subject: Registry Cleaner - The Dangers of Using the Wrong Registry Cleaner [print this page] When using a registry cleaner, it's important to ensure that you do not remove necessary files. Problems come into play when less than knowledgeable people use the wrong tools, and once a company has your purchase they could care less what you do with their software. Very few companies are an exception to this rule.
Cleaning your registry is in intricate and delicate process. The registry after all is one of the most important aspects of your operating system. Without the registry your computer doesn't know how to open certain file types, where to find needed system files and libraries, or even what programs are installed.
Likewise if left untended the registry can fester like an open wound upon the arm of a wild beast. While the registry is such an integral part of your operating system, it's also prone to buildup of unnecessary or unused entries. These entries slow down the overall speed of your computer by delaying access to the files it needs.
It's important to choose the right program to use when cleaning your registry. If the program allows you to use advanced features without questioning your actions, it becomes very easy to put your computer in an un-bootable state.
The alternative to using a registry cleaner is formatting your hard drive monthly, which is inconvenient to say the least. Some registry cleaners I have used in the past which worked very well include, System Mechanic, and PC Health Adviser.
Avoid using Norton products as they have been known to cause issues on costumer's computer systems. Always pay close attention to any alerts the registry cleaner gives you, if it says something is dangerous don't do it.
The most pivotal thing to remember when using one is when in doubt don't do it.
The most common problem associated with registry cleaners is user error. Many times a user will unknowingly delete the files his or her operating system needs to run, causing the system to become unstable. Monitor your registry cleaning software closely paying attention to the alerts, and you will not run into the common problems.