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ScanRegW - Or How to Repair the Registry in WinME

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What is it?

This neat little utility came out with Windows 98.  It has been modified for Windows ME.  This utility when used with the /FIX switch will load the registry into memory and repair any corruption in it.  When used with the /OPT switch it will load the registry into memory and compact it.

Why should I use it?

The registry is made up of three files:

1. CLASSES.DAT
2. SYSTEM.DAT
3. USER.DAT

Two of these files change constantly, they are:

1. SYSTEM.DAT
2. USER.DAT

As you add and remove programs, modify settings in programs or Windows, open or save files, or just about anything else (including just clicking on the start menu) Windows reads from and writes to the registry.  Anything you can do to keep the registry compact and free of errors will speed up Windows!  By doing as I recommend below, you will be doing what you can to keep your registry both healthy and compact in size.

How do I use it?

First of all, you need to create two shortcuts.  Where you place them is up to you.  I tend to make a folder on my start menu called Maintenance and I put these new shortcuts in there.  To create a new shortcut simply right-click and choose new shortcut.  You will get a window that looks like this:

For the first shortcut type this in the command line; C:\WINDOWS\SCANREGW.EXE /FIX (NOTE: There is a space between the "E" and the "/"!) so it'll look like this:

Then click next, and name it ScanReg - Fix so it'll look like this:

After you click finish, right click on it and choose properties and it should look like this:

Now, start another new shortcut like you did above and follow these images:
NOTE: Don't forget the space before the slash!

So what happens?

To gain the most benefit you need to run them in order, ScanReg - FIX first, then ScanReg - OPT second.  When you start ScanReg - FIX a box will pop up asking if it's ok to reboot your 'puter, just say yes :-)

If you say no, the program will exit.  Your 'puter will shut down, then restart and you're done!  Then run ScanReg - OPT, you will see a box pop up that looks like this:

Depending on how often you use it, it may take from 10 seconds to 2 minutes to run.  When it's done, the box disappears and you're done.  At this point I'd suggest another reboot just to play it safe.

Please note: It's a good idea to do a reboot before running this utility, that way you'll have a current copy of your registry as a backup in case something terrible happens....I have never had a problem here with any of my 'puters but your mileage may vary.

I run both of these weekly.  My registry usually shrinks by around 20-40K each time.  Not a great savings, but every little bit helps.  Total time to run both is usually less than five minutes including reboots.

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Last Revised: 12/10/2000

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Thanks for the help Thomas!