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19 May 2011 By ABradney-George

A Guide To Finding A Free Registry Cleaner

19 May

Looking for a reliable, free registry cleaner? Read on for tips on what to look for in this type of free software.

The Windows Registry stores information on settings and configuration options and is a vital part of Windows operating systems. In many cases, when information is outdated or programs are unused, this data is not removed from the registry and can cause performance problems.

Enter registry cleaners - software that is designed to remove unwanted or unused data from the Windows Registry. Most registry cleaners perform two basic, but essential tasks:

Scanning the registry for any unnecessary information; and
Deleting or repairing registry errors

The specialized nature of registry cleaners means that many of them, like the popular choices Registry Mechanic and Registry Reviver, come at a cost. But the good news is that PC cleaning software is a growing market, and even some Apple-focused software companies are releasing new registry products.

This also means there are legitimate free registry cleaners on the market, such as the popular CCleaner software from Piriform which cleans up the registry as well as other elements that can slow down a PC. For basic computer optimization, a program like CCleaner or Iobit's Advanced SystemCare is ideal.

But what about other free registry cleaner options? As with any software, performing a search and considering all the options can be an important part of the selection process.

The important thing is to be aware that registry and PC cleaners have been known to mask malware and other malicious software. With this in mind, there are a few things you can do to find a legitimate free registry cleaner option, including:

Searching for free registry cleaners on trusted websites
Looking at different reviews and articles about registry cleaners
Posting on software forums like Gizmo's Freeware Forum for insights and information from other users

Another option to consider is using a free trial version of registry cleaner software. While many trials have limited capabilities, cleaners like CheckIt Registry Cleaner offer free scans to determine how much benefit you can get from the software.

Whether it's to speed up a slow PC, get rid of error notices or target specific problems, a registry cleaner can help to get things back on track. Starting with something free means you can try it out and find what works before investing in a paid product.