I have installed this program 3 times and each time I removed the app and cleared the registry and anywhere else I found mention of the software. I keep getting the same error each time. You are either not connected to the internet or your security program is blocking access. Setup will continue after the connection is established. Any ideas?

Remember this, you're registry is never dirty so why clean it? Old useless reg entries don't mean a thing any more now that we have hard drives in our computers in the size of terabytes. There is a Youtube video that shows how you can easily break Windows 10 just by messing and deleting a bunch of registry keys. It's broken enough that you will have to reinstall Windows 10 again. Ever since I stopped using registry cleaners, which was years and years ago, I have never had a stability problem with any version of Windows. Lastly, your registry will never slow down your computer. If it is slow, it's almost always something else. And to fix that, all you need to do is open Task Manager, click on CPU tab so that all the running processes are at the top and you will generally see what the problem is. Then do a google search on that problem running process that is running abnormally high and the solutions to fix it or them.

Every time I start up the program, I get an error saying no internet connection or firewall is vlocking. I have double-checked, I do have internet access and there is a firewall rule allowing it though

Installed quickly without any issues. The interface and operation is very intuitive and I like the fact that it automatically backs up before deleting, no need to remember to do that manually.

I've used it on both my desktop and laptop and it found far more items than my trusty CCleaner. So far so good.

I also second the recommendation to run the program a few times, until it finds no more items.

Thanks GOTD and Ashampoo!

I note that although this program purports to do a backup before deleting registry entries the backup it does is not a full backup but is a register of how this program can return the registry to its original state.
The importance of this is that if the registry is damaged in such a way that your PC wont boot or run correctly so that you can't run this program then you won't be able to restore the registry. Only this program can restore the backup made by it.
I would advise that before doing any work on your registry you also have a full registry backup that can be reinstated without the use of this program even if you have to use a boot up disc or USB boot up media because windows won't start.

If you have a similar list for this registry cleaner That is Ashampoo Registry Cleaner 2 I would like to see it. Thanks.
I have consistently used the registry tool in the free CCleaner ticking all the boxes and had no mishaps so far.

While A shampoo is providing some decent SW, I believe CCleaner helped me to clean my registry for the last two decades without a single issue...

By the why ...it's free

1) Seems Ashampoo are giving away this for free on their website. Does anyone know whether there is any difference between that and this Giveaway (version, license, conditions of use, etc.).

2)Does the software allow you to see and include/exclude the individual items it finds?

For those who advise backing up registry.
It is good advice.
BUT
After a bad registry cleaning.
The problem is when your computer is fried.
You cannot even boot.
How then do you go about restoring your registry?
No one has explained the entire process in detail.
Additionally do not that some software just back up the registry items that are going to be deleted. And not the whole registry.
Even if you have the backup how do you know where to resurrect the deleted items.
It is not so simple.

Microsoft do not support the use of registry cleaners and actually advise not to use them as they may make your system unstable and lead to needing to do a complete reinstall.

Good advice here. Always be careful what you alter/delete in your registry! Also, always do a backup prior to making any changes-just in case something goes wrong.

My computer was becoming sluggish at start-up. After I ran today's giveaway, my start-up time was reduced by 30% (I timed the start-up before and after the registry was cleaned). After it searches and you delete what is found, do a search again. It found more stuff to delete. Keep repeating the search/delete cycle until nothing is found. I had 4 search/delete cycles before it came up clean.

I have been in touch with microsoft support... I spoke with a trained technician. They gave me items to uncheck from being cleaned. I suggest you follow my wisdom! The following lists are for various different apps to be followed exactly, so adjust the settings for this app from giveaway before you clean your registry! And for heaven's sake... back up your entire registry before cleaning it every time! Be safe.
Information Follows:
Items To UNCHECK FROM REGISTRY CLEANING:
Black Bird Registry Cleaner Pro:
Shared DLLs
System Software

Wise Registry Cleaner Pro:
Software Paths
Application Paths
File Types
Firewall Settings
Shared DLLs
User MRU Lists
IE URL History
Application Settings
Windows Services

AdvancedSystem Care Pro:
Registry Integrity
Application Paths
Shared Files
Software
Virtual Device
File Extensions
System Extensions
Windows Services
Firewall Settings

WinOptimiser Pro:
File Formats
Shared Files
Application paths
Software
Windows Firewall