Article Date: April 2, 2010. How to clean your PC Registry: If you are having performance problems with your PC registry or Registry Software and you aren't sure how to proceed or are considering buying a new PC, you should consider another possible source of the problem. You may be experiencing problems with your Windows System Registry. If the Registry is corrupted - meaning there are either duplicate, truncated, or erroneous links and values in your Registry, this may be the source of your problems. It can cause slow performance, extended launch-time and even system lock-ups. What is my Microsoft Registry? The Microsoft Registry is a database [a single file, actually] that contains all the information that Windows uses to launch and run all the programs and systems on your computer. It contains, for example, the name of the launch file, its address or folder, and any parameters that this application uses during its execution. If there are any data corruptions with these values - called Keys, or if it's damaged or duplicated, this can cause a slowing process while Windows verifies which set of data is correct or newer. Microsoft does not supply any type of utility process or program which will clean registry and reorganize the values and keys on this file. Therefore, over time this file will likely contain many broken links or corrupt keys. It is up to you, the user, to do a registry fix on your own system, or use a registry software program to do it. If you are a technical person, there are printed articles that describe in technical detail exactly what to do, what to look for, and how to delete or update invalid data entries. Since most people are not technical, a windows cleaner software utility is the next best alternative - possibly even a better one. If you have verified that there are no live spyware or viruses present on your System then proceed to do an XP Registry Scan and update or delete the suspect or invalid entries. Here is exactly how you should do a registry fix: First, locate and download a quality PC registry utility and perform a Registry Scan. This is a standard program option on all Registry Programs and it typically runs for about 15 minutes. You should do this without any other applications running on your system. Secondly, when the XP registry scan is complete and, assuming there are errors reported, you are ready to proceed. Execute the Update function - also sometimes called the Clean Registry Update - and the utility will delete, update and reorganize your System Registry. Finally, run the Backup step and save a copy of your windows cleaner in a safe place.

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