Solutions to errors » Clean Your Registry: Repair for Windows XP Lag

Every PC owner has their favorite or default operating system.  For many, that favorite is Windows XP.  As with all PC systems, XP is prone to the dreaded slowing and decrease in performance commonly known as computer lag.  This article will explain to you how cleaning your registry is one of the best methods to repair for Windows XP lag.

Registry basics: What is a registry and how does it get “dirty”?

Your PC’s registry is a collection of files and keys that are used for the proper execution of all programs, software, and utilities on your PC.  So basically, your registry is the hub of all PC function.  Everything you do, every program you open, utility you use, software you install, all of it goes through and is executed by your registry.

Your registry gets “dirty” through regular usage of your PC.  Programs and software are installed and uninstalled, keys are downloaded when you visit new websites.  Over time, keys, files, and links are accumulated in your registry.  Through neglect and improper PC usage, your registry becomes bloated, cluttered, and fragmented.

Files and keys become corrupted with misuse of your PC (namely improper or hard shutdown of programs and/or your PC), duplicate keys are created when programs are updated or reinstalled, and unused keys and files litter your registry when they could be eliminated to free up space.  Free space on your registry means no registry bloat, which keeps files and keys stable and prevents corruption and errors from occurring.

Symptoms of a “dirty” registry:

The main symptom of a dirty registry is, of course, lag.  Slow response time, poor program execution, freezing or catching during loading, they are all frustrating symptoms.  Overall decrease in PC performance, prevalence of errors including Windows errors, Java errors, and blue screen errors, and harmful PC crashing are also symptoms of a dirty registry.

How to clean your registry:

The best way to clean your registry is to download and utilize a good registry cleaner.  The software will scan your registry for errors, corrupt keys and links, duplicate and unneeded files, and it will fix and eliminate what you need, all at the click of a button.  A good registry cleaner will also defragment and organize your registry, recover lost keys, and perform regular scheduled scans to keep your registry in tiptop shape.