used, but only slow down the computer, so do not forget to regularly edit autorun

Management of installed software

Among other things, CCleaner works with just installed programs... To manage the software, go to the "Remove Programs" sub-item of the "Service" tab of the main menu. Here, not only is the functionality of the built-in service for removing the application duplicated, but it is also possible to rename programs. This changes the name of the utility in all lists on the computer, which can be useful when sorting applications with incomprehensible names.

Working with CCleaner when uninstalling applications is no more difficult than with the built-in OS service, just click uninstall and confirm the action

Advice! To speed up your computer, search for and remove secretly installed applications on your computer like MailGuard and Yandex Bar, which you will never need, and the PC memory is clogged.

Erasing information beyond recovery

It's not a secret for anyone that when files are deleted in Windows, they are not erased, but simply receive the status of deleted and are restored by specialized programs, unless, of course, the OS has time to write anything over them.

With CCleane, free space cleaning can be performed, which is guaranteed to remove this information... To this end:

Go to the main menu item "Service".
Click on the sub-item "Erasing discs".
In the "Erase" drop-down list, select the "Free space only" value.
In the drop-down list "Method" - "Simple overwrite (1 pass)". Using this method is sufficient to reliably delete files; cleaning the disk with other methods increases disk wear. It is advisable to use them only to hide information from special services.

Select drives and click on "Erase"

Erasing specific files

In addition to cleaning up free space, you can configure CCleaner to erase individual files in a way that will not allow them to be restored. To this end:

fig. 1. In the "Settings" section, set the cleaning method to "Permanent erase"

In the "Include" dialog, enter the files to be deleted when cleaning hard drives.

fig. 2. This is done using the "Add" button, which opens the directory navigation dialog in order to select a file

Go to the tab of the main menu "Cleaning".

fig. 3. Open up windows partition and check the box next to "Other files and folders" located in the subsection "Other"

Now, when starting a regular cleanup, the marked secret files will be completely erased from the hard disk.

Create shortcuts

Configuring CCleaner for windows 7 may include creating shortcuts for quick cleaning OS with predefined parameters without interacting with the program itself. To implement this:

Right-click on a free space on the desktop and the folder where you want to place the shortcut.
In the drop-down menu that appears, select the "New / Shortcut" item.
In the "Specify the location of the object" field, enter the following entry: "C: \\ ProgramFiles \\ CCleaner \\ CCleaner.exe" / AUTO, where C: \\ Program Files is the path to the program installation location, in your case it may be different.
Click on "Next" to complete the process.

This concludes the review of the basic functionality of the application. If you need to install CCleaner on a new one, remember that the distribution kit of the program must be downloaded only from the official website. This will ensure that your computer will not be infected with viruses.

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