What is a Registry Scanner?

When you are using a PC with a Windows operating system installed, the settings and options for the configuration of the operating system are stored in the Windows registry, or registry. Not only is information stored about the operating system, but also about all the applications that are installed on the computer. While the creation of the Windows registry is a step forward in keeping data organized on the computer, not maintaining it can lead to issues with the system.

What is a Registry Scanner?

Over time, as a computer is used, data can be left in the registry due to installing and removing programs and moving folders and files around on the computer. These invalid entries will continue to build up in the registry, which will lead to the computer slowing down and even crashing. The reason the system slows is that all data in the registry is accessed when the computer is trying to do something. Time is wasted when the system comes across the leftover pieces of information and tries to interpret them and carry out various actions.

In order to ensure you have a fast running PC, it is important to clean and maintain the Windows registry regularly. What you shouldn’t do is try to remove files and folders from the registry yourself, but instead, you should download a registry scanner, which can analyze the registry for any errors and also provide fixes for these errors.

Choosing a Registry Scanner

A registry scanner, or registry cleaner, is a piece of software that can be downloaded from any number of websites. There are many different registry scanners available at different prices, so choosing a registry scanner can be a daunting task. When deciding on which registry scanner to download, the following should be taken into consideration:

  • Cost – Most registry cleaners provide a free registry scanner, which will analyze the registry on the computer. This will allow the user to determine if there are any problems with the registry before buying the full package to correct the issues. Also, most reputable companies offer a money back guarantee with purchase, so if you do decide to purchase a registry scanner, choose one of these products.
  • Capabilities – Different products provide different extra capabilities. These should be weighed up to determine what you need and what you are willing to pay for.
  • Effectiveness – How good is the registry scanner at finding the issues and what are the improvements that are a result of the corrections.
  • Testimonials – Good products will have good reviews and testimonials. Do your homework before choosing a product.

    • Registry Scanner Downloads

    WiseCleaner

    WiseCleaner provides a free scanner and cleaner program. Purchase of the professional version includes an optimization tool. This is one of the very few free cleaner programs and it has been highly rated by sites such as CNet.

    RegClean

    RegClean has been available for Windows operating systems since 2006 and is compatible with Windows 98, XP, ME, 2000 and Vista. It provides a free registry scanner and the user only pays if errors need to be corrected. It comes with a 56 day guarantee

    Registry Fix

    Registry Fix is available for all versions of Windows and has been in production since 2004. A free registry scanner is included and there is an 8 week guarantee with purchase. Registry Fix provides a thorough scan and detailed report of any errors encountered with the free scanner.