A shortcut file is also known as a link file because it is linked to the program it is expected to startup. A .LNK file is usually linked to a .exe or executable file or program. It is actually a pointer to an .EXE file that may be anywhere on your system. When you click on the shortcut it's like clicking on the .EXE file and the associated program starts to run. Many a time a LNK file will stop working for no reason at all. This is because of some malicious software known as viruses that download themselves and disrupt the underlying .EXE application. They do this by disrupting the association with the program and the link file. Many times the change is unintentional because a downloaded program makes changes to the registry to facilitate their programs thus corrupting the registry. These changes can be undone by registry cleaners that are available for free download from the Internet.

It is possible to undo or repair the damage to a LNK file by going into the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.lnk section of the registry because this is where all the LNK files and associated information is stored for the computer to use. However, it is not as easy as it sounds. You may do more damage to the system than good if you do not know exactly what you are doing in the registry. There fore, it is better if you search through the Internet and locate a registry cleaner, such as Windows XP registry cleaner, Free registry cleaner or a Eusing registry cleaner then down load the windows registry cleaner you feel is best for your system and run it to scan the registry and then clean the registry of all the redundant files or broken links.

By using a registry cleaner on a regular basis you will find that your system will be making less error while operating. Most of the LNK or EXE errors will have been done away with as well. The system will also run more efficiently and faster than before the registry cleaner was run on the system. The registry is the central database of the system and stores all the information the system needs to run efficiently. Any changes in the system are reflected in the registry in the appropriate section. The registry grows in size as the system is used. Thus when a program requests some information it has to be located in the registry and the registry searches through the entire filing system to locate the information. This is how the registry slows down a system drastically as it grows.

The registry will keep all information entered into it. So the redundant information has to be cleaned or erased from time to time. This is accomplished with the help of registry cleaner software. Registry cleaner software is a great tool to speed up the system and make it more stable.