The Windows Registry is both the boon and bane of the PC world, a world that almost exclusively belongs to Microsoft. The registry is the core of any Windows PC. It hides in the background and is deliberately difficult to access manually due to the dangers involve. One wrong move and your computer becomes a very expensive paperweight.

The registry literally controls every aspect of the computer, an Orwellian Big Brother of the PC. You might think you control your computer, but no. That is the job of the registry. If you are nice, it will allow you to make suggestions from time to time, but never directly.

Of course, if you are very brave, you can attempt to speak to the great and powerful Oz, but it is not advised. That is why several software companies have created registry cleaners to help optimize the registry for you. You tell the software what you want to accomplish and how to accomplish it, and the software searches the thousand of keys and values within the Registry with an efficiency that no human being could hope to match. Of course, even supercomputers are not perfect, so you should always back up or ghost your PC before beginning such an operation. Of course, you back up all your important data already, don’t you?

Some of the more popular registry cleaning software packages are RegCure, Registry Mechanic, and Registry Easy, all of which can be downloaded from Answer Registry Reviews, where you can also find software reviews and relevant articles on the Windows Registry. RegCure from ParetoLogic has the highest review, although the three each have their pros and cons and are rather evenly matched (each receiving at least 4 out of five stars). Registry Mechanic came in second, but it comes from PC Tools, a highly respected company that offers a number of software tools and free support. Registry Easy offers free technical support and a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee and it is, well…easy!

It’s important to keep you registry clean as it can become quite bloated after weeks or months of usage storing Internet histories, temporary file information, and a ton of other information that is no longer relevant or useful. A bloated registry can slow your computer considerably, and may even harbor pernicious viruses that have hidden activation triggers deep inside where they cannot easily be found. Computer “best practices” include regularly backing up all your important data, running a defragmentation utility and cleaning your registry. Failing to do any of these things is like driving your car without checking the oil – ever. Eventually the engine seizes up into a solid mass. There never seems to be a “good time” for a computer crash, so proper maintenance is essential.

For more discussion on the Windows Registry, check out the reviews and articles at Answer Registry Reviews . If you find a solution that you like, you can use links on the site to download and purchase the software as well.

One of the most important parts of your Windows operating system (OS) is hidden from view: the System Registry. Microsoft deliberately keeps the registry out of sight and out of mind because unauthorized changes to it can be devastating to the health of your computer. Unfortunately, even authorized changes – such as those made by various software programs and even by Windows itself – can be just as devastating if done incorrectly or if one change conflicts with configuration information that is already in the registry. Many people know to back up their data, but few know to backup the registry itself.

Most versions of Windows will allow you to back up your registry or set a “system restore point.” Much of this is done automatically for you. Unfortunately, if the OS itself stops working for some reason, you may not be able to get to the restore service for your particular flavor of Windows. And a backup without the ability to restore is useless.

For Windows Vista, you begin by typing “systempropertiesprotection” (without the quotes) in the Start Search box then press ENTER. You may be asked for an Administration password. Once you click Allow, Windows will search all hard disks for the most recently saved system restore points. Windows should create on every time it detects a major change to the system. For example, when installing new software, Windows will create a system restore point before the installation and any changes take place. This way, if something goes wrong Windows can reboot safely as if the errant installation never happened.

To backup the system in its current configuration, click on the System Protection tab in the System Properties dialog box, then click Create. Enter a name for the new restore point you are creating and click Create again. Once the restore point has been created, click OK twice to return to the desktop.

To restore the system to a previous restore point, follow the same procedures as above, but this time choose System Restore under the System Protection tab. Select the “Choose a different restore point” option and then choose the restore point you wish to revert to. Generally speaking, you should try to restore using the most recent restore point to ensure that most of the functionality remains intact. Unfortunately, Windows has a nasty habit of going through what seems like the entire restore process only to give a message that the restore failed. If that happens, work your way back until you come to one that works.

There are other options available as well. Third party software can backup and restore your Window Registry, in many cases even if your Windows OS stops functioning completely. Such programs often can prevent problems by properly maintaining and optimizing the registry by removing unused keys that clog your system. Removing these keys can significantly improve performance.

