Can Registry Cleaning Prevent Computer Slowdown?

If so, this is an occurrence caused by Windows registry growth.

What is windows registry?

Windows registry in simple terms is a directory or storage where the operating system of your Windows keeps information and settings for software and hardware Windows need to operate functionally , users, preferences, etc. It also keeps any changes you make in your Control Panel, system policies, installed software, or file associations.

Windows 95 introduced Windows registry with the objective of replacing the old .ini file. Unlike the .ini file which allows only 2 levels of group settings, registry allows tree settings at unlimited levels! Comparing with other operating systems, the evidence of Microsoft's thrust where complexity is embraced over simplicity spell this out setting it apart from Linux and UNIX

Can Registry growth be avoided?

Registry growth cannot be avoided. Just like a cabinet or storage, there is no way it remains empty. In time, you fill it up with things for many reasons. In the case of your computer, Registry growth occur when

1. Too many programs are installed in your Windows. This is like acquiring so much stuff in your house, and consequently filling up your cabinet with a lot!

2. Uninstalled programs are not cleaned up in the registry. In cases when you uninstall programs, though they were removed from your program files, they are not removed from the registry.

3. Temporary files not cleaned up. You create temporary files such as when downloading files from the internet. These temporary files when not cleaned up are stored in the registry.

4. Registry stores too many information that should have been stored in the database.

How can I clean up my registry?

Because of advancement in technology, the windows user needs to make upgrades in their computer to process registry information.

What can I do if upgrades are too expensive for me?

The cheapest way to clean up is to do manual regular maintenance on the registry. Maybe 3-5 years from now, when .NET platform become widely used, until then, we still need to make do with what we have and use some registry cleaning tools.

Here are my thoughts and experiences with registry cleaners.

Norton utility was my first registry cleaner. I remember the old days when the only proper tuning tools for windows are provided by Norton utility. Now, there are hundreds of registry cleaners to choose from. There are stand alone registry cleaners, or registry cleaners subset of a larger toolset. I prefer the professional registry cleaner over the larger toolsets because I found out that these larger toolsets, since they cater to general functions are unable to effectively do the task of cleaning.

Our computer needs a cleaning tool, that is able to identify unwanted registry entry, remove identified and selected items safely, compress the registry to its minimum and optimize it for higher capability of functions. One free registry cleaning software is C cleaner. Other free registry cleaning tool can be found just by doing a quick websearch.

So what do I do when my computer is slowing down?

1. Determine the programs and software that you do not use, and do not need. These take up a lot of space and should therefore be removed.

2. Uninstall these unwanted software. Remember, keep only the software and tools that you really need. If you don't use them, trash them.

3. Use registry cleaning tools and clean up your registry. This should remove unused settings and information.

4. Remember: Back up the registry first! Sometimes cleaning causes instability to the operating system. Backing it up enables you to restore what you need. Never use a registry cleaner that does not have a back-up function, unless you have the time and patience to back up manually every time you are cleaning.

Cleaning up the registry restores 30% or more of the performance of your computer. If your computer is still slow, the only other reason is that it is infected with a virus or spyware. In this case, scan computer with anti virus and anti spyware.

If you want to maximize the potential of your computer and regain more speed, clean up right now.

Sources:

*Symantec, Norton Utilities

*Download.com, Registry Cleaning Tools

*CCleaner, CCleaner Free Registry Cleaning Software