What are “registry entries”, and why does a computer gradually slow down?

End results of activating registry repair has goofed up my desktop. HELP!?

• My family computer is a Gateway GT5408. Part of the lineup of programs icons found on the desktop is the registry repair icon. I went through the process and was expecting a message or something to indicate the all clear. I ended up with my entire desktop covered. Besides the regular desktop shortcuts, I have the 'blank spaces' filled with FSO files (84 in all) and Registration Entries files (app.30 on the desktop; eight more seemingly are off the screen to the right.) The warning is if you are not sure of the content do not delete as they may be important and could affect the computer's performance. So what's a comptuer-illiterate to do? Your expert advice, if you please.....

• Answer:

  idk what program you used but obviously its a terrible one! the only logical explanation is that you selected to backup the registry files before the program erased them and the program dumped them on your desktop, in which case it should be safe to delete them. if not... do system restore to before you ran the program. that should fix the problem. start>programs>accessories>system tools> system restore. then uninstall that terrible program. use Ccleaner to fix registry errors. its much safer.