Windows 98 Registry Repair Procedure

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Windows 98 Registry repair explained:

The registry is the central storage for all configuration data. The Windows 98 system configuration, the computer hardware configuration, configuration information about Win32-based applications, and user preferences are all stored in the registry. For example, any Windows 98 computer hardware configuration changes that are made with a Plug and Play device are immediately reflected in a configuration change in the registry. Because of these characteristics, the registry serves as the foundation for user, system, and network management in Windows 98.

The registry stores the data in a hierarchical form. Because the registry contains all settings required to configure memory, hardware peripherals, and Windows 98 – supplied network components, you will find that it is no longer necessary to configure settings in startup configuration and initialization files. . The registry provides a centralized, dynamic data store for all Windows settings, with a "current configuration" branch that stores information on a per-configuration basis. For example, the Display option in Control Panel stores per-configuration information about display resolution changes and the Print option in Control Panel stores per-configuration information about the default printer.

Because user-specific registry information can be maintained on a central network server when user profiles are enabled, users can have access to personal desktop and network access preferences when logging on to any computer, and settings for multiple users can be maintained on a single computer. Also, system policies can be used to enforce certain registry settings for individuals, workgroups, or all users.

Why is the Windows 98 Registry important?

Much like other versions of Windows, Windows 98 relies heavily upon the health of it's registry. The information contained within its registry allow the computer to perform its everyday operations. If this information were to become corrupted your computer would begin to experience problems of all sorts.

Some of these problems include:

  • You computer is sluggish - it may take forever to boot up, or it may just get hung up while performing simple tasks.
  • You get startup errors - errors saying "missing .dll" or "file not found" are common symptoms of registry related problems.
  • Blue Screens 0f Death - if you receive a blue "STOP error" screen, you more than likely have a severe registry problem.
  • Some programs will not open - if some or all of your application refuse to start and produce errors, the registry is often to blame.

Luckily for Windows 98 users there is a way to prevent these problems from occurring. There is Registry repair software which repairs and maintains the Windows 98 registry. Make sure to carefully consider which software you choose for Windows 98 Registry Repair and Maintenance.

When choosing Windows 98 Registry Repair Software make sure it has the following features:

  • Automatic Scan: To facilitate your windows registry scan. This is the simplest way to clean up the registry. Automatic Scan is recommended for 'non-technical' users. Let's face it, no one wants to have to click fifty different buttons to complete a supposedly automated cleaning task!
  • Custom Scans: You customize your search and scan Windows registry for particular types of errors (shared DLLs, missing fonts, invalid start-up entries, etc.) If you are feeling a bit adventurous most good registry cleaning titles allow you to customize your scan. By selecting specific items to look for you can often expedite the process of cleaning your registry.
    NOTE: This feature is usually geared for more advanced users.
  • Manual Cleanup: After the scan is complete, the program should show you a full list of errors with details, broken down by types and let you fix individual invalid entries or all invalid entries of a certain type. Thats right, you can either just "Select All" to fix everything, or you can leave some of the items you deem as acceptable on the machine. Once again we recommend you follow all of the recommendation of a reliable registry cleaning software title.
  • Backup and Undo: Before removing an entry from your registry, an automatic backup of the registry should be completed. This can be used to roll back to later on in a time of need. All quality registry software titles have this feature built in. In fact many titles will even do it behind the scenes before anything is ever changed.
  • Scheduler: This feature allows you to schedule the program to scan the registry whenever you start your computer. Remember, registry cleaning needs to be done on a regular basis! Although the first major scan will often fix the majority of problems, other problems are sure to arise over time. We recommend cleaning up once per week.
  • Customer Support: One of the most important factors when buying any product is customer support. Think about it, if you run into a problem who's going to be there to help you? Here are some questions to ask when considering the quality of customer support offered by a company.
    1. Do they offer phone support?
    2. Are they available 24/7?
    3. How responsive is there email support system?
    4. Is there a place to ask for support INSIDE of their product?
  • Cost of the Software: Cost is always a concern when purchasing any product. Do not let cost control your purchase of a Registry Cleaning software! There are many, many titles on the market many of which can be purchased for less than 30 dollars. These products often lack features and support. Some of them leave out the auto backup feature, some offer little to no support, and some do a terrible job in cleaning your registry. As a potential buyer of Registry software expect to spend somewhere in the range of 30.00 - 45.00. This one time investment will often save you HUNDREDS of dollars in potential repair costs. Remember preventative maintenance is truly the best means of proactively keeping your computers health in check.

We have tested over 100 different registry repair products. We have found ParaLogic's RegCure to be the most feature rich, well supported on the market. They offer you a 100% free scan to check for errors. It is truly better to know about these errors than to turn a blind eye to them. If you don't have a copy grab it here .

We have written many articles describing the steps involved in repairing the windows registry. Please click on the links below to access the appropriate article.