What is a Registry Checker?

A registry checker is a program that verifies and organizes a computer's start-up files so that it can load the operating system more efficiently. While in use, a registry checker will scan each item that is scheduled to launch as the computer starts to verify that it is a legitimate program. When errors or multiple instances of the same command are found, the program would try to repair the problems automatically. Some registry checker programs also scan for potentially dangerous files like viruses and malware.

Whenever a new program is downloaded to a computer or installed by a disk or flash drive, the system makes a note of it in the registry. This small file allows the computer to identify each program to understand when and how it should be used. Over a relatively short period of time, this start-up list of commands can reach drastically large numbers because of junk files, uninstalled programs, and numerous errors. Since the computer has to read through each line of registry code while starting up the operating system, overall speeds can be reduced to a fraction of what the manufacturer intended.

If a registry checker is used to rectify this problem, it reads each line of code just like the operating system would. The program comes equipped with the ability to recognize errors and duplicate files as the process is running, and each of these problems can be repaired or deleted as the scan is conducted. Since the registry is one of the most important sections of any computer system, keeping it free from errors is vital to its overall health.

Most operating systems come with a basic registry checker pre-installed, but in many cases, users would benefit from downloading a more comprehensive program. Many modern registry checker programs have detection methods that help them identify items that do not belong on the computer to begin with. Once these items are located, the program deletes them from the registry and blocks the program from launching automatically. Not only does this recover wasted processor speed and memory, but it also minimizes the chances of a critical system error.

It is also important to note that the registry itself is highly volatile, so it should never be intentionally altered manually. A registry checker only edits entries that are definitely safe to be altered or deleted. Backing up the system before using a registry cleaner is also a good habit for consumers to adopt since complications are always possible.