How to Get Rid of Registry Files
Registry files are small bits of information that Windows uses for different purposes, including controlling the method in which Windows reads information for drivers, installed programs and system information. Without the registry, Windows cannot boot. If you uninstall a program and attempt to reinstall, the information may still be in the registry. Removing that data is important to reinstall successfully. With the good, the bad may follow. Viruses and spyware can enter the registry and take control of the other data. You need to get rid of these registry files before permanent damage occurs.
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Instructions
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Press the Windows "Start" button on the bottom left of your screen. Click the "Run" tab. Type into the box "RegEdit". Select "OK".
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2
Look through the file folders for the specific directory or file you want to delete. If you know the name of the file, press the "Edit" tab at the top. Then select "Find" and type in the name of the file or a portion of the registry file name.
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Right-click the file folder or single file. If you want to remove a whole directory in the registry, right-click on that folder. If you want to remove one file from a specific folder, double-click to open the folder and then right-click on the file.
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Click the "Delete" tab. Select the "Yes" button to confirm deletion.
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Tips & Warnings
In some versions of Windows, the "Run" option is not visible when you press the "Start" button. After clicking the "Start" menu, press the "Program" or "All Programs" tab. Select "Accessories" and the "Run" option.
Do not remove registry files you are unsure of or Windows files. A corruption of Windows may happen. The specific program can become unstable or not work at all if you remove registry files.
Manually removing registry files is more stable than using a registry program. This type of program installs unnecessary files onto your computer. Also, the program may accidentally remove the wrong files from the registry.
