Windows Accelerator

How Often Should A Registry Cleaner Be Used?

Posted on 18. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

Using a registry cleaner tool is of great importance to maintain a healthy PC and improve its performance. A question frequently asked is “How often should I use it?”

What is the Windows Registry?

The registry is an integral component of all Windows Operating Systems, which stores all settings and configurations related to hardware, software and user preferences. Each time you make a change to anything on your PC this information is relayed to the registry which keeps a record of it. Sometimes entries which are no longer necessary do not get deleted and the build up of this data can cause poor performance by your PC and result in errors or crashes. Malware such as Trojan horses, spyware, adware and viruses can sometimes infect the registry and alter details stored there.

How Do I Clean the Registry?

As the registry is such a vital part of any computer it is imperative that it is kept well maintained therefore regular cleaning is necessary. However, manually cleaning and repairing the registry calls for expert computer knowledge to avoid deleting important data which can lead to irreversible damage.

As most computer users will not have the necessary expertise to carry this out, a tool, called a registry cleaner, has been developed to do the job automatically. The registry cleaner will perform the maintenance quickly and efficiently with no need to worry about mistakes being made.

When to Use a Registry Cleaner

How often should a registry cleaner be used? Everyone is different and the factors below may help you decide.

• The frequency with which you install software or hardware.

• How often do you install ActiveX components or other web browsing components?
• Consider running a registry cleaner whenever you remove any hardware or software from your machine. Frequently when automatically removing these items data gets left behind in the registry.
• How often do you change your browser settings or other system configurations?
• The frequency with which you install hardware should also be taken into consideration when deciding how often to run a registry cleaner.

Hopefully the above will give you some idea of how often a registry cleaner should be used. It will really all depend on how much you use your PC and how often you make changes to it.

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Scanning for Common Registry Problems

Posted on 18. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

A principal component of any PC is the Windows registry. This integral database system holds all the configuration information for all of programs and applications which are installed on your PC. Each time you install a new program the registry records this and updates itself. It also holds data referring to user preferences and any changes which are made in the Control Panel.

The Windows operating system uses the data held in the registry to boot up and to run any applications you have installed on your computer. As you install or remove programs, large numbers of files build up in the registry, some of which are no longer needed. The accumulation of this data will cause your PC to take much longer than necessary to search for and find any information it is looking for.

Signs Your Registry Needs Cleaning

The performance of your PC will be noticeably decreased as Windows takes a prolonged period of time to search for the necessary files to operate your computer. These problems need to be rectified immediately to ensure damage is not caused to your PC.

The most common signs that your registry requires cleaning include:

• Your computer freezing
• Applications loading slowly
• System crashes
• Certain programs won’t run
• Not being able to install or uninstall applications successfully

• If you need to reboot repeatedly

If you find your computer encountering any of these symptoms, it’s possible that the Windows registry is corrupt or has a build up of redundant files. It is necessary to find which files are causing the trouble and to delete them from the registry to restore your computer back to full health.

Scanning the Windows Registry

The Windows registry will need to be scanned with a registry cleaner which will identify any obsolete entries, removal of which will free up valuable space. The registry cleaner will perform a check on all existing values and delete any unnecessary files which should rectify the poor performance of your PC.

After the registry has been scanned you may choose to manually remove the unnecessary files yourself but its vital if you are going to do this that you have sufficient computer knowledge to be able to perform the job. If you mistakenly remove an entry you run the risk of damaging your PC and leaving it unusable.

A better idea is to use a registry cleaner that will automatically scan and safely clean your PC. When choosing a registry cleaner opt for one that will remove only the obsolete values and will automatically create a back up before it makes any changes. There are many registry cleaners available on the internet and they all offer more or less the same features but be sure to choose one which is trustworthy and will clean your registry without incurring damage.

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Save Time & Money With a Computer Registry Cleaner

Posted on 18. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

A computer is an expensive piece of equipment and as such needs treated with care and attention. Like any other machinery it will gradually succumb to general wear and tear and this can develop into a serious problem if regular maintenance is not carried out. If your PC is not kept in good condition or is subjected to abuse, expensive repairs will be necessary to resolve the issues.

How Does a Registry Cleaner Save You Money?

Most computers will have data stored that can cause the system to become unreliable. This information can greatly interfere with the performance of your PC and can be the reason why you may be experiencing slow running times, freezes or even system crashes. These all indicate that there is a severe problem with your PC that needs to be rectified.

