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Almost all computer performance issues can be traced to problems within the Windows Registry. As such, properly maintaining your registry is one of the easiest ways to ensure you are getting the most out of your PC. Here, I would like to talk a bit about the Windows Registry, how registry problems can develop over time, and how you can prevent or correct them.
What is the Windows Registry?
The Microsoft Computer Dictionary defines it as:
"A central hierarchical database used in Microsoft Windows 9x, Windows CE, Windows NT, and Windows 2000 used to store information necessary to configure the system for one or more users, applications and hardware devices.
The Registry contains information that Windows continually references during operation, such as profiles for each user, the applications installed on the computer and the types of documents that each can create, property sheet settings for folders and application icons, what hardware exists on the system, and the ports that are being used.
The Registry replaces most of the text-based .ini files used in Windows 3.x and MS-DOS configuration files, such as the Autoexec.bat and Config.sys. Although the Registry is common to several Windows operating systems, there are some differences among them. Registry data is stored in binary files."
So, the registry is essentially the master directory of files containing system, software, and hardware settings that your computer continually references. It is an integral part of the Windows Operating System, and can directly effect your computer's performance.
Problems and Causes
Because the registry is such an important part of Windows, any problems with it will translate to problems with the PC. From slower operation, to system hangs or even crashes. If the registry gets too damaged, you may not even be able to boot up your PC, and will have to completely reinstall Windows.
Problems in the registry can be caused by any number of things, including making changes to, adding, or uninstalling hardware or software, making changes to control panel settings, file associations or locations, and many others. Viruses, trojans, spyware, and adware can also make changes to and cause problems within the registry.
Repairing and Maintaining Your Registry
Over time, just through normal every-day use, enough changes can be written to the Windows Registry to impact performance. So, keeping your registry well maintained and clean is something every computer user should be interested in. However, manually finding and repairing registry files is no easy task. Thus, the use of registry cleaning software is highly recommended.
Most registry cleaning software is very similar, and does the same thing for the most part. Many will include free scans to determine how many problems may exist, and will require purchase of the full software in order to automatically repair those problems. |