How fixing the registry can speed up the computer
Firstly a universal reason for computers slowing down is registry problems, so I encourage you to read this article.
What is the Windows Registry?
Microsoft developed a database called ‘Windows Registry’ which functions as a central repository for various computer settings. The Registry is a hierarchical database that houses configuration information for the operating system and installed programs.
The Registry Tree has four core elements:
- Trees: main registry divisions;
- Hives: main registry divisions of the Registry Trees;
- Keys: collection of interrelated settings in a hive;
- Values: data saved in a key;
How does the registry work?
When you make adjustments to settings, install or remove a program it’s likely the changes will be saved in the registry. It’s connected to and used by the operating system and practically every program on your PC. The majority of people are not aware that when they change a setting on their system it’s saved in the registry.
For example: when you change the desktop background on your computer you are editing ‘HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ControlPanel\Desktop\Wallpaper’ a registry value.
Windows Registry is a complicated beast and that’s why Microsoft has hidden the complexity of it from the average user. It however plays a big part in the computers performance. If it becomes cluttered with corrupt, old, duplicate, unnecessary entries or simply just too much information stored in its inners it will affect the performance of your system. Knowing about the Registry, how it affects your PC and how to clean it will help keep your computer running smoothly.
How can the registry slow down my computer?
A big chunk of Windows start-up and shut-down time is used up reading and writing to the registry and loading the registry into memory – so the larger it is the longer it takes. Every time you open a program or adjust a setting on the computer it reads or writes to the registry.
Overtime the registry gets bloated with junk, corrupt and unused files which can cause errors and slow down your system. Incorrect installation or uninstalling of programs is another major reason for registry problems.
Can I edit the registry myself?
The registry affects everything on the computer, so it only takes one mistake editing it to cause all sorts of problems on your computer. That being said you can edit the registry yourself – but it’s risky doing it manually so I recommend using a well known and reliable program like PC Tools Desktop Maestro
Telling you how to manually edit the registry is beyond the scope of this article and something I don’t recommend due to its complexity. If you insist on editing the registry manually then I strongly encourage you to backup the registry, and your important files.
Figure 1.1: What the registry looks like (a little complicated…)
How can I fix registry problems?
Install a well-known and trusted Registry Cleaner that makes it safe and easy to scan your computers registry for errors, and automatically repairs them for you.
I have done the research of Registry Cleaners so you don’t have to, so Click here for a comprehensive list of Registry Cleaners.
Summary:
Slow computer? A likely reason is registry problems, editing the registry manually is complicated so get yourself a registry cleaner and, you should have a faster computer for it.
Hope I helped,
