Here’s the problem: we all want our computers to run faster. It really doesn’t matter that today’s computers run like speed demons compared to the early years of personal computers. We simply want them to run faster.
All computers tend to slow down over a period of time. This can happen because we add programs that use more memory at start-up; the Operating System (OS) adds updates that also consume more memory; and, traditional hard drives naturally slow down when it comes to read/write times.
So, here we are on the Internet and we see something that reads “Computer slow? Speed it up now by cleaning the registry. There are left-over programs that are slowing down your computer. Install now!” These types of programs are called Registry Cleaners, Registry Optimizers and/or Registry Defragmenters.
Let me say this clearly: NEVER USE A REGISTRY CLEANER. Yes, ALL CAPS is the Internet equivalent of shouting and I’m shouting. When I say never use a registry cleaner, I’m talking about individual programs and ones included in other programs like CCleaner.
Don’t want to take my word for it? Here’s what Microsoft has to say about using registry cleaners:
- Microsoft does not support the use of registry cleaners. Some programs available for free on the internet might contain spyware, adware, or viruses.
- Microsoft is not responsible for issues caused by using a registry cleaning utility. We strongly recommend that you only change values in the registry that you understand or have been instructed to change by a source you trust, and that you back up the registry before making any changes.
- Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the use of a registry cleaning utility can be solved. Issues caused by these utilities may not be repairable and lost data may not be recoverable.
- Before you modify the registry, make sure you back it up, create a restore point, and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. 1
What is the registry? Think of it as the storage place for all the instructions needed to run the many programs you have on your computer.
Just in case you think I’m blowing smoke about registry cleaners, just Google or Bing the phrase “why you shouldn’t use a registry cleaner” and you’ll find the same advise I’m giving you from well-respected computer companies, including Malwarebytes – one of the best anti-malware companies out there.
In closing today’s post, let me just reiterate: NEVER USE A REGISTRY CLEANER!
(This post concerns only Windows users as it’s about the Operating System’s registry – which Apple computers don’t use. Apologies to all my Mac customers!)