| If you have a computer running the Microsoft | | | | a problem. |
| Windows XP operating system, chances are you've | | | | The good news is that, in most cases, the Windows |
| had a problem with slow performance, freezeups or | | | | registry can be cleaned or fixed. There is software |
| crashes. This is especially true of older computers. | | | | available that can scan, clean and repair the registry. |
| Why does this happen? Well your computer slows | | | | You can take your PC to a repair shop or technician, |
| down for any number of reasons, but two of the | | | | but on most occasions, they'll simply run the same |
| main reasons are spyware/malware and Windows XP | | | | software you can buy. Most of the better registry |
| registry problems. | | | | cleaning applications will go through your computer's |
| Chances are you've heard something about spyware. | | | | registry with a fine toothed comb, looking for |
| It's a popular, if infamous topic these days in the | | | | missing, corrupt or inaccurate parts of the registry. |
| media and on the Internet. If you've never heard of | | | | Once the scan has been run, you'll be presented with |
| the registry, don't worry, many computer users | | | | a few options on how to proceed. Thankfully, with |
| haven't. The Windows registry is simply a database | | | | most registry cleaners, one of those is some form of |
| where the Windows operating system stores all the | | | | automatic repair. You simply click "clean" or "repair" |
| settings it needs to work correctly. All your software | | | | and the software will do the rest. |
| applications will change the registry to accommodate | | | | It's typical for a well used XP machine to have |
| their needs when they're installed. In many cases, | | | | upwards of 1,000 registry problems that need |
| that's the problem. When you add and remove | | | | attention. With so many problems, it's easy to see |
| software from your machine, the registry can | | | | how your PC can begin to feel a bit sluggish. The |
| become corrupt. Files can also go missing. If this | | | | reality is that, depending upon what problems your |
| happens, it can lead to all manner of problems, some | | | | registry is experiencing, your computer can begin to |
| of which you may be experiencing now. | | | | have noticeable performance degradation with far |
| The most typical symptoms of registry errors or | | | | fewer registry errors. If your machine is experiencing |
| corruption are slow performance and freeze ups. | | | | this kind of behavior, it's a great idea to run a |
| Extreme cases can lead to Windows refusing to go | | | | registry cleaner on it. It usually takes only a few |
| any further and displaying the dreaded "Blue Screen | | | | minutes, and you'll be able to get back to work or |
| of Death" and HKEY errors. This is accompanied by | | | | play with fewer interruptions and maddening |
| dire sounding error messages that Windows has | | | | slowdowns. Your computer will be almost as good as |
| experienced errors and shut down to avoid damage | | | | new. |
| to your computer. Most of the time your PC shuts | | | | You'll probably never be so frustrated in your life as |
| down you can simply restart it and continue your | | | | when your computer slows down, freezes up, or |
| work. If you had the misfortune to be working on | | | | crashes. Sometimes you'll be unfortunate enough to |
| your TPS report, a presentation for a new client, or | | | | experience all three, in that order. There are some |
| your thesis, you probably lost everything since the | | | | common causes and solutions for these computer |
| last time you saved your work. If this is the case, | | | | woes. You can solve your problems at the fix a slow |
| you'll begin to realize why registry errors can be such | | | | computer guide. |