Important Read First : BACKUP YOUR DATA , I would hate for you to lose all your data if something went wrong.

* What is the Registry:
A central hierarchical database used in Microsoft Windows 9x, Windows CE, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7, used to store information necessary to configure the system for one or more users, applications and hardware devices.

The Registry contains information that Windows continually references during operation, such as profiles for each user, the applications installed on the computer and the types of documents that each can create, property sheet settings for folders and application icons, what hardware exists on the system, and the ports that are being used.

The Registry replaces most of the text-based .ini files used in Windows 3.x and MS-DOS configuration files, such as the Autoexec.bat and Config.sys. Although the Registry is common to several Windows operating systems, there are some differences among them.

Registry data is stored in binary files.

Software:

* Ninite Software Installer and Update tool, click here to setup and download, application that helps keep some of your software up to date, and if you are doing a new installation, then it can really save you time. It is also a tool to keep software up to date. Run the installer again and it will check and make sure everything is up to date and if it isn’t, then it will update the software. Read their web page for more information. Must have tool.

* CCleaner Registry Tool and other Utilities Click Here to Download.
Free for Home Users, Supported platforms:  Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and now they have a version for Apple Mac computers.

With their latest version they now have a 64bit native version.

* PCTools Registry Mechanic Click Here to Purchase.
Supported platforms: Windows® 7 (32/64 bit), Windows ®Vista SP1 (32/64 bit), Windows® XP SP2 (32bit).

This product has helped me out many times. It’s great to run this product once a month to keep the registry in tip top shape. If you uninstall a application it is also a good time to run Registry Mechanic. Please click on link to see current price.

* Secunia Personal Software Inspector Click Here to Download.
Supported Platforms: Supported Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP – Service Pack 2 or later, Windows Server 2003 .

This application is installed on your workstation and helps you keep track of applications that need to be updated.

* Bleachbit System Cleaner Click Here to Download.
Supported Platforms: Supported Operating Systems:  Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and also has support for Linux.

BleachBit quickly frees disk space, removes hidden junk, and easily guards your privacy. Erase cache, delete cookies, clear Internet history, remove unused localizations, shred logs, and delete temporary files. Designed for Linux and Windows systems, it wipes clean over 50 applications including Firefox, Internet Explorer, Flash, Google Chrome, Opera, Safari, Adobe Reader, APT, and more.