How to deal with Windows registry errors

Remember when you first bought your computer and it was like a well-tuned sports car? It was new and fast and seemed to roar down the computing highway. Has that changed? With regular use, your PC’s performance can start to sputter and slow.

Why? The Windows Registry.

Introduced with Windows 95, the Windows Registry is a key part of your computer’s operation. It is a complicated database that organizes important information using a structure of hives and cells. The registry keeps track of what hardware is attached, your system settings and preferences, how the PC’s memory is setup and other key information.

Installing and uninstalling programs and making changes using the Control Panel alters the registry. Over time this can lead to registry errors.

Symptoms of registry errors:

• Increasingly slow performance
• Frequent error messages
• Freezes and stalls
• System crashes
• Instability
• Frequent application errors
• Unable to start Windows

Common registry error causes include:

• Fragmentation
• Missing, orphaned or bad links to applications or Windows
• Unwanted browser objects
• Unneeded fonts
• Unused Start menu items
• Corrupt or missing application IDs
• Outdated DLLs and folders
• Remnants of uninstalled software
• Bad file extensions
• Unwanted and unused drivers

What’s the solution? Editing the Widows Registry is not something someone should do manually unless they are an expert. Registry cleaners can do this work automatically. They will scan for errors and then give you the option of fixing them. Good registry cleaners use backup and restore points so that you can return your PC to its former condition if a mistake occurs. Cleaning your Windows Registry on a regular basis is an important part of computer maintenance.