Is your computer slow to respond? Does your computer take a long time to boot? Do strange errors pop up at unexpected times? Does your computer freeze or crash often? Do you have trouble adding or removing things from your computer? If you are experiencing these things, then your registry probably needs to be repaired.
Although the registry is a vast improvement over its predecessor, there are still technical difficulties with the registry that continue to cause major problems with computer performance. Many people become frustrated and instead purchase a new computer when all they need is to locate and repair the problem. Our company can do this for you!
What is the Registry?
The registry in a Windows operating system is a database that stores all of the options and configurations on the computer. The registry keeps track of all the applications that are installed, the device drivers, the kernel, the user interface, and all of the user profiles. The registry database is more easily read by the operating system than the previous format (.INI files) and allows the computer to have multiple users, each with a unique configuration. It can also be updated much easier than the earlier Windows system.
The fact that the registry database is a centralized system is both good and bad. It is good not only because of the advantages listed above but also because it is an easily organized, hierarchical system. It is bad because, as a centralized database, it is a prime potential target of hackers who author malicious malware. Because of this, your computer may need its registry fixed.
Problems with the Registry
- Shutting down your computer incorrectly causes many errors in the registry. Closing down the computer properly allows the shutdown process to properly process the registry entries, but turning the computer off without allowing this to occur will cause the registry to malfunction.
- A malware infection will often target the registry and cause the computer to work for the hacker, not for you. This will cause your computer to react strangely, slowly, or not at all.
- If you install and/or uninstall programs, the registry will have orphan entries that must be cleaned out. Too many of these orphan entries or orphan keys cause the computer to be slow.
- If you delete software that was only partially installed, the registry will have keys that take up processing time, but go nowhere. This will cause your computer to slow down or freeze.
- Unused and undeleted drivers are unnecessary files that the registry must still account for during the startup and shutdown process. One of the major reasons reboot takes a long time is because the registry goes through each key before the computer fully boots up. If you have keys that do not need to be there and can be deleted, it will cause your computer to work much more smoothly.