Windows Registry Basic

The Windows registry is a central database that stored all the necessary information required to configure a computer's system for its users, applications and hardware devices.

It is a directory that stores all the settings and the options for the Microsoft Windows operating system, including all of your computer's hardware, OS software, preferences setting, users, etc. All the changes will be reflected and stored in the windows registry whenever you make changes to your control panel settings, installed or uninstalled software, etc.

The most common way to view, open and edit Windows Registry is by using Registry Editor.
• Go to start menu - run.
• Type regedit once the run window is opened and the Registry Editor window will appear.

It could also be accessible from the Windows folder by the file name regedit.exe.

There are also some other ways to edit Windows Registry but using Registry Editor is the easiest way especially for beginners. If you open the Registry Editor window, you'll see that it is separated into two parts which function almost the same as Windows Explorer. The left part is the registry path just like the folder path in Windows Explorer. The right part is the registry keys related to the registry path.

Windows Registry is divided into five main parts (plus one main hidden part which is only for advanced user). Those five parts can be seen and viewed from the left window (registry path). The description of each part is as follows:

1. HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
This is the first branch. It is a file that associates mappings to support the drag and drop feature, OLE information, Windows shortcuts, and the Windows user interface. It also contains information about registered programs, file associations, and other basic Windows information.

2. HKEY_CURRENT_USER
This part contains specific information about logged-in user.

3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
This part contains general information about hardware and software for all users such as the type of hardware, software's setting and other preferences on the computer.

4. HKEY_USERS
This part contains specific information about users setting (as in desktop configuration for each user) for every user in that computer. This part is the subpart of the HKEY_CURRENT_USER.

5. HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG
This part contains hardware configurations and other information gathered at runtime.

The most important thing to remember is that you must be extra careful when editing Windows Registry. Creating backup of it before making any changes should be your first priority.