What is a PC (Windows) registry cleaner?

The system registry is vital to the operation of your computer. The very system that Windows installs to help keep a smooth running computer also is susceptible to causing problems. When we download programs or device drivers (and when we remove them) we are using the registry keys. When installing or uninstalling is done improperly it can cause redundant, defective or missing registry keys which will cause the computer to stall and/or crash. The registry system is the core of the operating system itself.

A registry cleaner will scan your computer and primarily find redundant registry keys and keys that are to old devices. The registry cleaner then removes the keys that are not needed. When the information that is not needed is removed from the system it can help your computer run much more efficiently. Much of the information that are put on the registry is not needed after a particular project is done. This causes a lot of buildup of unnecessary registry keys which in turn causes the slow running or stalling and crashing of the computer. Thousands of times a day registry keys are accessed and much of it is never used again. Registry cleaners are designed to eliminate the buildup of information that is not needed. Without the burden of the unnecessary registry information the computer can operate more efficiently.

Windows 2000 and newer systems have somewhat of a built in registry cleaner. Most people know it as system restore. Most of the time using the Windows system restore will fix registry problems but occasionally it does not. The version that Windows uses is actually a downsized version of a deeper registry cleaner. A good registry cleaner can be set to work at startup or at scheduled intervals that you set. You cannot do this with the built in Windows version.

The purpose of a registry cleaner is to free up space in the system core so that the computer runs faster and more reliably. Since the registry deals with the actual operating system you should always backup your information before running a registry cleaner, particularly one that gets into the very core of the system. Before running a registry cleaner try to defrag your computer. Many times this solves the problem. If it does not, try system restore. If that still doesn’t work, you may want to try a registry cleaner. Most agree that the majority of registry cleaners cannot cause damage to your system but because nothing is guaranteed you should back up the system. Running a good registry cleaner should make a very noticeable difference on the performance of your computer. They are good for removing keys that are redundant or repetitive and also keys that are no longer needed. There are many programs out there that can be obtained either free or with purchase. Most will have a good backup system and a schedule that you can set so the cleaner runs on a regular basis.