I've used CCleaner (free) for several years with no problems. You might give it a try: http://www.ccleaner.com/features

Another thing that slows down computers is the programs that run on startup and stay running in background. Most of which you do not need.

Go to Start | Run and type in msconfig then click OK

When it opens go to the Startup tab.

Look at each entry. Uncheck those that are not part of Microsoft's OS or your anti-virus program program.

My rant on this is that every software programmer thinks his/her program is the most vital one on your computer. So they pre-start it before it is needed and/or run a program to check for updates. On this Vista laptop I am running, I have 3 entries chcked to run, and 14 unchecked to not run. I am missing nothing but saving a lot of processor time.

When I was servicing computers for clients, it was the number one issue I faced. More so in home computers then business.

David
www.EventVideoTeam.com

Registry repair programs do seem to be innocuous; but they can remove required entries. Some apps create “orphan” entries for various reasons, sometimes they relate to security/piracy issues; sometimes they are only valid when the app is running, etc. To a registry repair app the “orphan” entry is not valid and it will remove it or include it in a list for the user to OK its removal.
As someone has suggested removing start up programs and services that are not required can free up memory and CPU usage. Anti-virus and firewall programs can also be major resource hogs so if it is convenient disconnect your modem from the Internet and then turn off or put to sleep the anti-virus program while you are working with programs like Vegas.

**I get error messages and can't delete some programs.**

Why are you convinced that this is a primary registry problem?

Google the following:

spybot search and destroy

adaware

avg free

Some of the programs you have installed may have "hidden" features. Clean out any suspect programs first, THEN AND ONLY THEN explore your registry.

I find that System Mechanic 7 by iolo does a fairly good job of keeping your registry and system in good shape. It allows you to manually inspect what it's about to do and to remember actions that you don't want to execute so that it doesn't keep reminding you. Make a backup of your registry with it first and give it a try.

~jr

I use Registry Mechanic from PC Tools.

I use this tool too, and it seems good. I have a feeling that it more cleans up unused entries than repair, at least this is what I have seen so far on my PC's

/Ulf

I tried Registry Repair since two people commented about that one. It did nothing for my computer, same errors, same problems in add/remove programs, still can't plug in an MP3 player and have it recognized. I know I'm heading towards more drastic measures, but I want to try other things before reinstalling windows or reformatting my drive. I do have Norton and another Anti-spyware program, so that's not the problem. I do believe the registry has problems, but I'm not that experienced to mess too much with it. Thanks for the suggestions anyway, they were worth a try. Any ideas of what to try next is appreciated.