For more information on the Windows Registry, check out the articles at Answer Registry Reviews. There are reviews of popular registry cleaning, backup and restore  software products and you can even use links on the site to download and purchase software online

]]> http://www.answer-registryreviews.com/blog/how-to-backup-and-restore-the-windows-registry-in-vista.html/feed 0 http://www.answer-registryreviews.com/blog/windows-registry-repair-%e2%80%93-the-most-common-questions-answered.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=windows-registry-repair-%25e2%2580%2593-the-most-common-questions-answered http://www.answer-registryreviews.com/blog/windows-registry-repair-%e2%80%93-the-most-common-questions-answered.html#comments Sun, 27 Dec 2009 14:50:18 +0000 John Russell http://www.answer-registryreviews.com/blog/?p=377 In the following article we’re going to address the most common questions and obstacles that anyone trying to fix a slow or malfunctioning computer has run into, including:  “What is the Windows Registry?”, “Why is my PC running much slower than it used to?”, “How can I be sure my Registry is the problem, and not spyware, etc?”, “Do I need Registry Repair Software or can I just fix my registry myself?”, “What’s the easiest way to repair my computer’s registry?”, “Will registry repair programs fix my PC once and for all?” and “Which registry cleaning software is the best?”

1. What is the Windows Registry?

The Windows operating system has a database where all the information necessary to the proper functioning of the computer is stored – this database is called ‘the registry’.

It stores information about everything from hardware configurations, application data, drivers, user settings, and virtually any other system process. That is why a properly functioning registry is integral to a smooth running PC.

For more info on how to access and edit the registry with your version of Windows (95, 98/ME, 2000, XP and Vista), read this article.

2. Why is my PC running much slower than it used to?

There are a number things that can cause a computer to become slower over time, including:

a) Too many programs launching automatically on startup draining memory & CPU resources. When you install new software unselect, if you can, the option to run automatically on start-up.

b) Adware/Spyware and viruses can causes all sorts of issues with your computer, including a reduction in performance. Scan your computer with a good anti-virus and anti-malware program on a regular basis, and make sure the software is updated frequently.

c) A corrupted or overloaded registry.

d) Damaged hardware components or improper functioning/installation of those components.

RegistryResource.com’s main focus is reason c) – identifying and fixing Windows registry-related problems.

3. How can I be sure my Registry is the problem, and not spyware, etc?

To be certain that the problem lies in the registry, you first need to scan your computer for viruses, adware and spyware with a reputable anti-virus as well as an anti-malware program; such as Norton Anti-virus, AVG, Malware Bytes, AdAware, and so on.

Then you’ll need to run a full registry scan with a renowned registry scanning program, like RegCure.

Consult this article for more information on this.

Or, do a registry scan right now, for free, by clicking here to download RegCure’s free scanning tool.

4. Do I need Registry Repair Software or can I just fix my registry myself?

It is technically possible to edit and fix your registry yourself if you are a well-experienced computer technician, and have a perfect understanding of the complex and intricate systems involved in the Windows operating system. If that’s the case, you can consult this article for some basic information on how to do this.

But to be clear, this should only be attempted if you have been trained to do this and you are absolutely certain you are capable of editing your registry keys, drivers and associated files.

Even the slightest alteration to your registry, if not done properly, can render your PC completely unable to function, and could potentially result in a loss of all your files.

These untrained people are usually left with no other option but to fully re-install the operating system.

If you would prefer to steer clear of these risks, registry cleaning software like RegCure safely scan, identify and repair faulty registry entries for you.

5. What’s the easiest way to repair my computer’s registry?

As indicated above, the quickest, simplest and safest way to fix or clean up & optimize your registry is to use a reputable registry cleaning program. For detailed reviews and comparisons of the leading registry repair programs, click here.

6. Will registry repair programs fix my PC once and for all?

Registry cleaning software will fix whatever registry-related issues are currently affecting your computer. However, registry malfunctioning occurs over time with everyday computer use – i.e. downloading & uploading files, installing & uninstalling programs, changing system settings, installing new drivers, etc.

That’s why it’s important to scan and maintain the integrity of your computer’s registry on an ongoing basis. For this reason, it’s a good idea to use a registry cleaner that has a built-in scheduling feature, like RegCure, to ensure this is done automatically.

7. Which registry cleaning software is the best?

Ultimately, that depends on your needs, some registry cleaners offer features that others don’t. Consult our reviews section for a better idea of what the leading programs on the market have to offer.

We usually recommend RegCure, because we’ve found it to be the most consistent and comprehensive registry repair tool currently available.

