BleepingComputer.com: Registry file errors.

Hello everyone,

I had a problem with my one program not being able to update. So I contacted the developer and he told me to look for a specific file and see if it was there. It was there, but the problem is for some reason Windows does not seem to recognize the file extention. So I looked up on the internet for programs that could open it. I found programs that do registry file scans and then can find the errors and then fix them. The number of problems/errors varied from 303 to 965. To fix them with either of the programs I have to pay to register them and then fix the errors.

Now my question is: Are there any programs that can scan and then fix/repair all the registry errors for free? Because I do not have the money at this time for the pay for the other programs.

Hello,
You can try with uniblue.com
Word of caution:any registry modification is dangerous,so make a registry backup and keep fingers crossed!
My experience is that CCleaner is safe and Im using often with registry repair.Im also using a free program called Advanced sistem care from iobit.com.But,this is me and my pc.It may not work on your pc!
All programs are free
This is solely my opinion without any warranty

Bleeping Computer DOES NOT recommend the use of registry cleaners/optimizers for several reasons:

• Registry cleaners are extremely powerful applications that can damage the registry by using aggressive cleaning routines and cause your computer to become unbootable.

The Windows registry is a central repository (database) for storing configuration data, user settings and machine-dependent settings, and options for the operating system. It contains information and settings for all hardware, software, users, and preferences. Whenever a user makes changes to settings, file associations, system policies, or installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in this repository. The registry is a crucial component because it is where Windows "remembers" all this information, how it works together, how Windows boots the system and what files it uses when it does. The registry is also a vulnerable subsystem, in that relatively small changes done incorrectly can render the system inoperable. For a more detailed explanation, read Understanding The Registry.

• Not all registry cleaners are created equal. There are a number of them available but they do not all work entirely the same way. Each vendor uses different criteria as to what constitutes a "bad entry". One cleaner may find entries on your system that will not cause problems when removed, another may not find the same entries, and still another may want to remove entries required for a program to work.

• Not all registry cleaners create a backup of the registry before making changes. If the changes prevent the system from booting up, then there is no backup available to restore it in order to regain functionality. A backup of the registry is essential BEFORE making any changes to the registry.

• Improperly removing registry entries can hamper malware disinfection and make the removal process more difficult if your computer becomes infected. For example, removing malware related registry entries before the infection is properly identified can contribute to system instability and even make the malware undetectable to removal tools.

• The usefulness of cleaning the registry is highly overrated and can be dangerous. In most cases, using a cleaner to remove obsolete, invalid, and erroneous entries does not affect system performance but it can result in "unpredictable results".

Unless you have a particular problem that requires a registry edit to correct it, I would suggest you leave the registry alone. Using registry cleaning tools unnecessarily or incorrectly could lead to disastrous effects on your operating system such as preventing it from ever starting again. For routine use, the benefits to your computer are negligible while the potential risks are great.

• Ed Bott's Webog: Why I don’t use registry cleaners
  
• Do I need a Registry Cleaner?

Regards,

The weatherman

You didn't say what the problem Program is or much other detail eg what file, what extension but try uninstalling the Program, reboot and reinstall.

Hello everyone!

Sorry I did not get back here sooner, I had a very hectic month of November. My dad had to go to the Hospital at the very end of October and after he came home I had to help him for a few days. Then he had a few doctor appointments the next couple weeks and then mom had a couple of appointments also.

With the Registry scanners, I have 2, I get totally different results with each of them. One says 400 and change Registry Errors and the other one says 942 Registry Errors. I believe they both show what file the error belongs to and what the error is.

One question I have is: Why are there so many errors? I know some are missing files, etc...
But why do they keep popping up so often?
When one of these errors causes a problem with a program working properly, How can that be fixed with out causing damage or making tings worse?

As stated in the third post of this thread by The weatherman registry cleaners can be and are dangerous.

The very fact that two different programs show such different results should give you some idea how imperfect a sience registry cleaners are.

Aus Smithy, post #4, has given the best advice IMO. Uninstall and reinstall the program.