Older computers generally run more slowly as they get older. This is usually caused by the hard drive having more clutter and corrupt or defective files. It is then necessary to tidy and repair the files to enable the PC to run more eficiently. The speed of the PC will then improve and also the hardware will be less stressed and should last longer.

What are the characteristics required of a good registry cleaner. The first thing is it should be cheap. The whole purpose is to save money and not have the expense of replacing the computer or operating system. It is also time consuming to replace a PC or even an operating system, possibly taking days and time is expensive.

The files you have on your PC are an investment. You may want to get your system back up and running just so you can transfer the latest updates to your files to the new computer. Even if you do end up buying a new PC, worst case, your registry cleaner can still tidy up your hard drive, so you may be able to transfer it to the new system as a backup or maybe run it as an external drive through a USB port, giving you the ability to milk those files until you have squeezed them dry.

Look for a registry cleaner with a wide range of capabilities. There are many potential problems with your PC that it should be able to handle. These include invalid startup icons, invalid links, ActiveX and DLL errors and many more. All can be removed easily yet can make your computer slower and prone to crash.

You may only postpone buying a new PC. However by extending the life of your computer for a while you can look round for the best option for the future and transfer your files in good order. The registry cleaner will still be a good investment for your new system, but it may enable you to get by with the old one for months or years.

The vendor's sales pitch should not be your only guide. Read the testimonials. Are they detailed? Do they look convincing, giving specifics. Ask the software supplier directly some questions, using the contact us links on the website. Is there an FAQ page? Do they offer updates to the software? Is there an after sales support facility, preferably 24/7?

Make sure the software is compatible with your system. Have you got enough RAM and disk space and is your microprocessor covered? Some registry cleaners do not work with a Mac or Linux based PC. Make sure it works with your operating system.

Also if you can, download the package for a free trial evaluation. The diagnosis of your system will give you a good idea of the power of the software and in particular how it can help improve the performance of your PC. How many bugs does it fix for your bucks?! You will probably be in for a pleasant surprise when you see how much better your computer performs for a very modest investment.

To PC problems solved John Eley