Step 1

Learn what your registry does. Your Window's based PC's registry is like the nerve center. It holds all of the information for programs, hardware, and the settings that your computer requires to operated. Basically, it is set up into five separate components - each serving an important purpose in the operation of your computer.

Often when a computer starts to slow down or crash, it is because there is an error in the registry. Errors here can be caused by software being installed or removed, changes in computer settings from your control panel, power interruption where you computer shuts down while it is processing information and even from malicious files such as trojans, worms and viruses even after they have been removed or fixed.

Step 2

Start by choosing a registry cleaner with good ratings. You can find them at Download.com with user ratings for each one. I use one called Abexo Free Registry Cleaner which is free to use.

Step 3

Install the registry cleaner and first run a backup of your registry using the utility contained in the registry cleaner. Then use the registry cleaner to scan your registry and remove the files that it finds. Most of these are broken links to programs that were once installed, or fragments from when you did not shut down Windows correctly. Use the defragmenter contained in the registry program as well. Next, go to START, PROGRAMS, ACCESSORIES, SYSTEM TOOLS, and run Disk Defragmenter. Your computer should be noticeably faster after this procedure.