Windows registry problems are one of those type of computer issues that you never know about until, suddenly, you're seeing pop up error boxes and your computer is crashing. That's what makes them one of the scariest, especially since an ill-timed registry issue can result in hours of lost work. However, there are ways you can go about protecting yourself and recovering from registry issues.

Recovery:

Fortunately, recovering the windows registry isn't that difficult. In fact, there are a ton of recovery programs out there that can help you, and some of them are even free. First off, before we start tinkering with the windows registry (it's the database that lists everything on your computer and helps everything work together, so it's not something you want to mess with unless you're sure it's the problem), I recommend doing a scan of your registry to see if the issue truly lies there. You can find reviews of a number of free windows registry scanners at our website

Once you've scanned your registry, the scanner may give you the option to repair any problems it found. Some free online windows registry scanners may simply say you have registry problems and point you to registry recovery software that you have to buy, but some won't.

If you need an idea of which Windows registry tool to get, you can read reviews and learn about them on our website. We will tell you which programs are free or offer a trial period. This way, you can fix your registry programs and decide if you want to buy the full version of a registry tool or not.

After the recovery is complete:

Once you've cleaned your registry, you might think you're home free, and you will be for a while. But then it will happen again: BAM! Windows will crash because of a registry error. Since you know how to fix this, you can go running right back to that registry scanner or repair program and run it again...and again in a month when you get another error...and again two weeks later.

"Why is this something that is destined to haunt my computer," you ask. Well, the answer is that registry problems may appear simple and easy to remedy, but a one-time repair is unlikely to fix the root of the problem. This occurs because of the way the registry functions as a database. This means that every time you put a new program on your computer or take one off, the registry has to adapt. While theoretically this should mean that when the programs are removed completely when you delete them, this is not always how it works in practice. These floating fragments of programs as well as adware, spyware, and different viruses can also corrupt your computer's registry.

Registry protection:

To keep your registry as protected as possible, you'll want to do a few things. First, of course, you'll want to continue to use that registry scanner every couple of weeks or so. This will keep registry errors from building up and help your computer run better.

A good habit to get into is to run your windows registry scan after you do your virus and spyware scans. Some windows registry repair tools, in fact, will let you set up an automated scan so you don't even have to think about it.

So, here's everything you need to remember about battling registry issues and keeping your Windows registry intact:

* Do a scan to make certain the registry is the problem. There's no sense messing with it if it's not causing your computer issues.

* Download a registry repair tool to repair the registry.

* Run registry scans regularly to fix problems as they occur.

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To read more about registry repair software, methods for repairing your windows registry, and tips on keeping your PC operating at peak efficiency, visit www.FreeRegistryScanner.com