All computers that run the Windows operating system have something inside called a registry. For a new computer, the registry starts off life clean and error-free, but over time it can tend to pick up a series of errors or flaws. Soon, the system's performance can actually start to suffer significantly as a result, with changes that are very noticeable to the user.

Fortunately, there are legitimate and free ways to run a registry error system scan to check for any errors. If the scan detects errors, you can then run a cleaning utility to fix those errors.

Here is an FAQ on registry error system scans:

1. Registry errors are present in almost every computer

Think of the registry in your computer as something akin to the captain's log of a ship. The registry keeps track of key settings and changes for all software on your system, whether that software was pre-installed when you bought your machine or whether it is something you have installed since then. Every time you install a new software program, the registry has to record the change. Due to bad software design or just the sheer number of ongoing changes to the registry that your operating system must make, errors inevitably creep into the process. They can even crop up when you just add, move, or remove files.

2. Registry errors affect system performance

If your computer is running sluggishly, showing occasional errors with the code "DLL" in them, having issues connecting to the Internet, or responding slowly when you move your mouse or cursor - it could be plagued with a registry full of errors. The chances you have registry issues increase if you have already run a virus or malware scan & fix with no strong improvement in performance.

3. You can get free scans to check your registry

Checking to see whether your system has extensive registry issues can be accomplished with a free scan. The top registry cleaner software programs offer free scans (see below). Scans are a safe, effective way to determine just how bad the problem on your machine is.

4. Registry cleaning utilities fix the errors

Once you run your scan, the scanning utility will tell you exactly how many registry errors you have, if any. If you do have errors, you are advised to immediately run a registry cleaning utility. These are automated programs that go through each of your registry entries one-by-one, removing bad or invalid data. Technically, a skilled programmer could remove the registry errors by themselves, but this is not advised for two reasons: 1. the sheer complexity of the registry; 2. the very long time it would take. Therefore, an automated cleaner is the best option, even for experts.

If your system performance has been poor lately, you have nothing to lose from running a free registry scan to find out how many errors the registry in your computer may have. The situation may not be as bad as you think - but only running the registry error system scan will let you know for sure.