Windows Registry - Introduction

I think this might be a right time for starting to work with registry. With the help of Windows Registry, we can do a lot. But before that, we should clear about Windows Registry. Here i have described them in detail.

Definition:

Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings and options on Microsoft Windows operating systems.

      Windows Registry - Introduction.

A Simple Registry Window.

What is it actually?

Just like your brain controls everything action of your body, Windows registry controls and manages each and every operation that occurs on your computer. It is used as a single place to store the information and settings for software programs, hardware devices, preferences, operating system configurations, and much more.

What are all the elements of it?
Registry contains a number of Registry Values located within Registry Sub-keys within Registry Keys, all within a Registry Hive.

Here is a list of the common registry hives (Also known as Root key):
1. HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
2. HKEY_CURRENT_USER
3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
4. HKEY_USERS
5. HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG

      Windows Registry - Introduction.

Key Pane and Control Pane

Registry Hive : Registry Keys : Registry Sub-keys : Registry Values.

Windows registry entries include details of the following:
> User profiles, settings, options and preferences
> Applications installed on the computer
> Property settings for folders and applications
> Hardware devices installed on the system
> Ports being used
> System Policies
> File Associations and more.,

How important it is?

Making changes to these values and keys using Registry Editor will change the configuration that a particular value controls. If you modify the elements incorrectly, then your PC will be worthless.

You must read it:

Steps involved with Windows Registry, might cause serious problems if you modify the registry incorrectly. I or none can't be responsible for the problems occurring in your system while changing the registry incorrectly. So try them at own risk.

Registry Backup and it's use:

Due to this, it is must and very important to backup the registry every time before editing/adding/updating or perform something with it. Registry Backpup is saving entire registry in a particular file. So that We can use the file in future to restore the system (back to normal).

For example: If you modify the registry for some purpose. After making registry changes, you realize that they did not give you the results you were looking for, you can simply restore the entire registry back to the point at which you backed it up.

Backup Methods

Backing up the selected Element:

This method is preferred if you're making changes to a specific branch of the registry.

1) Click Start > Run > Type regedit.exe > Click OK.

2) It will open Registry Editor.

      Windows Registry - Introduction.

Key Pane and Control Pane

3) Locate and then click the key that you want to edit.
4) Right-click on the key and choose Export.

      Windows Registry - Introduction.

Right-click on the key and choose Export.

5) Select a location, type a file name, and then click Save.

Backing up the Entire Registry:

If you're going to make several changes to different areas of the registry in Windows XP, backing up each individual registry key could be really frustrating.

Luckily, there's an easy way to export the entire Windows Registry.

1) Click Start > Run > Type regedit.exe > Click OK.
2) It will open Registry Editor.
3) Navigate to the very top of the registry branches (i.e., Computer)
4) Highlight Computer by clicking on it once.
5) In Windows 9x, select Registry > File > Export Registry File.

      Windows Registry - Introduction.

Registry > File > Export Registry File.

6) In Windows XP, File > Export.

      Windows Registry - Introduction.

Select File > Export.

6) Select a location, Type a file name, and then click Save.

Note: Ensure the file type (extension) of the backup file. It should be .reg extension. I recommend all to save the REG file in a safer location in case you want to undo the registry changes made. You can restore the settings by just double-clicking the REG file. It automatically merges the contents to the Registry.