Why You Should Clean Your Registry

Why You Should Clean Your Computer's Registry

This is the first in a three-part article series on the Windows Registry, this first article discusses why it is necessary to clean the windows registry, the second article helps to identify the signs that indicate the registry needs cleaning and the third takes a look at some commonly used registry cleaners.

What is the Windows Registry?

The windows registry is a database of all software and hardware installed on your computer. It keeps track of configurations, system settings, user preferences, file associations, system policies and the relationship between hardware software and your operating system. In layman’s terms it’s the duct tape that holds everything in place. Problems with the registry can make Windows slower, unstable and in some cases unbootable, which can only be rectified by reinstalling the operating system, a task best avoided.


The Real Problems

Almost all software creates Registry entries when they are installed, many of them however, do not remove these entries when uninstalled. This can lead to a huge, bulky registry with a lot of unnecessary entries, which generally slows down the boot process. This is bad enough but, the real problem comes from “Spyware”, if you’ve ever downloaded anything from the Internet, chances are you’ve got Spyware.

Spyware can intercept of take partial control of your computer, it can redirect your browser, capture personal information as you surf and discretely install additional software mainly viruses and worms on your computer.

If that’s not an important enough reason to clean your computer’s registry then there isn't one.


Cleaning the Registry

There are two ways the clean the registry, manually using the Windows Registry Editor (Regedit) and by using registry cleaning software. Before attempting any method it is strongly recommended that a backup of the registry be made and secured.
Manual Cleaning with Regedit

Regedit allows for viewing, creating, editing and deleting registry entries. It should be used with caution, removing valid registry entries can cause the associated applications to malfunction of not function at all.


To start Regedit

Click the Start button

Click Run, a dialog box will be opened

Type “regedit” and click “OK”

Click on the “+” sign to expand the section entries, most of the user information is in the “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE” section.



Registry Cleaning Software

This is best suited for anyone unsure about the registry entries, there are numerous options available many of which are free to download and install and do provide regular updates.
They all function basically the same way, they scan the registry for invalid or suspicious entries and in most cases allow the user the option to remove them of not.


It should be noted that no one registry cleaner will find everything, it is advisable to use a combination of two or more in addition to a good anti-virus software to keep your PC clean and functioning properly.