Common advice is that you do not need to run a registry cleaner with the newer Microsoft operating programs such as XP and Vista.  Because these operating systems are based on Windows NT instead of the registry, invalid or broken registry keys should not slow your PC down.

Malware such as adware and spyware might affect your registry file. Even if you are using XP or Vista, removal of these malware programs might leave bad or corrupt registry keys that affect your PC’s speed and performance.

If your software is not running efficiently, it is worth your time to check out the registry.

Microsoft’s operating systems include a program that is called “regedit” that you can access from the “start/run” command.  When you run the regedit program, you will be presented with the contents of your registry folder.  This will enable you to identify the bad keys and remove them directly from the registry, using the regedit program.

The non-technical computer user does not understand the meanings of the reigstry keys.  Non-technical people will be glad to know that there are some free or cheap software programs available that will identify any bad keys.  Depending on the program, the registry cleaner software will either delete the bad keys automatically or let you choose which invalid registry keys should be deleted.

Be cautious about downloading free registry cleaners or antivirus programs.  Some of these programs include malicious code such as spyware or trojans that can cause a lot of PC trouble for you down the road.  If you are on a tight budget and want a free program, use a directory such as cNet that verifies that the software is trojan and virus free.

If your software programs are not running efficiently, visit the NotGuru blog’s computer tips section, where you will find a step-by-step tutorial on how to clean your registry.  This tutorial includes screen shots for easy reference, and also recommends trusted registry cleaner software.