What the heck is a registry, and why should I clean it?

So what the heck is a registry?

One of my first tasks when I do a tuneup for a client is to use a registry cleaning utility. It's one of the important steps in improving PC performance, and I always get asked: what is the registry, and why do you have to clean it?

The registry is a dynamic database that stores options and settings for Microsoft Windows. It keeps information about profiles for each user, computer memory, startup programs, hardware settings, system options, and much more. It also stores information about every software application, including the manufacturer, settings, add-ons, tweaks, etc.

How does it get cluttered?
As a user is working, information is continuously accessed, added and removed from the registry. Over time, the registry can become very large and filled with unwanted information, causing it to become unstable. Most of the clutter is the result of keys that are left behind when a program is uninstalled, duplicate entries when programs are updated or reinstalled, and malicious keys added by malware (viruses, trojans, spyware, etc).

Okay, so how do I clean it?
The best way to clean registry entries is to use a good utility program. It's not a good idea to try editing the registry yourself, unless you're an uber-techie, in which case, you probably aren't reading this entry, because you already know everything I have to say!

That said, there are several really good programs out there, some free, some not. Here are a few programs to look into:

RegCleaner An open source, free application
Wise Disk Cleaner Wise Disk Cleaner, with its intuitive and easy to use interface, helps you quickly wipe out all the junk files. Using the program is indeed easy. It also works fast when both scanning for files and deleting files. There's an annoying nag screen, but overall this program is very easy to use.
TweakNow RegCleaner Though most average users would be just as well served by the free version of this utility, TweakNow RegCleaner Professional offers a few extra features that will help keep your PC clean as a whistle.