The Windows registry is a system wide directory that constantly modifies all the critical data about your computer system and is at the foundation of the Windows OS. The first Windows operating systems that Microsoft created didn’t even have a registry and in fact had the application software record their own configuration files.
When reparation of these “INI” files was needed it was extremely difficult to fix corrupted registry errors since they were scattered throughout the hard drive. As Windows versions evolved the Windows registry was created which would keep all the settings files in one location which solved this dilemma but also generated a new one.
The registry holds all settings and configurations for the hardware, software, user profile, operating system, preferences to name some. While control of all of the above mentioned settings was simplified and centralized in the registry the new problem would be “What would happen if there was something wrong with the registry?” Simply put the system could and will freeze up.
How Registry Errors Begin to Manifold
Here are a couple of explanations how problems arise within the registry which include:
A. Malevolent programs – or sometimes called “viruses” attack the Windows operating system by adding registry keys that could destroy, modify, or even track your system while other viruses remove registry keys within the system to destabilize your PC.
B. Removing Files and Uninstalling Software – If you have accidentally or purposely removed program files or frequently modify, reinstall, uninstall fix corrupt software registry keys almost all the time not completely removed or replaced correctly from the registry. Windows will still try to consult with these illegitimate registry keys throughout its operation which in turn would use up the processors power and slow down your PC.
Registry Problem Symptoms
The above methods cause registry errors by creating bad or invalid shortcuts; illegitimate Start Menu programs; corrupt software IDs; or inactive drivers and files.
These errors within the registry make the computer become increasingly unstable.
Symptoms of a PC riddled with registry errors are:
• Start time up is very slow or NOT AT ALL
• The “blue screen of death” frequently appears
• The operating system runs very slowly
• Error messages continually pop up
• Your PC seems to crash quite frequently
Solutions to Registry Errors
Editing the keys within the registry is kind of like skydiving without a parachute BUT it is still an option if you like to take risks. In most cases though this is not recommended since playing with your registry entries could completely paralyze your system and you wouldn’t have any access to your files.
A safer although moderate solution would be to scan your computer with an anti-virus program which could help remove some registry errors. Using the correct installation software for the modification of all your programs would also remove some registry keys correctly, however these two methods would only produce mediocre results and most likely there would be a good number invalid registry keys remaining.
Registry Clean Up Software is the Key
Registry clean up software scans your PC and diagnoses whether your PC’s registry needs to be repaired. It scans not only your registry but your entire system and suggests reparation methods after the initial scan giving your PC a fresh start with most if not all the registry errors repaired or removed.
Most registry clean up tools can:
• Repairs uninstall errors
• Fixing system errors
• Deletes old user settings
• Remove invalid entries
• Patch invalid shortcuts
• Repair missing links
• Correct font problems
Most of the registry clean up programs give you the option to designate the software to run as much as you like. These settings are time saving and very important because of the fact that you are human and will most likely think of more important things than your registry. Scheduling your registry scan can truly save you a lot of frustration.
Windows-RegistryRecovery.com suggests a program called Regcure, a diagnosis and registry clean up software that we've found to be the most effective.
We've linked directly to their free scanner below...
