The Windows registry is an extremely critical component of any Windows operating system. It is the system’s central database that stores both dynamic as well as static information about your system. Whenever you open programs, browse the internet or change the settings, not to mention install or uninstall any program, the registry is updated with changes and entries regarding these operations. Most of these changes remain behind in the registry even after the function they were used for has been performed which leads to the registry getting fragmented, bloated and corrupted at places.

In order to keep your operating system functioning optimally and to restore the health of your registry, it is important that you keep cleaning and repairing your registry periodically. This can be easily done by following the step by step instructions given below:

Any windows operating system cannot run without a registry. Since cleaning up your registry will involve deleting and editing entries, it is important that you keep a backup of your current registry with you just in case your system encounters problems after a registry repair. In order to backup your registry, go to Run, and type in Regedit. When the Registry window opens, click on Export Registry, then type a name and Save your registry in the Save dialog box. Having a backup of you registry ensures that you can restore your system to its earlier state in case any crucial files accidentally get deleted while cleaning up your registry.

In case you are an expert, you can clean up your registry using the Regedit function, but this is both tough and risky. The best method of cleaning up your registry is to use a registry cleaning software.

Registry cleaning softwares can be easily downloaded from the internet within minutes. Download a good software like Registry Easy, Reg Cure,Error Nuker, Reg Sweep,Reg Clean or Registry Repair Pro on your system. Even though these programs are not very costly, you can download a free trial version of most in case you do not want to spend your money without trying out the software first.

Once the program has been downloaded on your system, double click on the program icon to install it on your system. Follow the instructions in the installation dialog box till the installation is complete.

Now all that is required for you to clean up your system is to run the program. The software will first scan your registry for all kinds of errors and invalid or useless information. You can also perform a selective scanning of your registry but it is advised that you go ifor a full scan the first time round.

Once the registry cleaning software comes up with a list of all the errors present in your registry, all you need to do is delete them automatically. You can also delete the errors manually, leaving paths and information that you deem necessary in the registry.

After the registry is cleaned up and the software has done its job, you just need to restart your system to begin with a repaired and perfectly functioning registry.