CCleaner Won't Update? Green Progress Bar Stalls

Infopackets Reader 'Phil' writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I am using Windows 7 Home Edition and have been using CCleaner (crap cleaner) for a long time without any problem. However, I've been having difficulty with the last four updates to the program. Each update will download as usual, but the green installation progress bar stops after having moved about a quarter of an inch. It doesn't move any further, even if I leave the system on all day. Any ideas what might be causing it or how to resolve the issue? Your help would be most appreciated. "

My response:

Oftentimes if a program doesn't update properly or stops working altogether, you can resolve the issue if you uninstall the program, reboot, and then reinstall it by downloading the latest version off the Internet. I had a similar problem not being able to update Foxit Reader; it would tell me an update was available, and I would click "OK" to update, but then it would tell me that needed to close my browser to proceed with the update (and I did), but it would never go past that. Uninstalling and reinstalling the program fixed the issue.

Anyhow, you can download the latest version of ccleaner from Piriform's website via their builds page. I suggest you download and install the 'slim' version, as it does not contain any bundled toolbars such as Yahoo Toolbar or Google Toolbar which then becomes embedded into your web browser.

Please also note that (based on what I've read online), the regular / full version of ccleaner may attempt to install bundled software automatically during its update process. I personally don't use ccleaner, but if you download the slim version from the get-go, then I believe any future update won't contain bundled software.

Update: Phil emailed me back to say that the uninstall and reinstall of ccleaner resolved his issue.

Got a Computer Question or Problem? Ask Dennis!

I need more computer questions. If you have a computer question -- or even a computer problem that needs fixing -- please email me with your question so that I can write more articles like this one. I can't promise I'll respond to all the messages I receive (depending on the volume), but I'll do my best.

About the author: Dennis Faas is the owner and operator of Infopackets.com. With over 30 years of computing experience, Dennis' areas of expertise are a broad range and include PC hardware, Microsoft Windows, Linux, network administration, and virtualization. Dennis holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Science (1999) and has authored 6 books on the topics of MS Windows and PC Security. If you like the advice you received on this page, please up-vote / Like this page and share it with friends. For technical support inquiries, Dennis can be reached via Live chat online this site using the Zopim Chat service (currently located at the bottom left of the screen); optionally, you can contact Dennis through the website contact form.