What is it Registry? This is the place Oh windows saves all settings of our computer: device attached to him until there any company that created the software that reside there. Because it was so big in the data, many programs write to him at once, which can cause the kind you mention.

Despite all the warnings and head usually bears the instructors Raja various Registry, once you see the breast not so big.

Which reminds me – Warning: Registry is one of the most important elements in the operating system. Berg hit Registry may drag unexpected results. Please consistent steps mentioned in this guide carefully and caution.

Well, now that we remove heart from  the warnings, we can see the breast not so bad. What is the Registry? This tool host  most of our computer’s settings: device company which manufactures and name of the software were silent. Due to its size and the fact that most of the time many of  multiple programs simultaneously facing him, sometimes have to correct problems created manually.

Before going to repair, learn how to make changes in Registry and how to back him.

Understanding Registry

To do we use software that comes with the XP, called Regedit.
1. Press the Start (Start), Run (Run) and enter Regedit

On the left side of the window we see the list of keys Registry is composed of them. Keys in the hierarchy of life: hard times on the key next to the sign “+” will open all of these below. Each key can also be values, which we can see right part of the screen. Each has a name and data stored in it.

If you are prompted to navigate the key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft \, you will need to press before the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. List of keys that appeared on the Software known sequel.

Backup

1. Regedit software in the left window select the My Computer (My Computer).

2. On the File menu (File) Press Export (Export)

3. The left of the screen that opens click on My Documents (My Documents). In the name field enter the word Backup and date backup.

4. Press Save (Save).
The result is a backup file of your document library.

Restore

If you are not satisfied with the results changes Registry, you can restore it to its previous state.
Follow these steps only if you want to restore:
1. Open the Windows Explorer.
2. Navigate to the My Documents (My Documents).
3. Locate the file called Backup that you created initially.

4. Double click it.
5. accpet

Now fix the menu to add / remove

1. Press the Start (Start), Run (Run) and enter Regedit.
2. Back up the Registry.
3. Navigate to the key

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall

Each key is below – Uninstall is actually a line on the menu to add / remove. Any one of the keys has a value (on the right side of the window) that contains the name.

4. Find the keys you want to remove and press them with the right button. Select Delete (Delete).

5. accpet.

The guide is divided into five parts:

1. Delete Spyware (Spyware)

2. Maintaining your computer by cleaning and repair of temporary files / Registry

3. Scans viruses and ways to get rid of them

4. Defragment hard drive

5. Deleting files refuse to be erased

Important note: It is important to note one more thing before you start to implement everything listed in the directory: All the actions you do according to the guide, are your responsibility alone to. System site or write the guide are not responsible for any damages that may be caused by improper use of the manual.

1. Delete spyware (Spyware)

First, start with an explanation of the term spyware / spyware:

Spyware are small programs eggs computer when you surf questionable sites (porn sites or Warz, for example). Our job is to collect information about your computer (what sites you surf, what software you use, etc.), then send him to a third party, which is somewhere across the Web. Thus, these programs take advantage of parasitism abuse your system’s resources, to spy behind you.

To get rid of spyware eggs computer while browsing the Internet / software installation (which includes spyware in it), use software designed to locate and destroy them.

Today, there are many software Spyware from your dedication; following software are recommended the most (whether in terms of frequency of software updates, or effectiveness):

These are the leading software that will help you get rid of spyware that infected you.

* It is important to mention – you are asked to update each of these programs immediately after installation. It is important to regularly updated, so the software can find as much spyware on your computer, because new versions are distributed on nearly every day. Now consider the HijackThis program in detail:

HijackThis is a little more professional software and other programs that were offered up. The software scans places around killing ‘way hard drive itself and other software just can not scan.

Note that when you perform a scan, do not delete the software shows all the results at the end, very careful and choose to delete items, because you can delete critical files of different programs, causing many problems.

To allow a user to understand which files are dangerous, the site offers the HijackThis tool allowing you to analyze the log files of the software.

Brief explanation of the use of the service of the site:

When you activate the software, Select Do a system scan and save a Logfile.

Scan type that makes you get at the end of the scan a text file, which records all scan results and all necessary data.

Now, what you should do to scan the log automatically with the site, is to keep all the content that appears in the text file you have at the end of the scan, and copy the window in the center of the top site above.

Once they are copied to the entire contents of the log into the window, click on the “Analyze” – now you can see the results obtained.

