Cleaning Registry Files - A Prudent Approach

roderickdunne | Jul 16, 2010 |

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Before cleaning registry files using software utilities, it is worth considering ways to protect the registry files, and your computer, from damage. This article details a simple approach to cleaning the registry file that allows you to roll-back changes just in case some problems do arise.

The Windows registry is probably one of the most important system files there is. It contains all sorts of settings and information about users, third party applications and the operating system itself. Moreover, any damage to the file (usually referred to as registry corruption) has the potential of making applications unusable or, at worst, causing the operating system to throw a blue screen error.

To protect your computer, and registry, there are three best practices to use when cleaning registry files:

Make a backup copy before making changes.
Only edit the registry indirectly using applications; Never manually edit the file.
Only use registry cleaners you can trust.

It is surprising how few people do actually backup the registry file. The Microsoft Support site have articles that cover how to make a duplicate (for free) and many registry tools also provide a backup and restore functionality. The Microsoft articles vary based on which operating system you use so make sure to search for the right one.

If the registry is corrupted through software cleaning faults, viruses or problems with application removals then you can easily complete PC repairs by just restoring the registry file to an earlier working copy.

Many registry key settings are shared across applications and services so it is best not to manually change them. Using software to make the changes is the safest way of cleaning out settings. One simple option is to use the Add/Remove Programs tool to clear out software you no longer use. This clears out application files and Install Shield safely cleans out the registry settings.

Finally, given the critical nature of this system file you should only try cleaning registry entries out using software that you can fully trust. I personally would be concerned about using freeware as there is no way of knowing the level of testing done on the application or whether or not it has viruses.

So when picking are registry cleaner, be sure to check:

Popular tools with a larger number of users will be safer to use.
Tools that have had numerous releases over several years will be less buggy and less prone to introducing faults.
Research the tool for customer complaints, scams and known issues – before you experience these problems for yourself.