So you've narrowed down the problem, and it's definitely your Windows Registry that's at fault for your computer's steady decline into uselessness...

But - how do you fix the registry and return your system to normal?

Here's a short overview of what you might try doing:

If at all possible, you'll want to do what's called a "system restore". If you're using Windows 2000 or later (XP, Vista), then you can normally open System Restore from:

Start >> All Programs >> Accessories >> System Tools >> Backup (or "System Restore", in Vista)

Once the program opens, simply choose a restore-point prior to the date at which you started experiencing problems with the registry, and then follow the prompts to restore your system's configuration back to the way it was at the selected restore-point.

Once the restoration is complete, your registry may be repaired.

If that didn't do the trick - or if there were no restore points available - then you may need to edit/remove the faulty registry values yourself. And before you do this, you'll definitely want to backup the registry before doing any editing.

Read this article for instructions on how to backup & restore the registry, as it's quite a process...

Next, you'll need to actually edit your registry - either manually, or with an easier and safer solution like RegCure.

Make sure that you know what you're doing if you attempt to edit the registry on your own, as you can completely incapacitate yor PC with even the slightest incorrect modification of the registry, rendering it totally useless.

Your files will literally be trapped inside a metal box that was formerly your PC!

To edit your registry manually, then use your system's default registry editor. (If you don't know what or where that is, then you definitely shouldn't be messing around with it!)

The safer, easier and faster way is to use a registry repair program like RegCure, which will automatically :

• Backup your registry
• Scan the registry & isolate problems
• Fix & repair problems safely & properly
• Return your PC to normal and boost performance

Click the button below to scan your PC for registry problems (and repair them) in seconds: