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Registry
The Registry is a central database vital to the smooth and trouble-free operation of your computer system. Software programs, while installing, place entries in the Registry. This database then coordinates the operation of software with your entire system, so its maintenance and proper function is obviously quite essential.
Errors in the registry add up to crashes, slows, programs that won't run, and any number of odd glitches. Also, over time, the registry tends to become clogged with unnecessary entries from software programs that failed to fully unregister when the software was uninstalled - left unhandled long enough the result is a sluggish computer and potential trouble.
The most useful registry utilities address common registry errors as well as the entries left behind by uninstalled software programs. As you experiment with different registry cleaners you'll find they vary widely in detection capability. And as a word to the wise, until you gain full confidence in a registry utility, make sure you fully backup your system before allowing corrections.
Registry First Aid (Free Trial) - quality registry correction, latest version sports a new bright and clean interface
Easy Cleaner
Eusing Registry Cleaner
Registrar Lite - registry editor, often recommended for use in Hijack this handlings to locate the evasive AppInit_DLL (to address about:blank hijack troubles)
RegSupreme (Free Trial) - fast accurate registry cleaning and repair fom Macecraft. Finds old software entries most registry utilities miss.
JV16 PowerTools - also from Macecraft, a popular and inexpensive collection of tools including registry cleanup and repair, registry compactor, 2007 version will reportedly include defragmentation and many upgrades
Registry Repair Pro (Free Trial)
Registry Doctor (Free Trial) - from Elcor Software, smooth and polished interface, includes quality registry cleaning and repair, plus a Registry Toolkit for Registry Defrag and Backup.
System Mechanic 7 (Free Trial) - a polished suite including tools to cleanup, compact and defragment the registry, general Internet and temp files cleanup, hard disk defrag including boot time defragmentation of the MFT, System Page File and Registry Hives, Internet Connection Optimization. Plus Windows Tweak tools, Uninstaller, RAM optimization, Pop-up stopper, Spyware Wizard, and more. Settings for one-click and scheduled maintenance. Organized collection of quality tools. Pro includes Firewall & Virus protection.
CCleaner - mainly for use as a general cleanup utility, also includes address to some registry issues
Systweak Advanced Registry Optimizer (Free Trial)
TuneUp Utilities (Free Trial) - quality registry cleanup as part of a performance suite - the 2007 version includes a faster and more comprehensive registry cleaner. One-Click Maintenance provides a handy tool for registry handling and quick cleanup. Suite also includes disk cleanup, Windows Tweaks, Icon Cache repair (very handy for those times when icons bring up the wrong program), Internet connection optimization, Uninstaller, RAM optimization, System TuneUp wizard, StartUp manager, and more.
Win Optimizer Platinum 3 (Free Trial) - registry repair utility as part of suite
Advanced Uninstaller Pro (Free Trial) - contains registry repair utility as part of uninstaller suite
PC Medik (Free Trial) - from PGWare, Black Box app improves performance through registry and system tweaks. I'm not generally a fan of Black Box apps (apps where you can't see the specific changes occuring), but this product really impressed. Consider also PCBoost for CPU utilization boost, and Throttle for Internet speed boost.
Reg Organizer (Free Trial)
Registry Mechanic (Free Trial)
WinTools Classic (Free Trial) - quality registry cleaning, also provides a Tweak UI function, general cleanup, startup and system folders access and control, and a clean uninstaller tool (monitors installations and facilitates a complete removal). Also available in a version called WinTools Professional which includes additional tools: Net Tweaker, The Privacy, Eraser, Invisible Man, File Shredder, and additional settings for the Tweak UI tool.
INFORMATION: Registry Permissions - you may have attempted to correct the registry with a utility only to receive messages that you do not have the necessary permissions to make changes to certain registry keys, resulting in the utility continually 'finding' the same registry errors over and over again. The problem typically lies with altered permissions in the registry database. By setting the Registry permissions to their default settings, your utility should be able to make the necessary corrections.