Registry errors... what a drag. Windows relies on the registry for everything from the operating system right down to the hardware configured to run your system. When an overloaded and unlearned registry starts to rear its ugly head, it can create a system nightmare for users. Slow system performance, very slow application boot-up times, and even system crashes can be all too common. So, what do you do when your registry is a mess? Why, fix it of course! That's the exact reason why registry cleaning software exists today.

One thing you can say about registry cleaning applications these days is that there certainly isn't a shortage of them! Registry Fix is yet another in a long line of cleaners that attempts to compete with the likes of the outstanding RegCure and the solid Reigstry Easy. How does it stack up and is it worth your while to take a look at? Keep on reading to find out!

What good is a registry program (or any program for that matter) that isn't easy to use? Most users will simply want to launch the application, click a "scan" button, and then wait for the results. Registry Fix understands the need for simplicity and has designed it into their interface.

Reminiscent of RegCure, the interface for Registry Fix has large icons that are clearly labeled and defined. The main console features three buttons: Scan, Backup, and Advanced Options. We have to admit, the clean and simplified home console is nicely done. It's non-intimidating for novice and casual users while packing the advanced options nicely away for power users. We found the overall usability factor in Registry Fix to be quite high and were very pleased with their design.

Now we come to the meat of the application. These days’ registry cleaners try to be more than just registry cleaners. They try to become complete system management and optimization tools, often packing several advanced tuning services with the application. Registry Fix is no different. Let's explore some of the features Registry Fix.

Browser Helper Object Manager
One of the most unique features found in Registry Fix is the Browser Helper Object Manager. This feature will allow you to find and manage various objects that are referenced in Internet Explorer. For example, you may have several toolbars or active X objects that have been installed in your IE. With Browser Helper Object Manager you can easily remove and manage them. A nice touch!

Startup Manager
Although we never feel startup managers in a third party tool is necessary (especially in a registry cleaner), one can't complain too much about extra features. Most geared towards casual users, the startup manager will help you manage which programs and services are loaded when your system boots up. Removing non-essential elements from startup can increase your system boot up time substantially.

Add/Remove Programs Manager
Just as the name implies, this is an installer / uninstaller interface. We feel it's best to stick with Microsoft's built-in add/remove program interface and to skip the "middle man" here.

Back-up Registry
Like any good registry cleaner, Registry Fix allows for registry back-up. This is added insurance in the case a new application installation causes the registry to become unstable. You can simply rollback to a working version of the registry.

Checks and Balances
Now we come to the meat of the application! The scanning process is the most important aspect of any registry cleaning application. Its purpose should be to remove any and all references that are broken or invalid. What follows is a list of what Registry Fix scans for.

• Checks For Hidden Traces of installed software
• Checks Invalid Class Keys
• Checks Shell Extension
• Checks Invalid Help Files
• Checks Invalid CLSID/ Typelib/Interface Entries
• Checks Com / Activex
• Checks Sound and Appevents
• Checks Invalid Paths
• Checks Application Path keys /Orphan References
• Checks Invalid fonts
• Checks Invalid File Types / Extensions/ Entries
• Checks Shared Folders

The feature set is rich, but were sorely dissapointed by the lack of a registry defragging function and compactor. We're also disappointed that there is no built-in scheduler like the one in RegCure. Overall a decent set of utilities and a solid registry scanning set that is held back by lack of features offered in other cleaners.

Performance was excellent! From the main console we selected all the optional scanning parameters and then let the application rip. In a short time the system ran down the list, one by one, until it was finished. We were presented a list of invalid, broken, and missing keys in a well organized list. The overall experience was similar to that of AdAware and other spyware removal applications. It's a tested formula that works well and Registry Fix ran through the paces like a champ.

Registry Fix is a solid performer, but is it reliable? The answer to that is mostly yes. Scans were accurate and cleaned a slew of registry problems on our tester unit. When errors were found we were presented with some nice basic information about the error. The main gripe we have is that Registry Fix does not give any indication as to the severity of the issue. This lack of information can be scary when you're making a decision to nuke the registry key. What if the registry key was system critical? Registry Fix just doesn't give enough information to let you know about it, which is disappointing.

Featuring email and live chat support, Registry Fix is on-par with other applications of its type. There's no 800 number to call in case of an emergency, but at least the live chat helps make up for it. There is also a helpful local help file that is accessible from the application. We didn't attempt to contact support directly, but we've heard mostly positive feedback from users about their support system.

Registry Fix boasts one of our favorite interfaces. We appreciate simplistic design and instant accessibility. Both casual and hard-core users will find it easy to use and will start scanning right away. Where Registry Fix lags behind the competition is in terms of core functionality and reliability. We're disappointed at the lack of advanced features. We're also disappointed by the lack of informative error information and severity alerts.

Overall Registry Fix is just another entry into the crowded registry cleaning market. It's by no means bad, nor is it by any means great. It is what it is, and that's average.