In terms of "Hijacks" and "emails" and all the other issues that users complain about in regard to Ashampoo products:

I have purchased 8 full version products from Ashampoo (not this one) - and recieved several trials and giveaways also - I don't get emails and there are no toolbars on my PC.

During setup - there is a check box to turn off the Toolbar and to not change browser settings. That is it. A check box. Read the screens when running setup and clear that checkbox. Not a drama - just one click. Yes it can be inconvenient, and may require some practice.

If you are new to installing software - this happens quite a lot these days and I don't think it is going away (just yet) - so read the screen while running setup. (The next version of Firefox - will disable any 3rd party toolbars or addons installed during "setups" until the user decides to enable them LINK - so this might discourage the current practice).

In terms of emails (spam). When you register (even for a free giveaway license) - Ashampoo stores ALL of your License keys in a free account - which you can sign in using your email address and password (check your registration email).

* HOW TO STOP THE EMAILS

Visit http://ashampoo.com/ and you will see a top menu with "Products/Shop, Downloads, MyAshampoo, Support and Company".

Click on "MyAshampoo" - and login (MyAshampoo Login)

Click on Settings

There you will see some more checkboxes where you can subscribe or unsubscribe from any emails from Ashampoo. PIC

As I said - I don't get emails. (Though if I choose, I can sign into MyAshampoo and review any specials that are available).

I'm fed up with the AShampoo homepage hijack and don't want anything to do with any more of their productS. But thanks anyhow.

Thanks so much for hosting these great freebies and while I really, really like most Shampoo products, just a wee hint ... one may want to use a 'secondary' email address as I get so so so many emails from them every week for 'upgrade' offers and other programs.

@12 - Before deleting those emails - there should be a link towards the end of the email which is preceded by:

If you no longer wish to receive this Service Letter
(to: you@email.com) please click here:

- and a link to unsubscribe.

(or see comment #5 about changing your email settings on their site).

edit: Clearly users who don't read the emails, or setup screens - probably don't read other peoples comments either. I guess there will be lots more comments following this telling how they got a toolbar or continue to receive emails and cannot stop them. Solution - OPEN YOUR EYES AND READ !

Downloaded and installed easily.
AShampoo has a useful facility to download PDF copy of all your AShampoo licence keys for safekeeping.

The software has an Option menu where you can choose to turn off all or some of the advertising.

Software operates smoothly. Search for potential problems in Registry is fast. Found 894 problems in my Registry.
I did not flag to delete all. Just take note for time being.

Looks like it detected the culprit that blocked the installation of Nuance PDF Professional Converter Pro 5. PDF converter was sold by Scansoft before it merged with Nuance. This code was hidden under undecipherable numbers {40B0A7CC-1676-43E9-8444-2EF2377E87B8} in the Registry. But AShampoo was able to explain what the item was about.

"#0036 Installer entry "{40B0A7CC-1676-43E9-8444-2EF2377E87B8}" points to missing file: C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\PDF Professional 4.0\bin\PDFPlus.exe <Typ=21"

A good feature of this AShampoo Registry Cleaner software is that it can generate a text report of the scan findings directly to your PC's text editor. So you have a good record. Can look through in detail before you decide to delete specific items in the Registry.

Of course it can do a backup too.

Will compare to Wise and Comodo Registry cleaners later.
Thanks AShampoo + GOTD.