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The Best Registry Cleaner For 7
The Windows registry is an integral part of the operating system that stores hardware and software configuration settings. It is a large database that consists of hundreds of entries (files, registry keys or values) and should be regularly maintained for optimal efficiency. The best registry cleaner for Windows 7 must not only be capable of detecting and fixing errors but also have an arsenal of powerful features.
64 Bit Ready
A Windows 7 registry cleaner needs to be 64 bit ready. Otherwise, it won’t find errors or invalid files that require a 64 bit view capability.
Backup Function
The top cleaners offer the option of backing up the current registry structure prior to performing a scan. This would ensure that consumers can revert back to the original settings if any problems arise.
User Friendly Interface
A well designed layout that contains simple, easy to use controls that are accompanied by detailed explanations on basic functionality is absolutely essential.
Registry Cleanup
The primary function of any registry cleaner is to aggressively locate and delete temporary files, invalid entries (fonts, ActiveX,) and DLL extensions. The utility needs to be able to erase Windows run or search history, browser helper objects, system setting errors, faulty custom controls, invalid file paths and obsolete program shortcuts. The software should offer the option of conducting an automatic or manual scan of the entire registry. Manual scan parameters, ignore key values or lists must be easily accessible. All flagged entries would need to have suggestions for possible fixes and be assigned a priority level that warns users of potential system destabilization issues if certain values are altered or deleted.
Registry Optimization
The best registry cleaner for Windows 7 must offer key optimization features that boost system performance. Hung applications can be automatically shutdown and DLL's unloaded from memory. The user can speed up the menu show delay function, as well as the Windows system shutdown and refresh options. The utility would also need to have a built-in uninstaller, an IE BHO manager, and provide easy access to advanced Windows settings.
Startup Menu Manager
Many software applications will sometimes add a shortcut or link in the Windows startup menu during the installation process. This results in the system slowing down during the boot up phase as it attempts to initialize all applications in the startup menu. The startup menu manager provides users with the capability of removing or disabling rarely used applications, which will immediately free up resources and speed up system performance.
Privacy Protection Eraser
This feature deletes all Internet browsing history (cookies, last download location and cache files) to increase PC performance and protect user web surfing patterns. It also erases entries with regards to recent documents that were opened which adds yet another layer of privacy.
Registry Defragmentation
When a user activates this option an initial analysis will reveal the percentage of overall fragmentation, affected files or folders and normally offer a recommendation to proceed, if necessary. The defragmentation function gathers scattered individual application files from across the hard drive and relocates them within the same area or cluster. This completely streamlines or compacts the registry, which significantly boosts PC performance. Additionally, frequently used applications are automatically given a higher priority designation, which makes them load at a faster rate.