A Simple Guide to the Windows Registry Computers Articles | October 21 Leonard Fournette Hat , 2014
A lot of users are finding ways in order to customize and optimize their PC to improve its performance and get rid of system errors. However, there are certain components of the computer that cannot...


A lot of users are finding ways in order to customize and optimize their PC to improve its performance and get rid of system errors. However, there are certain components of the computer that cannot be modified without resorting to the Windows registry. But because most people are unfamiliar with it, they tend to shy away from using this tool. As such, here are the basics regarding editing the registry through regedit.exe, and how you can modify it to your advantage.


What is the Windows Registry?


The Windows Registry pertains to the database which stores all the information regarding your computer's hardware, software Jalen Ramsey Hat , and its user accounts. Hence, whenever you use your computer, your operating system looks for the settings of each component that you use in the registry.


Normally, your operating system automatically creates the "regedit" files of all the installed components in your system. Therefore, there is no need for you to setup each entry manually. Also, it is not recommended for novice users to alter its entries, particularly if they don't know the impact of each change to their system.


How come there is a registry?


Prior to Windows 95 Gardner Minshew II Hat , operating systems store INI files. These INI files store information on both the hardware and the software installed in the computer. However, Microsoft, the developer of the Windows operating system, deemed that this structure is chaotic since each INI file is scattered in the hard drive. Also, computer users can possibly damage the system once they modify or delete the INI files.


To resolve this problem, the registry was made. It serves as the database of all system-related information. Thus, changing the system settings has become much easier since the introduction of this database.


However Ryquell Armstead Hat , this tool is only applicable to the Windows platform. It is applied to operating systems starting from the Windows 95 version. Other platforms such as Apple and Linux use another way other than this tool to store pertinent system information.


What are the parts of the registry?


Upon opening the "regedit.exe", you will see the binary tree. It is a hierarchical display of regedit components, found at the left side of the dialog box. It starts from My Computer at the top, and this is subdivided into key components such as:


* "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT"


* "HKEY_CURRENT_USER"


* "HKEY_LOCAL MACHINE"