How to Repair the Registry on Windows XP OEM
- 1). Install CCleaner, a free registry repair tool capable of fixing the registry by removing clutter that doesn't belong (see Resources). Changes in the registry can have undesirable effects; the backup function copies the current registry and restores it if anything goes wrong. The CCleaner tests for common problems such as: missing shared DLLs, obsolete software and ActiveX/Class issues. It's also capable of cleaning the hard drive and other commonly used programs, including the web browsers Safari, Google Chrome and Firefox.
- 2). Scan the registry for invalid entries and analyze a detailed report of possible issues using the AML Registry Cleaner (see Resources). Click the "fix all" button for automatic cleaning or individually select entries to remove. Add entries you believe are safe to the exclusion list to remove them from future scans. AML Registry Cleaner also allows manual editing of the registry, but this is for advanced users only. The interface appears user-friendly, with a built-in wizard to reduce confusion. The home page offers an online tutorial for beginners.
- 3). Use the Eusing Free Registry Cleaner as a more in-depth cleaner that searches for problems other registry fixers do not (see Resources). Some of these include invalid help files, custom controls and Windows services. Some of these are disabled by default because the risk of messing up your computer is higher if these entries are changed. The Eusing Registry Cleaner is compatible with Windows 9X and higher. Expect increased stability and a faster system after the first repair.
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