How can these issues be resolved? First of all it’s necessary to find out what exactly is causing the problems. The most common reasons include:

• Conflicting hardware
• Wear and tear of the internal components
• Too many background applications running
• Insufficient space on your hard disk
• Not enough memory installed
• The Windows registry becoming overloaded with information

Of these reasons, the most likely cause of your computer performing poorly is a Windows registry cluttered with out of date and unnecessary files. Obsolete and redundant files will cause overload in the registry and cause the symptoms mentioned previously.

To resolve these issues it is necessary to eliminate all the files from the registry which are no longer needed. The best way to this is by using a reliable registry cleaner. Running a registry cleaner will increase the speed of your PC and improve its stability whilst also deleting any files which may pose a threat to your computers security.

Performing regular maintenance of the Windows registry will keep it performing at optimal levels. Therefore you will avoid costly PC repairs incurred by the damage caused by system freezes and crashes.

Keeping your computer running at a fast paced level will mean you can perform tasks quickly and efficiently. You will no longer need to waste precious time whilst your PC undergoes expensive repairs with a professional repair shop. All this culminates in a more efficient and productive you!

A reliable and trustworthy registry cleaner will ensure a trouble free computing experience.

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Cleaning Up Your Windows Registry

Posted on 17. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

If you’re experiencing poor performance from your PC – software loading slowly, programs not starting and perhaps even system crashes, your registry has probably become cluttered with unnecessary and redundant data. You need to perform some maintenance and give your registry a clean.

The Windows registry is one of the most crucial parts of any computer and without it your system would be unable to operate. The registry is a database that stores all necessary information on the settings and configuration of all the hardware and software installed on your PC. It holds data also on user profiles and particular preferences allowing each user to customize their Windows account.

Reasons the Registry Becomes Cluttered

Each time a program is installed or removed information relating to this is stored in the registry. Uninstalling applications will leave behind data fragments which are no longer necessary. Even every day use and browsing the net will add temporary internet files to an already cluttered registry. All this information will cause the system to have to work harder to find the instructions it needs and will result in a noticeable slow down of your PC.

Cleaning the Windows Registry Manually

It will be necessary to remove all this obsolete data to return your computer back to full health and perform efficiently. It is possible to remove these redundant files manually but unless you have sufficient computing skills and know-how, chances are you could cause irreparable damage to your system, rendering your PC unusable.

Using a Registry Cleaner Application

A much better choice is to use a registry cleaner which will perform a scan of your computer and alert you of any data held in the registry which is no longer needed and is causing your PC to under perform. The registry cleaner is an efficient and easy to use tool which will also delete these unnecessary files and will make a back up of the registry prior to undertaking any changes so your system can be completely restored should this be required.

For your computer to run smoothly and with optimal performance levels, the registry needs to have a well maintained and organized filing system. Regular scanning with a good registry cleaner will ensure this is the case.

Schedule checkups regularly of your Windows registry and your computer will be able to run smoothly and without glitches or crashes.

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Quick Guide to Registry Cleaners

Posted on 17. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

The Windows Registry is one of the most important parts of your Operating System. The registry is a database where information is stored on all the various pieces of hardware and software installed on your PC. It holds not only the settings and configurations for these items but also for any user preferences which are stored.

When you purchase a new computer there is very little data held in the registry, as there are few applications installed, therefore no problems are likely to occur. However, once new programs are installed, modified or removed, lots of information will begin to clutter up the registry. Your system will need to work harder to find any data it requires and file fragments can sometimes confuse it causing errors and even crashes. Most system problems are directly related to errors within the registry.

Do I Need a Registry Cleaner?

If you frequently add or remove applications such as games, free software or other programs then you should think about using a registry cleaner to remove all traces of applications you have uninstalled or to remove redundant files relating to current software.

Many different brands of registry cleaners are available. They all perform a similar task although some may have extra features or functions. Have a look at what is available and decide which is best for you.

How Do I Use a Registry Cleaner?

Like most system tools, a registry cleaner will run automatically, needing little prompting in carrying out its task. All that is required is to install the program and run it. Below are three easy steps to using a registry cleaner.

1. Copy the registry before you begin.

The Windows registry holds much information which is absolutely crucial to the running of your Operating System and any changes made to this data could have disastrous effects, rendering your PC unusable. To avoid this happening it is wise to make a back up of the registry before any changes are made so that in the event of any mistakes, the original registry entries can be restored.