Results of the analysis, at each file, you can see if it Safe (correctly, I mean it’s not a spyware or a virus), Nasty (a dangerous – to remove it), Unknown – Unknown file (in which case you will need to run a file search on — Google and see if he is dangerous or not) Possibly nasty (file is probably dangerous, even this search on Google will help) and finally – Unnecessary (File is no longer necessary system – a file that can be highly recommended to delete any situation, because he was just a unnecessary / incorrect in his path).

Important note:

If you want to remove HijackThis will most efficiently and optimally – to perform the removal process of the files on – “Safe Mode” (Safe-Mode), because there are many pests that can be erased in normal mode, since they make use of processes / programs running in the background .

Important note: We recommend you to good on the blog before you remove something, and if you see any suspicious file that there is no sign that the site is as dangerous, do not hesitate to do a Google search and discover information about the file in question.

2. Maintenance and repair your computer by cleaning of temporary files / Registry

Beginning to end you place on your computer? You feel that the computer started running slowly?

Some reasons are temporary files (which can get very much of your hard drive) remaining files Berg ‘way / files Raja way defective.

Kill files’ way are actually Database files (data base) guards in them all the information about the various settings of your operating system.

Also, there are plenty of programs that perform actions to clean temporary files and patches Reg-way, but here recommend only a few of them:

Registry Mechanic ™ 9.0 – software that repairs files cleaner Reg-way computer. The software performs Deep Scan Registry, it is actually a thorough scan in files registry

explanation of Use of the Software Registry Mechanic:

The initial screen of the software, you will see a number of different options; this guide we explain the general role of each one:

The first button – Scan Your Registry, this is the button that activates the scan operation. Clicking this button will bring you to the screen with detailed status performed various scans at the same time.

Second button – Reset Optimization, is the button that returns the system settings from your usual settings.

The default software is Cshhgdrot of your system settings tailored to be optimal, so the computer’s performance will be best.

After clicking the button and go back to original settings, the button’s caption becomes to Optimize Your System (the name is – optimize your computer’s performance and return the situation where your system is set to be the most optimal action).

The third button – Compact Registry, run the compression of all files and kill ‘way in the system.

Compression of files killed ‘way can help improve system speed slightly (though the degree of effect depends on the size of reservoir killed’ way – if the pool kill ‘your way huge, it can expand to be very noticeable in terms of performance).

Note that compression killed ‘way can take some time … Depends on how many files killed ‘way there.

Recommended software options:

Windows Registry Repair Pro 4.0 - Software that removes files Raja way defective computer.

Windows and Internet Cleaner – Temporary files cleaner software of Internet Explorer plus Windows temporary files.

CleanCenter - additional software cleaning unnecessary files from your computer.

These programs also you are asked to update immediately after installation, software operation to be the most efficient possible.

3. Scans computer viruses and ways to get rid of them

This section links and explanations displayed on a computer infected with viruses therapy.

Today there are a large number of software to scan and remove viruses, some free and some fee. We recommend the two programs, which we think are the best.

Kaspersky Interent Security 2010 – great software to scan and destruction of viruses in your computer. The software is updated relatively fast antivirus – other virus, in addition to its fast and efficient scanning. Software interface is easy, convenient and friendly to operate.

* Note: Kaspersky Anti-Virus Personal Pro is not free.

AVG Anti-Virus - AVG software is antivirus – virus successfully, with good reviews and recommendations, and the software we have chosen to recommend it here.

Our experience with the software, we can definitely set her anti – virus free best that exists today.

Explanation on the use AVG software:

Using the software is very easy, not least because of its convenient interface. As usual, after installing the software you need to update it, to maintain high efficiency.

The software update is done by clicking the Check for Updates button in the main screen. The update adds new virus database software, fix bugs (if there are such) and more.

After the update, click on the button Test Center, also located in the main screen of the software, to enter various modes of scanning software. Now, press the Scan Computer button to start a full scan of Mhsbcm.

After the scan, will show to you a complete list of viruses the software located on your computer (of course always better than this list will be empty).

To delete the file using the software, simply click on the Browse button and select the problematic file.

Then you are offered four different ways to delete the file, and try each one until the file is deleted. However, note that the last option performs the action “del *.*”, which deletes all the files in the same folder where the file is problematic, so made sure to collect it (which is also not recommended to do this if the file is located in the –

root, for example, c: \).

If you’ve tried to use Delete Doctor software, which did not help, try to use the software when you are on – “Safe Mode” (Safe-Mode).

