Spyware and adware can also leave their marks on the registry.  Some malicious software programs try to burrow their way into the Windows registry, where they can hide from detection.  The registry keys created by these malicious programs can also wreak havoc on the computer, causing crashes, freezes and other serious problems.

When these problems take place computer users have a number of options at their disposal.  One of the easiest, and most effective, is to run a quality registry protection and cleaning program.  Running one of these programs on a regular basis can keep the system performance optimized and spot potential problems before they have a chance to crash the system.

The other option is for the user to edit the registry on their own.  This can be a viable option for those with the requisite skills, but it should always be done with caution.  It is important to make a backup copy of the registry before making any changes.  This will allow the original version of the registry to be restored in case there are issues down the road.

The first step is to open the registry using the Regedit tool.  This tool can be accessed by pressing the Start button, choosing Run from the menu and typing Regedit in the box.  The registry editor will then open and the user can navigate to the registry key that needs to be edited.  It is recommended that the registry be backed up before the key is changed.  It is easy to make a backup copy of anything from a single registry key to the entire registry by simply clicking File > Export and telling Windows where to save the backup copy of the file.  If the registry key needs to be restored later it can be brought back by using the File > Import utility.  The importance of backing up the registry cannot be overstated, and this simple step can save many hours of hassle should something go awry.