regedit question

I've never used regedit until last night when i had to remove
hkey_current_user\software\microsoft\windows\current version\internet settings\zonemap\domains\(xxxtoolbar) to get rid of CWS.GoogleMS.3.

What I also found in there just floored me. Notice that I put xxxtoolbars in parenthasise. Along with that there were hundreds of pornsite folders plus many coolwebsearch folders. I have never went to a pornsite, ever.
Can I safely delete these? Are there other places in the registry that I would also have to go to delete? I use a registry cleaner weekly. I'm trying to "venture into worlds unknown" to me with the computer and am quite intimidated by the registry. Any advise out there? TIA

 

Thanks MasterTech!! I'll d/l and run after work tonight and let you know. I assume it is safe to delete whatever it finds?

 

Thanks!!

 

Hey bocce Here's another vote for crapCleaner. A truely nifty app. And, yes, so far, for me, it's only cleaned out the junk. I had to uncheck Office Tracks in the applications section (I use them to keep track of my writing and submissions) but taht's the only mod I've made.

 

WOW !! CrapCleaner took away a BUNCH of stuff....................but the folders I found in regedit are still there. Are they safe to delete? I really do not want that kind of stuff in my box. Need some help here, please.........

 

Boccemon,
I went there too and deleted the whole shebang, with apparently no bad effects. However if you try that BACK UP first!!

@Kodo Right??

 

Pest Patrol detected a file that it identified (incorrectly) as CWS.googleMS.3. I went into regedit to delete the file and just found these. There are hundreds (literally). I use SpyBot and SpywareBlaster and have my system immunized. I update regularly (fanatically). I do not want to sound dumb, but I do not know what a host file is, and do not know how to block them. IMHO, the presence of these files in my register is like laying down a welcome mat for all kinds of unwanted material. It concerns me that there 16 folders that are entitled CoolWeb search in various spellings . Do I really need a folder in my register entitled "xxxteenlove", or "hot4U"? The list in the domain section seems endless and I am very concerned. I tried to attach a screenie, but for some reason I can't seem to get it attached to a post from Irfanview. I am sure that I am doing something wrong in the process. Thanks for your interest.

 

Download and install Cleanup! (note the ! ) as there are others similarly named. http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=990

I use both Crap Cleaner and Cleanup! one after the other every day. Either will catch some things that the other misses. Thoroughly recommend both. Baz

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Boccemon: I do not know what a host file is, and do not know how to block them.
It's easy Bocce Open Spybot in advanced mode, then click tools. Folders appear in the right hand pane. The 9th icon to the right, top row of icons says "Hosts File." Double click on it. It will show your hosts file and --I think, can't remember whether it does this part or not. I'm pretty sure it does, but id it doesnt offer there it will offer to do it when you're in "immunize" mode. -- offer to immunize your hosts file. If you want to know how this works go to Spybot help>index> then type "hosts" into the search box. Basically it puts a blacklist of baddie websites in your hosts file, thus immunizing it against a lot of pirates, highjackers, etc.

 

Mastertech and Bill, Thanks guys!! Interesting stuff I'm learning.......