To make a back up of the registry, click on Start – Run – type regedit. Choose File – Export and enter the name of the file and a destination. Use any removable media storage device such as a floppy disk or a CD.

Before saving the file make sure it has the .reg extension as this will be needed if any mistakes are made.

2. Clean the registry.

A registry filled with redundant data will result in your computer taking much longer to boot up and the system will process information more slowly, therefore affecting the whole performance of your PC. In the past Windows Operating Systems came with an inbuilt registry cleaner however, since the release of Windows 98, Microsoft no longer include this tool with the package. Users are now required to purchase a third party registry cleaner.

3. Restore your registry.

If your computer has become infected with Malware and unsolicited changes have been made to the registry, you can restore your PC settings to a previous point in time. To do this click on Start – All Programs – Accessories – System Tools – System Restore. Choose the option which allows you to roll back your PC settings to a particular date. Click Next and choose a date from the calendar from before the unauthorized changes were made to the settings.

It’s important not only to keep your computer free of Malware but also to ensure the registry is kept clean from obsolete and unnecessary data which will only serve to clutter it up and slow down your computers performance. Use a registry cleaner regularly to keep your PC running fast and efficiently.

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Registry Repair – Is Your PC Suffering From Lag?

Posted on 16. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

Do you find your computer has been running really slowly lately? Have you been noticing a number of Windows error messages appearing on your screen? It’s possible to bring your PC back to optimal performance by tweaking the Windows registry and cleaning out any unwanted or unnecessary files.

If you’ve had your PC for any length of time it will accumulate lots of stored data, much of which you no longer need. Every time you install or remove hardware or software, files will be left behind and this means your system will have to search through a lot more data than necessary to find what it is looking for.

It is possible to clean up the registry entries in Windows operating systems versions 95, 98, 2000, ME, XP and Vista. Unless you really know what you’re doing this is a task best left to the experts as not only is it time consuming but irreparable damage can be done to your PC if the wrong data is deleted. It is all too easy to mis-key an entry as there are thousands of combinations for each file path, file association, disabled drivers and registry value. It would be a near impossible task for anyone to manually root out all unnecessary entries and remove them safely.

However if you have the correct tools for the job, cleaning and repairing the registry can be a simple do- it- yourself task. Software is available which will automatically check for obsolete entries and remove them without any risk to your system. RegCure is a simple and easy to use product which will do this job for you safely and efficiently.

The best reason for using an automated tool to remove unnecessary registry values is that it is so simple and easy to use. Just install the software, select your options and off you go. A Windows repair has never been so straightforward. The software runs automatically and installs all the latest updates direct from the developer. It carries out regular scans and cleans Windows at set times which you yourself choose.

You will be amazed at just how many errors RegCure will find in your Windows registry the first time you run the software. It will perform a scan and notify you of all the obsolete values. You can approve the removal of these files manually or you can allow RegCure to delete them automatically.

For the best possible results using RegCure you need to schedule regular registry scans. These should be no longer than a week apart as there are frequent changes to the registry. Invalid paths, missing file associations, corrupted entries and other errors are accumulating on the registry all the time. If you were shocked a how many errors initially found by RegCure, you’ll be even more amazed at just how often these corrupted entries occur. This is why it’s important to run scans weekly to keep your PC operating at optimal performance.

Another reason for slow performing PCs is the inclusion of too many programs that launch as soon as your computer boots up. These all take up resources and memory unnecessarily if you aren’t currently wishing to use the application. As well as repairing Windows and cleaning the registry, RegCure can manage these start up programs for you, allowing you to choose which applications should launch automatically whenever your system starts up. This can all be done direct from the RegCure interface simply by clicking the ‘Manage Start Up’ icon.

You don’t need to be a computer expert to use RegCure. The user interface is designed for ease of use and will allow you to carry out Windows repairs quickly and effortlessly on Windows 95, 98, 2000, ME, XP and Vista. You’ll find you are no longer getting annoying errors or crashes on your PC.

As well as resolving any errors RegCure may find on your PC, it will restore the great speed and performance your computer had when you first bought it.

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The Windows Registry – What You Need To Know

Posted on 16. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

Today’s high-tech and modern computers are capable of running applications at a speed that would have been unheard of just a few short years ago. Technology has improved so much in both software and hardware products and the latest machines are proficient at not only performing everyday tasks but carrying many of these out simultaneously.

What Does the Registry Do?

