Registry compacting removes gaps, wasted space and corrupt keys from the registry, and performs physical defragmentation of the Windows registry files. When the compacting process is complete, the registry acquires a linear structure, which reduces application response and registry access times, and improves system performance.

Compacting the registry:

1. Click on the Registry Compacting button from the Main Status & Summary screen.

2. There are three stages in registry compacting:

• Analyze your registry - during this stage, Registry Mechanic analyzes your registry for gaps, free space and corrupt keys.
• Preview Results - this screen allows you to view details on the compacting optimizations found. These optimizations are implemented upon starting the "Backup, compact and optimize your registry" stage.

Note: This screen is only available on Windows Vista, XP, 2000 and NT operating systems.

• Backup, compact and optimize your registry -  During this stage, you will implement the compacting process.

The Create System Restore Point field allows you to create a Windows Restore point if you are running Windows XP.

Click Yes to proceed with registry analysis. Once this is complete, the Preview Results screen is displayed.

Click on the More Info link to see the analysis in detail. Click Compact Now to begin compacting the registry. You will need to restart the system to finalize compacting.