Registry Cleaner Articles

Features to Look for in a Registry Cleaner

2009-08-14

If you have noticed that your computer is no longer performing as it once did, the cause may be a corrupted or bloated Windows registry. While it is possible to edit the registry manually, it is not recommended. Improper editing of the registry may render a computer dysfunctional by disabling the entire operating system. Fortunately, there are registry cleaners available that enable computer users to safely clean and fine-tune their systems. Registry cleaners locate and eliminate problems while improving overall computer performance.
 
The Windows registry is a database that stores Windows configuration settings such as operating system files, user data, and software settings. The registry is an essential part of a Windows operating system and great care should be exercised when working with it.
 
Data is typically added to the registry whenever new software or hardware is installed, when a user changes settings, or when new hardware drivers are installed. Registry data can also be changed or deleted when removing software or updating hardware drivers. Over time, the registry may become bloated because of invalid, duplicate, corrupted, empty, or invalid data. The computer may run slowly or crash.
 
There are many registry cleaners on the market today with a variety of features. An advanced registry cleaner will include the following features:
 
1. Automatic Registry Backup – Before making any changes to the system registry, the registry cleaner should automatically create a backup. A computer may be returned to its original state using this backup if problems arise.
 
2. Deletion of Duplicate, Invalid, or Empty Files – One of the top reasons a Windows registry becomes bloated is because of duplicate and empty files. A leading edge registry cleaner will scan for these files and safely delete them.
 
3. Optimization Tools – Today's top registry cleaners offer system optimization tools to enhance computer performance, such as allowing the user to easily manage: Start Up Menu, System Optimization, and Add/Remove Programs functions.
 
4. Customization – A user should be able to schedule scans when convenient and have the ability to automatically delete files or choose which to delete and which to keep.
 
5. Deletion of Spyware and Malware Registry Files – Spyware and malware are malicious files that broadcast personal details such as passwords and credit card numbers from your computer to an unknown entity. These programs often leave files in the registry even after a spyware removal tool has been used. Many registry cleaners will detect and delete these malicious files from the registry.
 
A high quality registry cleaner allows the user to safely delete and correct registry errors, resulting in a computer with improved performance. Fine-tuning your computer registry has never been easier.

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