How to Repair the Registry on Computers
The Windows "registry" is a database that contains information about the computer's configuration plus stores the settings for the hardware and software. Depending on the version of Windows, the registry can be comprised of one or more files collectively working together. It is critical that the registry be intact, efficient and error-free, or it can greatly affect the operation of programs, cause system "crashes" and even prevent Windows from loading at all. At the very least, a bloated registry cluttered with erroneous data can make a computer run slower than normal.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Backup the entire computer using disk imaging software, such as a product from Acronis. Make regular mirror-image backups of your whole hard drive so that in the event of a registry problem, virus attack or catastrophic hard drive failure, the system can be quickly restored.
-
2
Keep your anti-virus program up to date and run Windows maintenance utility programs, such as disk defragmenter and disk cleanup, frequently. These utility programs are found by clicking "Start," going to "All Programs," then "Accessories," and finally "System Tools" in Windows XP. These will help keep your hard drive files clean and defragmented and lessen the chance of the registry developing problems, though they will not repair a problem if one already exists in the registry.
-
-
3
Remove any programs you no longer use. Run Windows' uninstall utility to delete programs and their associated files, which can be found by going to "Start" and then "Control Panel."
-
4
Purchase and run a commercial registry cleaning program. Third-party registry cleaning programs are available inexpensively or even free, and they can repair many registry problems. A freeware registry cleaning program is available at www.eusing.com, and another free program can be downloaded at www.ccleaner.com. In addition to repairing many errors caused by faults in the registry, these programs should be part of your regular computer maintenance routine. They search for obsolete and incorrect data, such as registry keys remaining from uninstalled programs and invalid application paths.
-
5
Run the "Windows System Restore" utility found under "System Tools" if you develop a registry problem and attempt to restore your computer to a time prior to the occurrence of the registry error. Click "Restore to a Previous Restore Point."
-
6
Follow Microsoft's manual steps to recover a corrupted registry that is preventing Windows from starting. A long, detailed procedure is given at Microsoft's website, http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545, which will guide you through registry repair for Windows XP when the registry is preventing Windows from launching.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Unless you really know what you are doing, never attempt to edit or make any changes to the registry. A wrong change may leave Windows totally inoperable. If you must make any changes, make a copy of the registry file(s) before you start so that in the event of a problem, you can restore the registry to its previous state.
