How to Fix Your Windows Registry

Word Count:
385

Summary:
Windows registry is a vital portion of the Windows 95, 98, XP and NT operating systems. It is a database of sorts, keeping the configuration settings and .dat files together.


Keywords:
fix windows registry, clean windows registry


Article Body:
Windows registry is a vital portion of the Windows 95, 98, XP and NT operating systems. It is a database of sorts, keeping the configuration settings and .dat files together. A program installed in the computer is jampacked with information that is automatically transferred to the registry. What are these pieces of information? They can be about the hardware, the memory and other Windows applications. 

The registry is made up with a lot of folders and more subfolders. "Hives" or keys also constitute a registry. These hives are the following:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT. You know why Windows know that a .doc file is from a MS Word document? It's because of this registry key.
 
HKEY_CURRENT_USER. This key records the information of the user currently using the computer.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. This contains hardware, security accounts manager or SAM, security, software and system information. 

HKEY_USERS. This key registers information on all the recognized users.

HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG. This computer registry key contains more hardwore information.

HKEY_DYN_DATA. This is under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE key that deals with Plug and Play devices.

When you are in the registry, you will also come across with these files: the string value that enables you to add a version number, the binary value for specific attributes, and dword which bears a semblance with binary value.

Is windows registry important? Of course, yes. Take note: if you uninstall a program, the registry conks down and needs immediate troubleshooting to get back in shape. Once your computer slows down, you may chalk it up to the registry. But never worry, because we've got lots of solutions to keep your windows registry in first-rate condition. 

Here are some ways to fix windows registry:

1. Utilize System Restore.

When something has been done to computer registry, there is one way to fix it quickly and effortlessly: System Restore. System Restore makes it possible to undo all the changes and to go back to the system's original condition.

2. Use available software for backup.

Every computer user must know that backup is not an option, it is a mandatory step. There are utilities that can be used to backup your registry files.

3. Use Registry Checker.

Windows is equipped with Registry Checker to scan registry problems. Registry Checker will be optimized if you reboot regularly.