subject: Registry Cleaners - What Features Do You Need? [print this page] There are many ways in which the performance of your Windows-based PC can degrade over time, but just as many ways to get back that lost performance. Cleaning the registry is one way of restoring your PC to its previous responsiveness. Here we will discuss what to look for in a registry cleaner.
What is the Windows Registry?
The Windows registry is a database of system settings found in all modern versions of Microsoft Windows, which stores are settings related to programs installed on the computer, settings related to operating system function, and other system data.
Why do I need to clean the registry?
Over time, junk tends to accumulate in the windows registry: traces of uninstalled programs that persist in the registry, references to files which no longer exist on your computer, etc. This "junk" can slow your system much like that which accumulates on your hard drive over time, or lead to system crashes or other malfunctions in more severe cases.
Registry Cleaners
Since manually editing the registry is a very risky endeavor for anyone but an expert-level user, programs to clean the registry have been developed which offer different sets of features. Some features are critically important, while others add tremendous value to the product. Features to look for in registry cleaners include:
1) That the program creates a backup of the registry before making any changes. This ensures that any damage made by an improper change to the registry can be corrected. Even the most advanced expert users must back up the registry before making any changes, so it is vital to make sure that your registry cleaner does this as well.
2) That the program runs a "deep" scan. This allows the program to catch more errors.
3) That the program describes the problem with each error it detects, and allows you to select which "errors" not to change. This is a feature which reduces the risk of making changes you don't want or need.
4) That the program includes a startup program manager. A startup program manager allows you to choose which programs will and will not start when you turn on your computer.
5) That the company which makes the program offers an online FAQ/Knowledgebase and email support. These are desirable features in any program you install on your computer, for reasons that should be clear.
6) That the program supports Windows Vista. For Vista users, it is good to have an assurance that a program is among those compatible with the most recent version of Windows, given that it takes some time for the world of software to fully catch up with the newest version of Windows.
