The Windows registry is a big file that contains information required for the many modules and programs that have been installed on your computer. Every time the computer is booted up, this file is being referenced to be able to load all the required components and programs in the way you selected them to run, and each time a new program is installed, a lot of information is added to this registry.
When you are an active Windows user, frequently installing and un-installing programs and other software, you may find that the computer becomes more and more sluggish all the time. One of the main culprits for this could be the number of obsolete entries and references in the Windows registry, left behind by all that software that once used to run on your computer. You assumed that by uninstalling these programs, all references to that software had been removed from your system.
Not so, however. Either intentionally or unintentionally, often many traces or sometimes even whole sections pertaining to that software are being left behind in the registry. After some time this file becomes so completely cluttered with these irresolvable references and other obsolete information, that the system starts to slow down, behave erratically and sometimes even shuts the computer down unexpectedly.
When such erratic behavior of the computer starts to show up, many people immediately start to suspect the presence of viruses or spyware, or other related malware. But then a scan of the system with anti virus software etc. may not reveal any anomalies. That is when a registry cleaner program may be called to the rescue.
Since manual editing of the registry file is too complicated and deemed too dangerous for the average, and often not so average computer user a special program designed to perform these tasks would be highly recommended.
Registry cleaners can do a marvelous job of getting the kinks out of a sluggishly operating computer. Usually the first thing they do is make a backup of a part, or the entire registry file, just in case. In the older Windows systems one could make a backup of the entire registry, but under Windows XP this is not that easy. So in the latter case only parts are backed up.
Most registry cleaners allow you to customize the search to some extent, but for the average user, the default choices would be recommended. These programs normally search for things such as obsolete drivers, invalid program links and startup settings, and all other orphaned references to programs and items, which no longer exist on the hard drive.
Some registry cleaners can also detect viruses and spyware, as many of such malicious intruders are either inserted into, or modify the registry. Some of these packages have options to tweak your computer even more, by letting you modify the startup sequences of the operating system, search for broken links, delete temporary files and search for duplicate files on the hard drive.
Since this constant modification of the registry is an ongoing battle, it is highly recommended to perform a scan and cleanup regularly. This should be part of the regular maintenance together with anti-virus and anti-spyware programs to keep your computer running the way you want it, and the way it was designed.
Bill Stafford has been operating a computer sales and support company for over 20 years. For more information and tips for your PC or the Internet, visit his site at: http://inforesources.wordpress.com/ |
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