The computer system is not perfect and is undergoing the all-sought ideal perfection in function. Because of this, errors and bugs are to be expected every now and then, most especially if the user is not a computer techy or the like. One of the common areas whose problems lead to a slower computer and/or files not opening is the registry. For Windows Vista users, the registry may be a familiar "face" since editing it will require the user's permission. For XP user, the registry will just go out in the screen every now and then. The registry is sort of a directory that stores settings and options for Windows OS. Every information available in the computer (hardware, OS, software, options, user preferences, etc.) are duly stored in the registry. Computer savvy people know more than that. The operation of the system's kernel can peeked at through the registry - enabling view of performace status and issues plus some hardware information. But like any imperfect human-built machine part, the registry poses its own problems that may arise to mild cases.

If you install and uninstall programs/applications in the computer, the registry keeps track of the changes, the files and some other related information. Sometimes, applications does not uninstall properly (or worse, don't come with its uninstaller) and could leave entries in the registry. This could lead to "Software Rot" as the registry will then be filled with malfunctioning entries. Other problem is that when you install software to open specific files and made it default, uninstalling it without proper ways could lead to files in a certain group of file extensions not opening anymore (or asks the user what program to use every time it is opened). There is however a probably useful solution/cure for such type of file extension dilemma and that is to use a registry cleaner. But be careful though as cleaning your registry could lead to even worse situations (i.e. PC not booting anymore). Before you do some "cleaning", you must scan your registry first for possible errors that cause some file formats not to open. It is good to have a well-running registry to ensure every file format in your computer will not have problems in its execution.

Photo by joshaidan

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