windows registry for dummies

1. What is the Windows Registry and what does it do?
2. How does the Windows registry work?
3. Is it safe to edit registry?
4. What is the Windows 10 registry?
5. How do I open Windows Registry?
6. Does Linux have a registry like Windows?
7. What happens if you delete Windows Registry?
8. What type of safeguards does the registry editor have to keep you from making mistakes?
9. How do I fix registry errors for free?
10. Why the registry would need to be edited?
11. Is it necessary to clean registry?
12. What is the difference between Regedit and Reg Exe?

What is the Windows Registry and what does it do?

The Registry contains information that Windows continually references during operation, such as profiles for each user, the applications installed on the computer and the types of documents that each can create, property sheet settings for folders and application icons, what hardware exists on the system, and the ports ...

How does the Windows registry work?

The Registry helps the operating system manage the computer, it helps programs use the computer's resources, and it provides a location for keeping custom settings you make in both Windows and your programs. For example, when you change the Windows desktop, the changes are stored in the Registry.

Is it safe to edit registry?

Editing the registry is sometimes the best route to resolving a problem or tweaking Windows to meet your needs. One wrong edit, in the wrong entry, can render a Windows machine unusable or worse -- unbootable. ... So any user who attempts to edit the registry needs to do so with caution.

What is the Windows 10 registry?

Windows Registry is one of the key components of the Windows operating system. This hierarchical database contains windows settings, application settings, device driver info and user passwords. When an application is installed, some part of the software is stored in the Registry file, i.e. RegEdit.exe.

How do I open Windows Registry?

There are two ways to open Registry Editor in Windows 10:

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type regedit. Then, select the top result for Registry Editor (Desktop app).
2. Press and hold or right-click the Start button, then select Run. Enter regedit in the Open: box and select OK.

Does Linux have a registry like Windows?

1 Answer. Thankfully, there is no Linux equivalent of the Windows registry. Configuration is kept in (mostly) text files: ... The system state, which in Windows ends up mixed with configuration data, lives under /var.

What happens if you delete Windows Registry?

Windows stores a lot of critical information in the registry, which is loaded (at least a part of it) during an early stage while booting. If you remove this information, Windows will be unable to find and load critical system files and thus be unable to boot.

What type of safeguards does the registry editor have to keep you from making mistakes?

Answer Expert Verified

The safeguard is under file -> export. It is a good idea to back up a key before making changes. Alternatively, you could set up a system restore point.

How do I fix registry errors for free?

Run Automatic Repair

1. Open the Settings panel.
2. Go to Update & Security.
3. At the Recovery tab, click Advanced Startup -> Restart now. ...
4. At the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot.
5. At the Advanced Options screen, click Automated Repair.
6. Choose an account and login, when prompted to do so.

Why the registry would need to be edited?

It may be necessary to edit the registry to correct an error or corruption; to add a setting that is not part of the original design; or to prevent some system activity that is undesired. The registry is a very powerful tool, and if it's used incorrectly, YES, it can wreak havoc on your system.

Is it necessary to clean registry?

The short answer is no - don't attempt to clean the Windows Registry. The Registry is a system file that holds lots of vital information about your PC and how it works. Over time, installing programs, updating software and attaching new peripherals can all add to the Registry.

What is the difference between Regedit and Reg Exe?

There is no difference, regedit.exe is the actual registry editor and regedt32.exe is simply an alternative (backwards compatible, i.e. for old Windows NT programs to use) way to run regedit.