Registry 101 & Why Your Registry Cleaner is Useless

10 Q&A’s about Your PC’s Registry & Registry Cleaners

Backstory

When I first came to Reimage, I had a lot to learn. I had no knowledge or experience in computer repair, being merely a content writer. My first few months working at Reimage, I had nothing but questions. One thing that completely mystified me was the topic of a computer’s registry and the role of registry cleaners in the PC repair market. I’d used them before on my own computer, in the effort to speed up PC performance and was convinced it was the be-all and end-all of home computer maintenance.

Winners of the First Holiday License Key Giveaway Contest

Without Reimage, about the ONLY way to really “Clean a Computer”
is to put it in the trash. Reimage saved mine!

- Sidney M. sent in a photo of him tossing his computer in the trash

Earlier this month, we asked our readers to send in photos/images/drawings of the most creative way to clean a computer. We received some great entries - some funny and very clever!

We want to thank you for all of your fantastic entries.

All winners will receive their keys by email tomorrow, so if you entered the contest – Check your inbox!

Why It’s Better to Pretend You Don’t Know Anything About Computers

Anti-Virus Programs Only Do Half the Job

Once your computer has been infected with a virus, it’s no longer your computer. After removing it with your trusty anti-virus software, you’re often left with lingering side-effects. The symptoms vary, but the bottom line is the same: Your computer doesn’t work the way it used to. Your favorite programs crash frequently, your registry entries are a mess and even your “Cute Kittens of the Month” desktop wallpaper is mysteriously missing.

Why did this happen? You’ve already removed the virus. Shouldn’t the havoc it caused go away, along with it? What about the damage caused to your system? Isn’t it simply erased, along with the malware that caused it?

Early Detection Can Prevent Major PC Damage

Just like in the medical profession, all PC problems that are detected early will be sure to save time, money and major frustration issues.

Viruses and Early Detection

The first viruses were written for nothing more than pranks. Today, viruses are meant to cause major damage to the Operating System, your personal data, and to even steal your identity. This makes it imperative to do early detection of viruses in order to minimize the extent of the damage and/or theft of identity factors.

What You Should Use to Fix Your PC: Registry Cleaners vs. Anti-Virus

If you’re computer is crashing and freezing all the time and some funny looking blue screen pops up every once in awhile, you may have some problems with your PC. Even if you don’t think you have problems with your PC, you probably still do. When your Internet Explorer shuts down every once in awhile while you’re browsing or you get an error message when you try to run a program, something is wrong with your PC. At this point, you have a couple options. You may want to choose a registry cleaner or you might want to use an anti-virus service. What happens if you need both or something completely different? Let’s clear up some confusion, in case there is any.

New Coalition Formed to Fight Malware

Three groups set up “Chain of Trust” initiative… read more.

Sophos Discovers New Trojan Malware

Gumblar becomes most widespread threat… read more.

Virus Attacks FBI and U.S. Marshals Service

U.S. agencies forced to disconnect the Internet… read more.

New Malware Targets Small Businesses

Computers that are not connected to the Web are also in danger… read more.