PC Problem & Registry Cean [Archive] - The PC Guide Discussion Forums

johnk9159

09-30-2008, 06:50 AM

I have been having a problem for sometime with speed of my laptop and programs responding very slowly; indications show that from reading these and other foums, I need a registry clean; I have Windows XP installed.

Two weeks ago I used a registry cleaning program called Eusing which was highly recommedned by people in said forums but there has been no change to the problems experienced.

Today I used another free program called AML (free registry cleaner) but still the problems persist. I am not about to clean the entire contents of my laptop, losing vast amounts of valuable information in my files and/or to start reloading programs.

Had I paid for such programs, I am doubtful whether any change would have been seen and am of the opinion that the problems would still be with me.

Has anyone any thoughts or suggestions?

Thank you

Sylvander

09-30-2008, 08:10 AM

1. I have NEVER found it necessary to "clean" my registry.
It's a rather risky thing to do; liable to cause problems rather than fix them.
I have defragmented my registry using the FREE Lite version of Registrar Registry Manager got from here (http://www.resplendence.com/downloads).

2. I always make image backups along the way as I make changes [to hardware and/or software].
That way, if any change has any nasty consequence I can always go back to the way things were at various points in time when the images were made.
Not a good idea to be forced to move only forward with no possibility of retreat or reverse.
No need to be forced to accept any change for the worse.
I keep a written log [on loose A4 pages] of all hardware and software changes.

3. Here's the system I use in more detail:
(a) Move [almost] all data files off the Windows & Programs [C:] partition [I keep them on E: F: G:], and arrange a sensible amount of free space [and no more] on the partition.
This way it minimizes the size of image files of C:, and it's possible to restore an image to C: whilst leaving data files untouched/intact.

(b) I move all personal data files and those used by Windows and Programs to a small 1 GB D: partition, and make images of that which matches an image of C: made at the same time.
e.g. My Documents, address book, emails, password vault auto-backups, desktop folder, IE Favourites & Temporary Internet Files.
The various Image files of C: include the registry settings still pointing to these; a fresh install of Windows and programs would need to be pointed to these locations.

(c) Because of the above compartmentalization...
Problems that arise within one area [on a partition] tend to remain isolated in that area, and are easier to locate/identify.

(d) e.g. Because Windows and Programs do not have loads of data files getting in their way, things are more efficient.
File tables are smaller, files can be found faster, defragmentation is quicker/easier and more effective.
Hence they load faster.

(e) I make a small partition [1 GB = H:] to hold a fixed-size paging file.
Taking this paging file off C: reduces the tendency for C: to fragment.
Also the paging file on H: doesn't fragment.
And because the paging file is fixed in size, no CPU capacity is used in constantly calculating the needed size.

(f) Straightening up something that is crooked [the registry or whatever] is very difficult.
Alternatively...
Totally eliminating all chaos once it has crept in is also difficult; better to prevent it creeping in, or eliminate each tiny instance of it immediately it occurs by restoring an image made shortly before the unfortunate event.

(g) Hence, you should begin with a clean orderly [FAST] system and make images along the way [as changes take place], and "jump back" whenever you so much as suspect a change for the worse.
I've been doing that for years now; never been forced to re-install, and my system is now [and has always been] working well.

(h) See below screenshots of my image files of C: held in a folder on a partition on an external USB 2.0 connected HDD.
.