Three Steps to Easy and Effective Registry Clean Up

Registry clean up could be a requirement if you need to improve computer performance due to a slow running computer, computer crash problems, or because of PC freezes. Often anti-virus programs cannot detect or repair such problems and people are left without a clue of what to do next. 

The Microsoft Windows registry contains vital files pertaining to both the operating system of the computer, not to mention user preferences. Each time you add or remove programs or change settings, the registry is impacted. Empty keys are left behind and your registry grows until performance and stability become factors. 

If you require a registry clean up, this article will put you back on the right track and get your system working great again in about 10 minutes. 

Task One: Determine Issues That Currently Exist 

In order to know what problems need to be resolved, it is first good to know what problems are currently happening on your computer. 

To complete this step, write down all of the details you can about issues that you are experiencing on your computer, whether consistently or intermittently. Are there certain programs opening when the issues take place? Are you on the internet? Is your startup slow on the computer? It is only happening for certain users? 

After you have a good list ready, set the list to the side to compare your end results to later so you know what has been taken care of and what may still need to be resolved later. 

Task Two: Locate and Utilize a Free Scan 

This is the step that is the most time consuming because consumers do not know how to rate the software needed. We all want to feel like we received the best quality product for the lowest possible cost, so it is easy to feel overwhelmed while trying to find the best deal. This section can help you find good software for the investment. 

There are only a couple of features that separate the good registry clean up products from the generic ones. One feature is an automatic backup for your files prior to repair. If you do not have the files backed up and are not happy with the repair results, you are stuck. On the other hand, quality software only fixes the needed files so that problems are not created. 

Another feature to look for is good localized help files. Again, the simplicity of doing a registry clean up usually will not warrant the reference of help files, but they are good to have as a safety measure. 

Also look for some registry optimizer functions in addition to the repair functions. This can include compression of the registry or hard drive (like a defrag), plug in removers for Internet Explorer, or junk and evidence file removers. Any form of optimization feature is a plus to add value to your purchase. 

Once you have a product picked out, choose the deepest scan it offers (which should be free). Scan your registry for errors and then move to the next step if desired. 

Task Three: Repair Your Computer 

The final step is to purchase the software (if you want the problems fixed now) and complete the repair, which does not take long at all. 

The software should offer a choice of how many computers you want to purchase the license for. Make sure you are getting a license for a year because ideally your registry should be scanned once a week to maintain it properly. So, even if you only locate a few errors, it may be a wise investment to get the software anyway to keep from having system instabilities in the upcoming year. 

After investing in the software, choose the repair option and the repair will be done in just moments. A confirmation screen will then appear showing that the registry clean up is done. Then restart your computer and compare your written list against your final results.