• Registry repair programs increase system speed and stability by repairing corrupt registry entries.computer image by fotografiche.eu from Fotolia.com
  
  On computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system, the registry serves as a database that stores configuration settings such as software options, hardware options and user profiles. Because Windows constantly references such information, the registry is vital for a healthy system. To keep things running smoothly, numerous developers offer a varied selection of registry repair programs for the Windows XP operating system.
  
  

Registry Mechanic

• The popular Registry Mechanic program focuses on cleaning, repairing and optimizing Windows registry systems. According to the software's developers at PC Tools, Registry Mechanic cleans the registry to speed up the PC, optimizes Windows operating system performance, protects Internet privacy and personal information, safely deletes unwanted files and makes deleted files completely unrecoverable, rather than leaving behind artifacts that take up space. The tool also cleans the history of third-party programs, such as chat tools, image software and file-sharing applications. Registry Mechanic's scheduler tool works automatically, cleaning and repairing the registry at pre-determined calendar points. Once the registry is repaired, the tool creates data backups. Additionally, it tunes up start times, monitors performance and repairs invalid registries to prevent freezing, crashing and slowed PC performance. Registry Mechanic runs on Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows Vista systems. PC Tools offers the program for downloadable purchase at its official website.
  
  

Free Windows Registry Repair

• As its name suggests, Free Window Registry Repair---up to its second version in 2010---is a cost-free registry repair program for the Windows platform. This lightweight tool offers simple, straightforward repair functions via a clear menu and step-by-step instructions. Free Window Registry Repair performs full registry scans or scans selected areas only, depending on the user's choice. Once a scan is complete, the program displays data and data keys sorted by problem type. The software then automatically fixes the problem and creates a backup of the registry item, which can be reinstated on the "Restore" menu. In addition, Free Window Registry Repair creates specified scanning exclusion points and system restore points. CNET Downloads offers this tool---which runs on Windows XP as well as Windows 95, 98, Millennium, 2000, 2003, Vista and NT platforms---for free online download.
  
  

RegCure

• The developers at ParetoLogic offer RegCure Registry Cleaner, a program that cleans and repairs Windows registries. This tool removes object entries that commonly cause system failures, including COM and ActiveX objects, font entries, shared DLLs, application paths, help files, Windows startup items and temporary files. To help the cleaning and repair process, RegCure features shell user-customized scans, automatic scanning via a scheduling tool, an ignore list, selection and removal, backup and restore options and automatic repair. When corrupt registry items are found, the program repairs them with one click. RegCure runs on Windows XP, 7, Vista, ME, 2000 and 98 operating systems and is available for downloadable purchase at its official website.