It is the Windows registry which makes the computer’s fast and efficient performance possible. The registry stores data, configurations and settings each time a new item of software or piece of hardware is installed. These data files are used by the Windows operating system every time you switch on your PC.

You system needs to find this information quickly to allow configurations to be applied, correct drivers to be loaded and the allocation of resources. Prompt location of this data results in a faster boot up time for your PC.

Left-Over Junk Slows Down Your PC

However, with the installation, removal and updates to both hardware and software, the Windows registry will over time gather lots of information which is no longer needed.

This accumulation of data means the operating system will take much longer to locate the information it is searching for and will result in delayed boot up times, slow loading of programs and an overall sluggish PC performance.

Your Computer Needs Regular Maintenance

To keep your computer performing at peak levels it is vital to carry out regular maintenance tasks. Occasional checkups and disk defrags may be enough to resolve the issues at first but over time the obsolete files in the registry will accumulate and can cause severe deficiencies in the overall performance of your PC. This is why it is imperative to use a reliable registry cleaner.

Using a Registry Cleaner

Registry cleaners are software tools used to locate these redundant files by scanning the registry. Deletion of these entries will free up valuable registry space and result in faster operating speeds as Windows is able to retrieve necessary information more efficiently. This will in return make your PC more stable and give an overall improved performance.

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Free Registry Cleaner – Does It Work?

Posted on 16. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

Looking around the Internet, there are more and more free registry cleaners becoming available for download. Increasing numbers of software producers are releasing this system tool as PC users become aware of their necessity in maintaining good performance levels on their PCs. However, is a free download of a registry cleaner as efficient as a paid for product?

What Is A Registry Cleaner?

A registry cleaner is a system tool which performs maintenance in the Windows registry. The Windows registry is a database which stores information relating to all the configurations and settings on your Windows operating system including hardware, software and user preference data. Entries in the registry will change or be updated each time the user does any of the following:

• Installs new software or hardware
• Changes settings in the control panel

• Alters file associations
• Changes system policies

These are only a few of the procedures which will alter the registry entries and there are many other causes which will create new values.

Why Do I Need a Registry Cleaner?

As more and more changes take place in the registry, some of the entries will become obsolete and unnecessary. This causes your computer to slow down whilst processing information as it searches through all registry values to find what it is looking for. The earlier versions of the Windows Operating System were particularly susceptible to this and were therefore especially vulnerable to unstable performance and system crashes.

It was these impediments that prompted the creation of the registry cleaner by third party software developers. It was designed to scan the Windows registry, locating and deleting any invalid or unnecessary entries.

Microsoft’s Failed Attempt

Soon after, Microsoft followed with the release of their registry cleaning product RegClean, issued as an unofficial and unsupported product for the Windows 9x range of Operating Systems. Microsoft carried on with improvements to RegClean but it was soon abandoned after later Windows versions had completely different registries that were incompatible with the free registry cleaner. However, RegClean is still currently available as a supported tool in various non Microsoft websites.

Better, Third-Party Registry Cleaners

Even though the RegClean venture was deemed unsuccessful, many other software developers continued on with designing registry cleaners. This is good news to users of the Windows Operating System as although the current systems are much more stable than previous versions, there are still certain advantages to regular scanning with a free registry cleaner. Some are as follows:

• If you are upgrading your Operating System from Windows 98 to Windows XP there may be some of the previous settings and configurations carried over, which a free registry cleaner can remove.

• Using just the one free registry cleaner may not be sufficient to thoroughly clear out your registry.

• Hardware and software installations, removals and upgrades will all leave behind obsolete data which a free registry cleaner can locate and remove.

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What Are HKEY Errors?

Posted on 15. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

The Windows registry is a central database which holds information on all configurations and settings for each user of the PC and for all hardware and software installed. It has been integrated into all Microsoft Windows systems since Windows 98.

The Windows Registry stores data that the Operating System continually refers to whilst processing all information. It keeps a record of all hardware installed on the computer, which ports are in use, user profiles, installed software, what type of documents have been created, settings for all folders and lots more. For all of these, the registry also stores all settings and configurations relating to them.

Most text based files with extension .ini which are used by Windows versions 3.x and MS-DOS files are replaced by the Registry. Several of the Windows based Operating Systems have a Registry but there are differences between them.

Structure of the Registry

A set of keys, sub-keys and values held by the registry is called a registry hive. These hives all have back up files stored on the computer.

