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When and how should I clean my registry?
You should clean your Windows registry as part of an overall PC maintenance program. Your problems might stem from Windows, or it could be a third party software application or game.
A Registry cleaner scans through the Windows Registry and removes information that's no longer needed. As Windows and your other software operate, they should automatically "clean up" after themselves. But they don't and over time unused files and junk build up. The registry gets too big and begins to wreak havoc on your PC. If this gets bad enough, it could lead to your PC not even being able to start up.
The registry was introduced in Windows 95. Part of the reason was to have one gigantic centralized place to store software information. This made programming easier and helped Windows operate more efficiently. Theoretically.
The reality is that it's taken a while for Microsoft to get the registry operating properly and most experts agree that there are still flaws in the registry concept. Windows XP machines can be pretty stable, unless you're using it to download and install files regularly.
If you think you need to clean your registry, here are reasons and situations that could indicate it's time:
* A program uninstall had problems, and the software wasn't uninstalled properly.
* After installing or uninstalling a program, Windows starts crashing or acting funny.
* You've installed and uninstalled lots (and lots) of software over the years, and are noticing more and more errors when doing so.
* You're running Windows ME, Windows 2000 or older software, and are noticing problems like those above. These versions of Windows were less efficient at Registry management.
If any of these problems are affecting you, it's time to run a registry repair application. Try a free scan with RegCure, the #1 rated windows registry cleaner.
