The registry stores all the data for every single component associated with the performance of your computer. All the major components like directories, software programs, device drivers, and the operating system are all controlled by the registry. When these components get corrupted by installing and uninstalling programs, or virus corrupted files, the registry begins to slow down. When we don’t clean the registry, the corrupted files merge with other dormant files and multiply. Eventually the system will crash.

The condition of the registry does not get better by itself. That is why you need to clean Windows XP Registry when you notice an unresponsive computer that has slowed down. When you know the construction and operation of the registry, you begin to get a picture of its performance issues.

How the Registry Is Constructed and Why It’s Necessary to Clean Windows XP Registry

The registry is made up of many different entries that are separated into sections. The sections are listed as follows: HKEY_CURRENT_USER, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, HKEY_USERS, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, and HKEY_CURRENT CONFIG. Each section has many entries as well. Those are the entries that are related to the operation of the Windows XP registry.

Over time these entries become over loaded from installing and uninstalling programs. Sometimes the uninstalled programs don’t completely uninstall properly and leave behind little pockets of files that are left in the registry. Over time these dormant files get mixed in with other files from other programs and that’s when you begin the corruption process of the registry. These corrupted files then slow down the registry and the computer becomes unresponsive. It’s important to remove these files and clean Windows XP Registry on a regular basis so this doesn’t happen. Be sure and uninstall programs the proper way by going to start, all programs, control panel, click on uninstall programs. Then find and highlight the program you need to remove. Click on the uninstall link at the top of the programs. Once the program is removed, you should restart your computer for the full operation to be completed.

Important Things to Know When You Are About to Clean Windows XP Registry

First, only qualified techies should access or make changes to the registry. Knowing absolutely nothing about making changes in the registry would be a huge mistake! This is a warning! Do Not Attempt to Alter or Modify ANYTHING in the registry unless you have been trained for this procedure. You need to proceed to option B. Trying to make changes in the registry is a big risk and can have huge consequences. There is a better and safer way when you need to clean Windows XP registry. There are numerous things that can go wrong and affect the performance of your computer. The list is endless. There is a much better choice which I will cover next.

How to Clean Windows XP Registry – Option B

Choose good, dependable, efficient registry cleaner software. Download, install, scan, remove errors, fix errors and it’s done. That’s all there is to it when you clean Windows XP Registry the smart way. This can all happen in about 3-5 minutes. Why would anyone mess with the registry manually when you can use a program designed specifically to fix the registry? This is exactly what this program does and it does a good job.

Believe me; any other option does not make any common sense. You don’t need to format the hard drive, reinstall windows, or reinstall all your programs which would pretty much take care of the rest of the day. If you want to get back as quickly as possible to what you were doing, the right software will get you up to speed in a few minutes of your time. Clean Windows XP Registry regularly and avoid a sluggish computer.

Summary of How to Clean Windows XP Registry

We learned what the registry is, basically the brain of the computer. The registry is composed of many sections. Each section is made up of many entries. We learned what happens to the registry when the files get corrupted and what we should not do ourselves to the registry unless trained to make changes in the registry. We learned how we can fix or clean Windows XP registry and how to choose a good registry cleaner.

There are pros and cons about cleaning the registry. I do know that the registry isn’t going to fix itself unless you do a complete reinstall and you would need to do a complete backup to avoid losing data on your computer. This eats up a big chunk of the day and the only thing you may be able to accomplish then would be to get your computer back, running at top performance. But why go through the hassle if you can fix it in minutes and save the rest of the day for yourself.