subject: How To Keep A Clean Windows Registry [print this page] Often times PC users have to deal with aggravating issues that are associated with registry errors that seem to occur for no apparent reason. The need for a quick registry fix becomes critical when the errors become so overwhelming that the PC user is simply not able to use their computer for the tasks that it was originally intended to be used for. A clean Windows registry is essential and every step should be taken in order to keep the registry clean in order to prevent errors from occurring.
Understanding the Windows Registry
So what exactly is the Windows Registry? It is the central data storage component that houses basically anything and everything that is important when it comes to PC settings. You'll find data items for configuration settings, user preferences, application settings, hardware settings, and a whole lot more. Data is organized into tree like structures, and each branch of the registry has a specific purpose or category that it stores information for. Within each of those branches is individual data items that contain information about the items previously mentioned. These data items are organized into key and value items.
How Registry Errors Occur
There are a number of possible explanations for registry errors, and some are more complex than others. A registry error might occur if you are installing a new program onto your PC and for some unknown reason that installation process fails. There may have been registry entries created during that install process which are no longer valid because of the failed install attempt. Malware and spyware are often times the cause of registry errors as well. When these types of harmful programs make their way into the PC registry, they can alter system or application critical data which ultimately results in registry errors. Another way that registry errors can occur stems from the users very own habits with regard to file and data management. If the user fails to properly maintain the files and data that are found within their PC, then issues such as file fragmentation can potentially become a problem. In order maintain a clean Windows registry, these types of issues have to be resolved.
Common Registry Errors
One might experience a number of different registry errors. Some of the different types of registry errors that could start occurring are slow application performance, longer than normal Windows startup times, unexplained freeze ups, unexplained application errors, annoying pop-ups, slow overall PC responsiveness, and many other issues.
How Windows Registry Errors Are Fixed
Registry errors have to be singled out and corrected one by one because the key and data values have to be analyzed to determine if they are valid or not. This can either be done by hand or can be done with the use of software programs. Upon resolving all issues that exist within the Windows registry, the PC will perform faster and users will not experience the errors that they had been experiencing.
Tools That Are Used To Clean Windows Registry
If you want to maintain a clean Windows registry, then you have a number of options as far as tools goes. If you're knowledgeable enough about the Windows registry and are comfortable with your ability to fix the registry, then you can attempt to do so on your own. This strategy is generally not advised because of the complexity of the registry data and the length of time that would be required to do so. The other option that you have is a registry cleaner, which can be used to automate the process of fixing registry errors. Registry cleaners can help maintain a clean Windows registry and keep your PC functioning to its fullest capacity.
