How to manage a computer registry

Managing a computer registry isn't that hard, and it doesn't need any hi-tech know-how. However, if not done properly, it can really slow down a PC and even cause the operating system and software applications to malfunction. Most users of Windows computers don't really think about registry files until there's a problem. Therefore, it's time to look around for a registry cure or reg tools like a registry cleaner. In this article, find out how to manage a computer registry.

Problems

The way it works is that a new Windows installation has a clean reg. However, every time a new program or application is installed, it adds new registry PC entries. Sometimes, unwanted registry entries can even be installed automatically by malware and spyware. What it does is either to cause the PC to boot and operate slowly, or it can cause both boot errors or program errors. In such cases, how to speed up your PC depends on the extent of the problems in the registry. If there's no other way, it's always possible to start clean by re-installing Windows. However, that's an extreme solution and there are easier ways to do it.

Registry checkers

Start with a reg checker. It will go through the entire registry and check all the registry files for problems. It works based on comparing a user's registry entries to commonly found problems. After the entire registry has been checked, the tool will provide a list of all possible problem entries, which can then be deleted, if required.

Registry cleaners

Cleaning PC skills include the ability to use reg cleaners. The tool will go through the registry and remove unwanted entries. It may not be a perfectly clean reg, but it will eventually speed up your computer quite a bit.

Download/ Buy

The best registry cleaners are bound to have a price tag, but quite a few of them are free and can be simply downloaded off the net and used. Getting a clean registry free of cost is quite easy - just download a reg cleaner tool from a download site like CNET or Softpedia, install it on the Windows computer and run it. When it's done checking all the registry files, the tool will mark unwanted files for deletion. Some entries may need to be modified. After the registry has been cleaned, reboot the computer and see if the boot speed and the speed at which programs load are better than before.