Sunday, April 26, 2009

Registry Repair on Your Windows Computer - It's Not a Matter of "If," but When

If you're running a Microsoft Windows based computer like Creature Castle vast majority of users, you probably have your share of problems. This isn't to say that Windows is a bad product, on the contrary. Microsoft takes on a huge task when it has always tried, and continues to try to support such a broad range of hardware and software products. Some of which have been long discontinued, or are not even supported by the company that produced them.

Regardless of what's being supported or how well, one very significant problem that the Windows operating system has had since the inception of the Registry, is invalid entries in the Registry. This is at prevalent in the later versions of Windows, including both 32 and 64-bit operating systems.

The Registry is a directory that stores settings for the operating system. Some of the items stored, are all the hardware, operating system software, most non-operating system software, users, preferences of the PC settings, etc. File associations, Control Panel settings, and system policies are also entered. Previously, many of the items contained in the Registry were included in '.ini' files, but due to the overwhelming number of these files, and the fact that they were scattered throughout the system, made this a less than ideal setup.

The Registry, in and of itself is a great idea. It was designed for a purpose that it does well. Problems can, and do arise when things don't go the way they should. When you have a multitude of different programs accessing the Registry and leaving remnants scattered throughout, problems occur. Invalid entries in the Registry will start causing an array of problems.

Some of these problems are:

  • DLL Errors
  • Unexplained System Slow Operation (Extremely Common)
  • The Horrible Windows Blue Screen
  • Various Error Messages

If Windows itself were left in total control of the Registry, most, if not all of the most commonly seen problems Dell comics the Registry would probably would never occur. However, often times when programs are un-installed, the un-installer program will leave entires related to the un-installed program in the Registry. That's when problems start to make themselves known. When you multiply this over and over, the effects can get to the point where the computer is not usable, or at least nearly so.

When you factor in the nuisance of Adware, Worms, Dialers, Keyloggers, Trojan Horses and other unknown factors that can cause problems with your Registry, you've got a system that is in need of immediate attention.

If the user were to backup the Registry, knew exactly what was installed, and un-installed, and then monitor every single Registry entry, it, at least theoretically, would be possible to keep the Registry completely clean. This however, is not practical, and Microsoft doesn't advocate the casual user even accessing the Registry, as you can wind up with a computer that is totally useless if you start modifying the Registry when you don't have a thorough understanding of what you're doing.

In closing, what's recommended to keep your Registry in the best state possible, is to only install programs that you've received from a reliable source, un-install programs that you no longer use, and regularly do a scan of your Registry using a quality program that will scan your Registry, and find invalid entries, allowing you to delete the entries that are, or could be soon causing you catastrophic problems.

Even if you're not presently experiencing problems associated with the Windows Registry, it's most likely just a matter of time before you do start having these kind of events occurring. The old adage, 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure', can surely be applied here. Run Schuco Teleco a good Registry scanner/repair program will keep your computer running smoothly, without ever having to worry about the common problems that invalid entries in the Registry can cause.

jeffreynorris.com/scan-your-windows-computer-registry-for-free">Jeffrey Norris is a Freelance Writer and a Computer/Internet Enthusiast

Seven Cost Effective Ways to Improve Your Home

Home improvement can be a tricky subject because it can either require a home equity line of credit just to finish one job or it can be done on a shoestring budget and still look great. Assuming you are pushing for the latter of the two and want to get the most home improvement for every dollar put in here are seven great (cost effective) home improvement tips that are sure to increase the value of your home when you put it up for sale.

Fiber Cement Siding - Fiber cement siding is becoming one of the most popular alternatives to vinyl siding because it inherits all of the attractive features of wood siding with none of the flaws. For example, fiber cement siding is low maintenance, fire and termite resistant and holds paint color for seven to fifteen years.

Add a Wood or Composite Deck - Wood decks tend to generate a better return on investment than composite decking but you can expect wood to be higher maintenance so it's worth weighing your options on maintenance versus initial price. Either way, adding a deck to your home will give you additional square footage outside of your home and increase the value of your home among potential home buyers.

New Vinyl Windows - If you have an older home one of the most promising home improvements is in your windows. Replace Bratz or aging windows with vinyl windows which are cost effective, look great and are low maintenance.

Minor Kitchen Remodel - Sometimes a home improvement project doesn't need to be a full scale military project. Updating your kitchen can be as simple as replacing the countertops with a more modern surface like granite, changing cabinets with a moderately priced new set and upgrading your appliances to newer and typically more quiet stainless steel appliances.

Attic to Bedroom Conversion - Wasted space such as an attic can be a great way to expand your home's livable space without having to build beyond the home's original footprint. One of the most popular ways to convert an attic to living space is by turning it into a bedroom or master suite with bathroom and walk-in closets.

Finish Your Basement - Similar to an attic project, basements also span the width of most of your home and offer up a tremendous amount of space to use. If you have a basement with at least seven feet of floor to ceiling height you should be able to turn the dusty, underused part of your home into a recreation room or guest suite. Every town varies on how extensive they will allow a basement renovation become so check with your local town officials and get the proper permits before starting.

Add Landscaping - Landscaping is super simple and an inexpensive way to increase your home's curb Sideshow monster statues dramatically. Although you can go crazy with landscaping your home will benefit most from a walkway to the front door complete with plantings on both sides, fencing in the back yard and plantings that run the length of the driveway.

Home improvement is an exciting journey that will exercise your creative freedom and, with good planning, won't cost you an arm and a leg to do. Using the list above as a guide you can improve many key parts of your home that will give you a marked increase in your home's value the day you put your home on the market.

Joshua Ferris is an associate real estate broker in Orange County no win no fee accident and specializes in both Monroe New York and housemeetsowner.com/orange-county-new-york/newburgh/">Newburgh New York real estate. Be sure to visit Josh's housemeetsowner.com/orange-county-new-york/monroe/">Monroe New York real estate guide and Orange County NY Real Estate website.