Cleaning Your Windows Database

The Windows Database is one of the most important components of your computer. It's like a garage where you store your important details and all of your recently installed and recently uninstalled files and devices. But the problem with the Windows Database is that it is unable to properly clean itself. Over time it becomes cluttered with old, unnecessary files and if you ignore this for too long, the mess causes your computer's operating system to slow down, making it hard to start and run programs effectively. If you manage the problem early, and manually clean the system, you can avoid this.

Cleaning the Windows Database is an incredibly easy process. First, you have to launch the "Editor". Open the Start Menu by clicking the "Start" button, then, click "Run". A text box will appear. Type the word "regedit" into the text box. Next, click "Enter" and then "OK". You now have access to the Windows Database. Time to start cleaning.

Once you are in the Windows Database you will see several main sections. Each of these sections has a different entry set that is related to corresponding aspects of the Windows Operating System. The sections are: HKEY_CURRENT_USER, HKEY_USERS, HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.

You should also be familiar with the basic layout of the editor: the left windowpane is for the tree, or menu, and the right windowpane is for individual values. Beside each item in the menu (left windowpane) is a plus sign (+). If you click on one of these plus signs, it will open a more detailed list of items that you can choose from within that particular section. This menu will help you to easily find and select entries that need to be deleted. To do this, select the unnecessary item and click "Delete."

Just like hiring a maid to do your dirty work, you also have the option of using a third-party application to clean your Windows Database. How do you know which one to choose? Look for one that has the backup and restore features. Should you accidentally delete a file that you need, these features will allow you to retrace your steps and get that file back. You should also clean the boot records for programs that load themselves at startup such as Quicktime Player, Adobe Reader, and Real Player. To do this, select the CURRENT_USER and LOCAL_MACHINE directories until you reach Software/Microsoft/Windows/Run/RunOnce.

When cleaning your Windows Database, always make backup copies of your system files before cleaning. There are several ways to do this. You could choose "System Restore" from the System Tools. You could use the ntbackup.exe file or downloading the backup application from the Microsoft website. Or you could select the "File" menu and choose "Export." From the "Export Range" panel, click on "All" and then choose a location for your backup files. Enter your name and save the files. Some PC optimization software also has this feature.

If you do plan to clean your Windows Database, make sure you know which entries you need to delete and which entries to keep. Make sure you do not delete programs that are critical to the proper functioning of your computer's operating system. Always read the entry definition before deleting. If you are unsure, do not delete the file.

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