The Windows registry is the central repository that houses all the critical information about your computer. In older versions of Windows, all software programs maintained their own files for configuration settings. These files, called INI files, were strewn all over the hard-drive and it was almost impossible to keep track of them and make whatever repairs were deemed necessary. In the later versions of Windows this particular problem was solved by centralizing all such information in one place, which is the Windows Registry.

This registry houses all the defined options and settings for operating system, users, preferences, hardware and software. While this solved a lot of problems by keeping track of the relationship between all the computer hardware and software, the obvious risk that emerged was that any damage to the registry could very well paralyze the entire Windows operating system and bring it to a standstill.

Why Problems Occur Within the Registry

There are several reasons why problems could occur within the registry. Some of these include:

• Uninstalling Programs and Deleting Files – When you indiscriminately uninstall programs and delete files, some of the keys tend to get left behind in the registry. Windows continually refers to these invalid keys during its various operations, wasting precious time and resources and slowing down tremendously in the process.

• Tracking Programs – Some programs that install themselves through internet pages have multiple registry keys in multiple folders under multiple program names. To fully eradicate these programs from your computer would entail the extremely complex process of deleting each and every one of these associated registry keys. Quite a daunting task indeed! What’s more, many hours later, you could find that some keys are still left behind.

• Viruses – Several viruses attack the system by altering existing keys within the registry or by generating new keys that are completely irrelevant and sometimes destructive. Although it is critical to do so, attempting to edit the registry on your own could be an unmitigated disaster resulting in the need to reinstall the registry from back-up or maybe even re-install the whole operating system. Either ways, there will be an irretrievable loss of vital information.

Symptoms of Problems within the Registry

Any one or all of the above scenarios cause errors within the registry by way of missing or corrupt application IDs; broken, bad or missing application shortcuts and links; obsolete or unused Start Menu items and unwanted or unused drivers and files.

These registry errors cause the computer to become increasingly unstable. Some of the reasons of an unstable system include:

• The operating system will have slowed down to a snail’s pace
• You continually receive error messages for some unfathomable reason
• You are harassed by DLL errors, which come and go at will
• Your computer has gotten into the habit of crashing
• Your computer just does not start up at all; again for no apparent reason

How to fix Registry Problems

Two of the most obvious ways of reducing registry problems are by using good anti-virus software and by making it a habit to uninstall software programs using the provided uninstall utility. Unfortunately, neither of these approaches will clean up the system thoroughly. There will almost always be some residual files that remain behind in the registry. Removing these would involve the extremely complex task of effecting the necessary changes without causing any further damage; a process that is fraught with difficulties and can be daunting for even the most experienced of users. Incorrectly editing the registry could cause severe damage to the system.

Why you should use Registry Repair Software

Registry repair software is a PC error diagnostic and repair utility. It works by scanning the entire file system and windows registry, locating problems and fixing a majority of the errors it comes across.

Some of the new generation registry repair software combines several enhanced options that are capable of analyzing and automatically repairing all corrupt paths, files and registry keys, thus ensuring that your computer runs as smoothly and efficiently as before. With no room for human error, these registry repair programs are capable of deleting all the existing invalid and obsolete entries, while the valid and relevant entries intact.

Some of the tasks undertaken by most registry repair tools include:

• Correcting system errors
• Removal of old settings
• Repairing uninstall errors
• Deleting invalid entries
• Fixing invalid shortcuts
• Repairing missing links
• Correcting font problems

A majority of the registry cleaners offer the option of customizing the software to run as often as you like. Depending on the extent of computer usage as well as the frequency and level of trouble encountered, it may be essential to run the registry repair software more regularly, at least until the system’s efficiency has been restored and it starts running at optimal performance again.

RegistryRemedies.com strongly recommends a program called RegCure, an industry-leader that we've found to be the most reliable - and it's in the lower end of the pricing scale as well.

For your convenience, we've linked directly to their free scanner below...

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