The third method is to use KNOPPIX Linux Live CD, and here we’ll expound on the subject.

If after you’ve tried the two ways we suggested above, the file still refuses to be erased, this method is probably the final solution to solve the problem.

KNOPPIX is an operating system based on Linux, and powered directly from the CD automatically, without writing any information on the hard drive (you can call it “mobile operating system”).

Because the use of any other operating system is not related to the current operating system on your computer, there would be no problem to delete the files Hbaitiim (which now no longer dependent on any software or in any process, so it would be possible to delete them).

Most likely if you use this way, you experience the following issue: Knoppix sets the drives as Read Only (which means you can not make changes on the drive, only to watch the files in it). To overcome this problem, you have to set the Knoppix so that it becomes the drives to Writable (can rewrite, delete actions that not possible when the drives are set as Read Only).

So what did the manual?

* Erased unwanted spyware from your computer, and actually improved the speed of general web browsing speed of your computer.

* Fixed files Raja corrupted Registry, which could cause problems with different software.

* Out of the way viruses / Trojans that made the computer was vulnerable to attack by hackers broken.

* Caused the hard drive to run faster by making fusion.

* Problematic files out of the way who will not be erased.

Now, if you want your computer will continue to operate without some problems, make sure to frequently all necessary steps to maintain adequate computer.

4. Defragment hard drive

Lots of times when you install and remove software or games from the drive, Christians split files, split Ocskiimim files from your hard drive, his reading becomes slower because it is not continuous.

The result of not reading the disk’s continuous, is a general slowness of the system (installation of software / games will be longer, for example).

Very important to defragment your hard drive often, so it will provide you with optimal performance. In fact, it is recommended to perform the defragmentation at least once a month.

Defragment the hard drive can be made using the Disk Defragmenter included with Windows operating system help me, or using external software. In any case, an identical content – both from the labyrinthine files on your hard drive, letting the continuous call.

If you do not rely on Windows and wanting to perform the defragmentation using external software, then Diskeeper will do the job properly.

Version proposed link above is for a limited trial version limited. After this time the software lock not make purchase the full version.

5. Deleting files refuse to be erased

Happened to you were trying to delete a file, simply refused to be erased?

We encountered situations where we try to delete any file on your hard disk but get a message claims the file is being used and can not be removed.

In this situation there are several methods to try to delete the file:

The first is to raise the operating system in Safe Mode (Safe Mode) and try to delete the offending file (in safe mode many processes and services on inactive, there is a chance that the process / software that use the file will not be possible to delete the file).

The second method is to use software Delete Doctor, to get rid of the file once and for all. Our experience, Delete Doctor is an excellent software that help many people to remove stubborn files from your computer.

To delete the file using the software, simply click on the Browse button and select the problematic file.

Then you are offered four different ways to delete the file, and try each one until the file is deleted. However, note that the last option performs the action “del *.*”, which deletes all the files in the same folder where the file is problematic, so made sure to collect it (which is also not recommended to do this if the file is located in the — root, for example, c: \).

If you’ve tried to use Delete Doctor software, which did not help, try to use the software when you are on – “Safe Mode” (Safe-Mode).

The third method is to use KNOPPIX Linux Live CD, and here we’ll expound on the subject.

If after you’ve tried the two ways we suggested above, the file still refuses to be erased, this method is probably the final solution to solve the problem.

KNOPPIX is an operating system based on Linux, and powered directly from the CD automatically, without writing any information on the hard drive (you can call it “mobile operating system”).

Because the use of any other operating system is not related to the current operating system on your computer, there would be no problem to delete the files Hbaitiim (which now no longer dependent on any software or in any process, so it would be possible to delete them).

Most likely if you use this way, you experience the following issue: Knoppix sets the drives as Read Only (which means you can not make changes on the drive, only to watch the files in it). To overcome this problem, you have to set the Knoppix so that it becomes the drives to Writable (can rewrite, delete actions that not possible when the drives are set as Read Only).

So what did the manual?

* Erased unwanted spyware from your computer, and actually improved the speed of general web browsing speed of your computer.

* Fixed files Raja corrupted Registry, which could cause problems with different software.

* Out of the way viruses / Trojans that made the computer was vulnerable to attack by hackers broken.

* Caused the hard drive to run faster by making fusion.

* Problematic files out of the way who will not be erased.

Now, if you want your computer will continue to operate without some problems, make sure to frequently all necessary steps to maintain adequate computer.