Clean Computer Registry

As the Windows operating systems have become increasingly complex and space consuming, the ease with which users can keep track of what is going on at the lower level of the operating system has also increased in difficulty. The complexity of the system and software that reside on the computer cause some programs to leave bits and pieces of information in the registry when they are supposed to be removed.

Instructions:

1.)Download from Microsoft their version of a registry cleaner. The cleaner is located at Live OneCare from Microsoft. If Microsoft has come out with a version of a registry cleaner then the problem must be a real one. They are even selling the use of the registry cleaner by making it a part of the subscription to OneCare. OneCare is a service to keep your computer running trouble free. Microsoft is giving a free trial before they sign you up for a paid subscription.
2.)Obtain a version of a registry cleaner from the Internet. There are freeware and shareware versions available at most of the download sites such as Tucows.com and download.com. These sites are repositories of shareware, freeware and commercial software. Download the software from the site and install it on your computer. Remember to always check anything that you download from the Internet with your virus protection program. Once the program passes your virus program, restart your computer and run a scan with the registry cleaner.
3.)Avoid manually cleaning the registry unless there is absolutely no alternative. One wrong deletion of a file or link can crash the whole system and you will have to reinstall everything. If you must manually clean the registry, make sure you backup the registry files so that you can recover the system in case of disaster. It would also be a good idea to make a recovery point in XP before you do any of these fixes.