In the Windows operating system (If you're not happy with this Operating system, see how to get rid of windows operating system), the registry is the central storage file where the settings and configuration of the system, as well as other software programs, are stored. It also saves other information like customization and other statistics. The registry is very crucial to the operation of the OS and having a bloated or even broken registry can slow down or disable the whole system.

The Windows Registry

The Windows registry was implemented in order to clear the mess created by individual INI files. Before the registry, configurations and other information were stored in these INI files for each program, making them very difficult to manage and track down. The registry solved this problem by fusing all these INI or configuration files into one file, making it easier to manage, track, and modify when necessary; however, its strength is also its weakness. Since the registry stores crucial information, even a small error or problem can greatly impact the operating system's performance.

A Bloated Problem

When you install software, configurations and other settings are added and saved into the registry; however, when you decide to uninstall the software, some do not completely remove the settings saved into the registry. Over time, these useless data piles up in the registry, causing the most common problem – registry bloat. A bloated registry is a serious and common problem that most people are not aware of. On a fresh system, the registry starts as a clean and compact database of all the essential configuration settings. The real cause of the bloat is caused by third-party software as well as a lot of malware. These applications fill up the registry with information that usually isn't removed even when uninstalled. Malware deliberately leaves information in the registry to allow it to automatically start and hide its presence. During power interruptions or when the software being used suddenly crashes, some information may be left in the registry as well. This unnecessary information in the registry cannot be detected by the operating system because it does not “know” if such entries are needed.

Common Signs of a Bloated Registry

It is quite easy to know if your registry is about to collapse under its weight, figuratively. However, the signs of such can be easily mistaken as something else, that is why it is often neglected. Here are the common signs of a bloated registry:

• Slow startup time
• Slow shutdown time
• Inability to boot into the operating system
• Software fail to start or frequently crashes
• System is generally unresponsive or slow

These symptoms, however, are not exclusive to registry bloat. The best way to make sure is to use the right software. When not fixed right away, it may lead to more serious problems where you may need to reinstall the operating system or even reformat your computer.

Getting Rid of Registry Bloat

It is very easy and simple to get rid of registry bloat using specialized software known as registry cleaners, registry scanners, or registry defragmenters. Though the process may take some time to complete, especially in badly bloated and damaged registries, the wait is surely worth it. The first step you have to do to get rid of registry bloat is to scan for malware. Malware greatly contributes to registry bloat by bombarding the registry with entries so that it can mask its presence and automatically start whenever you boot your computer (For malware removal, learn how to get rid of malware). If you don't have security software on your computer, it is about time that you get it. Good firewall, antivirus, and antispyware software is not hard to find and there are free (and very good) alternatives as well. If you do have security software, make sure you update it all before you do a full system scan. Make sure you are connected to the Internet and that those software programs can access the web. Once updated, you can do a full system scan. Scan for spyware (Tips on how to get rid of spyware) and other forms of malware like viruses, trojans, and worms. Don't be surprised if you find a couple (or a lot) of malware on your computer. Your software will prompt you of an action if any is found. Make sure you have them deleted from your system. To be sure, run the scan again to make sure nothing is left.

Registry Cleaners

Registry cleaners are specialized software that clean, fix, and optimize the Windows registry so that it functions well and efficiently. Typical registry cleaning software is capable of the following:

• Cleaning the Registry. It scans for every item inside the registry and makes sure each of the entries is essential or being used by either the operating system or the third-party software that you have installed.
• Repair the Registry. Malware, faulty softawre, or power failures can cause corruption of the registry. Registry cleaners are also capable of repairing the registry to restore its functionality.
• Create a Backup of the Registry. If ever the registry gets corrupted or damaged, a backup can easily replace it and resume normal operation. It is also handy if you decide to remove a registry entry that is still needed by the software you use.
• Defragment the Registry.The registry also becomes fragmented as new entries are added and removed. Not only will it slow down the computer, but it will also increase in file size. Defragmenting reorganizes and compresses the registry so that it becomes defragmented and smaller in file size.

There is lot of registry cleaning software available on the Internet. There are free versions as well as commercial or retail versions. If you want to save a little more on your budget, go for free software like TweakNow Registry Cleaner and Wise Registry Cleaner.

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