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Windows Registry Explained

roderickdunne | Jun 9, 2010 |

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The Windows registry is one of those system files that invariably pop up in discussions regarding computer repair and maintenance. This post looks into exactly what it is, why you should know about it and some best practices for any modifications you plan to make to the file.

What Is The Registry File?

In simple terms, the Windows registry is a file belonging to the Windows operating system that stores configurations settings for all users of the computer. Configuration settings include:

Passwords
Any preferences in applications that are used (e.g. recently used files)
Hardware settings (e.g. internet connection PINs, phone numbers and specifications)
Software details (e.g. installation locations, versions)
and a host of other settings.

Why Is It Important?

The Windows registry is used by the operating system, device drivers and software as a central location for configuration data for the entire computer. If this configuration data is missing or the file becomes corrupted then applications can become unusable. The notorious blue screen exceptions have a tendency of being due to registry faults.

Why Would It Become Faulty?

Over a period of time new software is installed, removed and reconfigured while on your computer. Any of these processes can make subtle changes to the Windows registry keys.

Applications generally do not intend to cause such damage but with any software they can only be tested up to a specific point (using a certain number of computer configurations). Modifying registry keys that are shared across several applications is just something that happens as more applications are installed.

The other potential cause can be virus damage to the computer. This can occur with trojan viruses that the user unwittingly runs (e.g. from an email attachment).

Can It Be Protected?

Yes. The main way to protect it from modification is to be more strict about which applications/add-ons you choose to install. If you have a firewall and anti-virus software then this provides this security, notifying you of potential dangers of opening/running certain files.

As part of maintenance activities you should also make back-up versions of the Windows registry file. Search the Microsoft website for 'registry backup' and it can advise on how to do this for your operating system.

Can It Be Modified By PC Users?

It is generally considered unwise to manually edit the file. The growing trend is to use registry editors or registry cleaners to indirectly modify the file. Software tools such as Registry Easy and Reimage are capable of cleaning redundant registry keys and repairing faults that may have been introduced.

Should It Be Modified?

This is a key question. There is a growing argument to say it should not be modified directly or even indirectly. If your computer is working fine then there should be no need to alter it.

If you alter the file for optimization purposes (faster PC and internet speeds) then these changes should be done prudently and users should be aware the performance improvements will be a lot smaller than making hardware upgrades (e.g. adding RAM).