Windows Registry Repair - The Most Common Questions Answered

In the following article we're going to address the most common questions and obstacles that anyone trying to fix a slow or malfunctioning computer has run into, including: "What is the Windows Registry?", "Why is my PC running much slower than it used to?", "How can I be sure my Registry is the problem, and not spyware, etc?", "Do I need Registry Repair Software or can I just fix my registry myself?", "What's the easiest way to repair my computer's registry?", "Will registry repair programs fix my PC once and for all?" and "Which registry cleaning software is the best?"

1. What is the Windows Registry?

The Windows operating system has a database where all the information necessary to the proper functioning of the computer is stored - this database is called 'the registry'.

It stores information about everything from hardware configurations, application data, drivers, user settings, and virtually any other system process. That is why a properly functioning registry is integral to a smooth running PC.

For more info on how to access and edit the registry with your version of Windows (95, 98/ME, 2000, XP and Vista), read this article.

2. Why is my PC running much slower than it used to?

There are a number things that can cause a computer to become slower over time, including:

a) Too many programs launching automatically on startup draining memory & CPU resources. When you install new software unselect, if you can, the option to run automatically on start-up.

b) Adware/Spyware and viruses can causes all sorts of issues with your computer, including a reduction in performance. Scan your computer with a good anti-virus and anti-malware program on a regular basis, and make sure the software is updated frequently.

c) A corrupted or overloaded registry.

d) Damaged hardware components or improper functioning/installation of those components.

RegistryResource.com's main focus is reason c) - identifying and fixing Windows registry-related problems.

3. How can I be sure my Registry is the problem, and not spyware, etc?

To be certain that the problem lies in the registry, you first need to scan your computer for viruses, adware and spyware with a reputable anti-virus as well as an anti-malware program; such as Norton Anti-virus, AVG, Malware Bytes, AdAware, and so on.

Then you'll need to run a full registry scan with a renowned registry scanning program, like RegCure.

Consult this article for more information on this.

Or, do a registry scan right now, for free, by clicking here to download RegCure's free scanning tool.

4. Do I need Registry Repair Software or can I just fix my registry myself?

It is technically possible to edit and fix your registry yourself if you are a well-experienced computer technician, and have a perfect understanding of the complex and intricate systems involved in the Windows operating system. If that's the case, you can consult this article for some basic information on how to do this.

But to be clear, this should only be attempted if you have been trained to do this and you are absolutely certain you are capable of editing your registry keys, drivers and associated files.

Even the slightest alteration to your registry, if not done properly, can render your PC completely unable to function, and could potentially result in a loss of all your files.

These untrained people are usually left with no other option but to fully re-install the operating system.

If you would prefer to steer clear of these risks, registry cleaning software like RegCure safely scan, identify and repair faulty registry entries for you.

5. What's the easiest way to repair my computer's registry?

As indicated above, the quickest, simplest and safest way to fix or clean up & optimize your registry is to use a reputable registry cleaning program. For detailed reviews and comparisons of the leading registry repair programs, click here.

6. Will registry repair programs fix my PC once and for all?

Registry cleaning software will fix whatever registry-related issues are currently affecting your computer. However, registry malfunctioning occurs over time with everyday computer use - i.e. downloading & uploading files, installing & uninstalling programs, changing system settings, installing new drivers, etc.

That's why it's important to scan and maintain the integrity of your computer's registry on an ongoing basis. For this reason, it's a good idea to use a registry cleaner that has a built-in scheduling feature, like RegCure, to ensure this is done automatically.

7. Which registry cleaning software is the best?

Ultimately, that depends on your needs, some registry cleaners offer features that others don't. Consult our reviews section for a better idea of what the leading programs on the market have to offer.

We usually recommend RegCure, because we've found it to be the most consistent and comprehensive registry repair tool currently available.