Registry Maintenance - An Essential Process The Windows registry is a directory which stores settings and options for the operating system for Microsoft Windows 32-bit versions, 64-bit versions and Windows Mobile. It contains information and settings for all the hardware, operating system software, most nonoperating system software, users, preferences of the PC, etc. Importance of Windows Registry Of course, yes. Take note: if you uninstall a program, the registry conks down and needs immediate troubleshooting to get back in shape. Once your computer slows down, you may chalk it up to the registry. But never worry, because we've got lots of solutions to keep your windows registry in first-rate condition. Whenever a user makes changes to Control Panel settings, file associations, system policies, or most installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in the registry. The registry also provides a window into the operation of the kernel, exposing runtime information such as performance counters and currently active hardware. These changes often leave behind traces of what "used to be". Old references, obsolete entries, and invalid startup entries are just a few of the problems that can arise on your machine. Why you should perform a comprehensive registry scan A quality comprehensive registry repair program will make cleaning the registry as easy as one, two, and three. It will literally hunt down and repair problematic registry entries. Before it does this however it will completely backup and archive your original registry settings to insure that you have a "working" backup to work from. Not only will it repair the problems, it will maintain the health of your registry. Quality registry repair programs will often compact and defragment your registry. It will re-organize and shrink your registry. What will this do you ask? This will allow your machine to operate at its optimal speed all the time. That's right, hands free maintenance of your machine. Here are some ways to fix windows registry: 1. Utilize System Restore. When something has been done to computer registry, there is one way to fix it quickly and effortlessly: System Restore. System Restore makes it possible to undo all the changes and to go back to the system's original condition. 2. Use available software for backup. Every computer user must know that backup is not an option, it is a mandatory step. There are utilities that can be used to backup your registry files. 3. Use Registry Checker. Windows is equipped with Registry Checker to scan registry problems. Registry Checker will be optimized if you reboot regularly. For more information, you may visit: http://tinyurl.com/l29ker