The back ups for all of these hives except the HKEY_CURRENT_USER are stored in the SystemRoot\System32\Config folder on Windows versions NT 4.0, 2000, WinXP, Vista and Server 2003.

The back up for HKEY_CURRENT_USER hive are kept in the folder named SystemRoot\Profiles\Username.

The name of the file extensions of files stored in the folders can be used to determine what type of information is kept within them. Similarly no extension name added to a file can also be an indication of the data stored inside it.

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT

Abbreviated to HKCR, this is where information is stored relating to registered applications, this includes file extension associations and OLE object class ids for the applications which deal with these. On the Operating Systems Windows 2000 and higher, HKCR is an amalgamation of HKCU\Software\Classes and HKLM\Software\Classes. If a value is stored in both of the sub-keys above, the one which is in HKCU\Software\Classes will be used.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER

Abbreviated to HKCU, this stores settings and configurations relating to the person who is currently logged in to the computer. This HKCU key links to the sub-key HKEY_USERS that matches the user. Both locations hold the same data.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

Abbreviated to HKLM this holds the general settings relating to all users of the PC. This key is located in the SystemRoot\System32\Config\System file on all Windows NT based versions. Data and information relevant to the system hardware is found in the SYSTEM key.

HKEY_USERS

Abbreviated to HKU, this stores sub-keys relating to the HKEY_CURRENT_USER keys for each person that has a log in account on the computer.

HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG

Abbreviated to HKCC, this stores data collected during runtime. This information is not stored permanently on the hard disk but is renewed each time the PC is booted up.

HKEY_PERFORMANCE_DATA

This key supplies runtime data to the performance information which is provided either by the NT kernel or else any other application that supplies performance data. The Registry Editor dos not display this key but it can be seen via the registry functions in Windows API.

Fixing HKEY Errors – Registry Editing

It is not a good idea to make any changes within the Windows registry unless you are absolutely sure what you are doing. Making a mistake when editing the registry can cause severe problems with your system and can even result in your computer being unusable. Always make a back up of your registry if you intend changing or deleting any values stored there.

It’s possible to manually edit the Windows registry by running regedt32.exe or regedit.exe. A quick way to do this is by going to Start and Run, then in the box which appears, type regedit and press OK.

Changes can be made to the registry using the command line and reg.exe. This is incorporated in Windows XP and Vista. For earlier versions of Windows it can be downloaded separately. The utility can also be found on Resource Kit disks or from the original Windows installation CD.

If you are uncomfortable cleaning your registry manually, learn about how to do it automatically with registry cleaning software. A registry cleaner will safely and instantly clean your registry.

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Is It Really Necessary To Clean Your Windows Registry?

Posted on 15. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

Most of us now use computers regularly to do all sorts of things, both personal and business. However, a large proportion of users lack an understanding of how a computer works and the problems it may face in its day to day running.

In order to keep your PC running smoothly and efficiently it’s important to have at least some knowledge of how certain issues can affect performance and how to resolve them. One of these is the importance of regular maintenance of the Windows Registry and how the upkeep of it can prevent a slow running computer, freezing of applications or even system crashes.

What is the Windows Registry?

The Windows registry is one of the most crucial parts of your PC. It holds all the information your system needs to be able to perform such tasks as booting up, loading and running programs, allowing hardware to perform properly and storing settings and configurations.

Whenever a program or hardware component is installed or removed this information will be held in the Windows registry. The day to day running of your computer will also necessitate the registry to add many entries to its system. Of all this accumulated data, most of it will be used by your PC; however a great amount of it is, or will become over time, obsolete and will simply clutter up the Windows registry.

Information Held in the Registry

• Information on installed programs
• User settings
• System policies
• Application configurations
• Ports used
• Hardware data
• File associations

Symptoms of a Damaged Registry

All this redundant data held by the registry will cause your computer to under perform. Symptoms of a cluttered registry include:

• Slow running speed
• Frequent error messages (DLL errors, EXE errors, ActiveX errors, etc)
• Slow boot ups
• Freeze ups
• System crashes causing the ‘blue screen of death’

What Happens if I Ignore These Problems?

If these problems are not attended to and resolved they can result in serious damage to your computer which may turn out extremely expensive to repair. This is why it is necessary to carry out regular checks of the registry with a reputable registry cleaner.

A good registry cleaner will locate unnecessary data stored in the registry and will delete it from your system. This will be beneficial to your computer enabling it to perform at optimal levels.

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