The Registry is a massive database where Windows stores every setting, option, and file association. When you uninstall a program, it often leaves hundreds of useless keys behind.
Over time, this "phantom data" confuses Windows, leading to error messages like "Class Not Registered" or "Runtime Error".
Symptoms of Registry Errors
- Slow Response: Right-clicking on the desktop takes 5 seconds to show the menu.
- Broken Shortcuts: Clicking an icon does nothing.
- Installation Failures: You can't install a new version of Office because the old one didn't uninstall cleanly.
Danger Zone
Deleting the wrong registry key can make your computer unbootable. Software like CCleaner is okay for basics, but for deep errors, manual intervention is required. Never blindly "Delete All" in a registry cleaner.
How We Fix It
- Backup First: We create a full system restore point before touching anything.
- Orphan Removal: We target specific keys that point to files that no longer exist.
- File Association Fix: We repair the links so your JPGs open in Photos and PDFs open in Acrobat again.