This site will review the different registry scanning and fixing programs that are available on the internet. We’ll be looking at how effective the programs are at finding and fixing errors in the Windows Registry and therefore how good they are at helping to make your computer faster and less prone to crashes.

One of the best programs we’ve found is Error Sweeper. It runs daily and reports any errors found. You can then fix the errors at the click of a button.

Like most of the registry scanner programs reviewed here, Error Sweeper offers a download that will perform a free scan of your computer, so if you’re fortunate enough not to have any problems with your Windows Registry, you’ll be told immediately. You can download your free scanner here.

• Registry Scanners (6)

Registry Fix scans through your Windows registry.

It checks for the following items:

• Programs that start automatically when Windows start. Sometimes these can get added without your knowledge or permission, slowing down your computer and possibly raising security issues.
• The integrity of the registry. Like any other file on your system, it’s possible for your registry to get corrupted.
• Active X controls. These are used by various software programs but can get damaged or left behind when you upgrade a program.
• Paths to applications. If you’ve accidentally dragged a program away from it’s correct location, this check will spot that.
• Missing help files. Most of the time, these are more of an annoyance but it’s useful to know.
• MRU locations. This means the most recently used file locations that software helpfully stores for you.
• Invalid shortcuts, where a shortcut to a program (for instance, on your desktop or in the start menu) is no longer valid.
• Shared program files - the files in your Windows directory that are used by a number of different programs, to help Windows be easier to use.
• Files listed under Add/Remove Programs in your Control Panel. Some software doesn’t completely uninstall, often when it’s been upgraded. This removes the entries that are no longer valid.
• Various other checks that help keep your system healthy and up to speed.