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The "Windows
Registry" is basically a large database on your Windows PC,
containing information about various programs as well as
software and hardware configurations. Changes are automatically
made to the registry whenever the user installs/uninstalls a
program, or changes any system settings.
Over time,
due to the general usage of a computer, it's registry can often
become both clogged up and bloated, due to information be
incorrect, missing, or redundant. This cluttered and
disorganised information causes problems as your operating
system takes longer to retrieve the information it needs,
leading to system slowdown, error messages, and even
crashes.
Problems
in the registry can cause:
When your
registry has become so untidy it starts to affect the smooth and
efficient operation on your computer, it's time for a
clean up! Making changes to the registry yourself can
often be a risky endeavour, especially if you aren't 100% sure
of what you're doing. The Windows Registry is an integral
part of your operating system; your computer simply wouldn't
function without it.
Note: If you choose to make changes to your registry yourself,
it is crucial you first make a backup, so you can
undo any changes if necessary. For more information see:
How to Perform a
Windows Registry Backup.
The best
way (but also the fastest, and the most cost-effective way)
to clean your registry is with the use of a
good Windows Registry
repair tool. There are many registry software programs
available on the market, but which one should you go for? When
looking to purchase a good registry cleaner, it's important
to check if it has the following features...
Registry
Backup and Restore Utility
Every good
registry repair tool should have this feature, so you can easily
restore a previous backup should you need to. Many registry
cleaners create a backup automatically before each an every
scan, saving you the hassle of having to create one yourself,
which, though not exactly time-consuming, can be a pain.
A Variety of
Features
Every repair
tool is different, and so some naturally have slightly differing
features. It's best though to look for a registry cleaner which
scans and fixes your registry both automatically and manually,
therefore giving you control over which entries of the registry
the software will be removing.
Other
features to look out for include start-up program managers,
allowing you to choose which programs you want to load when you
turn your computer on, ditching the unwanted ones, and speeding
up the start-up process; as well as a scheduling features, which
allows you to set your software so that it scans the registry
regularly and automatically, maintaining your PC's efficiency.
Ease of
Use
This one is
an obvious one. You want your registry repair tool to be easy to
install and easy to use. If the software is too complicated then
you may not be able to utilize it to it's fullest potential.
Look for a registry fixer where the interface is plainly laid
out and easy to understand and navigate.
Cost of the
Software
Though an
important factor, it shouldn't be the only one. As a guide,
cheaper registry repair tool typically have less features. Shop
around and look for a
good registry cleaner tool that meet your requirements. The
good news is that many good registry cleaners include a
free scan
with limited features, allowing you to essentially take them for
a "test run" to allow you to evaluate them each a little
better.
Take a look at our best
registry cleaners section for more information on some of
the registry cleaners available, their features, as well as what
others think of them.
We've tested
every major registry repair software package on the market, and
we highly recommend
Registry Mechanic. It will scan your computer safely and
quickly, remove any errors, and bring your computer back up to
speed. Below is a link to Registry Mechanic's free scan tool,
for your convenience.
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