What is a Windows Registry and How to Use It?

All operating systems must maintain data used to configure the system, but where it is housed differs for each platform. Microsoft Windows stores such valuable data centrally in a hierarchical database called the Windows Registry. The Windows Registry houses User Preferences, Operating System and Application Settings, making it a critical component in the Windows operating structure. Essentially, the Windows Registry is the nervous system of Windows, and if mishandled, your system may perform poorly or not at all. This reality frightens many PC users who treat the Windows Registry as if it is forbidden fruit belonging to the tree of life. However, while one must take care to not disrupt its life balance, at a minimum, every PC user should know how to restore the Windows Registry and keep order, i.e. back it up or restore its settings, if need be.

Before the Windows Registry and Microsoft’s prized Windows concept was MS-DOS, another groundbreaker, although not so user friendly because it requires use and understanding of commands and some syntax or coding. Windows not only allows multiple versus single jobs to be run at once (i.e. print, app loads, etc.), but too is user friendly because of its graphical user interface (GUI). Instead of having to learn and enter text-mode commands in a prompt. Windows performs complex and simple tasks, such as moving files or checking disk space, with just a point and click in its interface. No wonder with the release of Windows home purchases and use of PCs saw exponential growth almost overnight! For old-timers and persons who’d rather captain their own ship, the MS-DOS text-mode command structure still exists on all versions of MS Windows.

Each time Windows is booted, it goes to the Windows Registry to determine what needs to be loaded, i.e. drivers or applications, for example, or what settings need be applied to run or present the system as intended. The Windows Registry uses the same hierarchical structure and tree used throughout Windows. It is made up of main Keys or Hives (aka Hkey), Keys, Subkeys and Values. Depending on what version you are using will determines if there are 5 versus 6 main Keys (or Hives) classifying data. For example, one main Key (or Hive) might contain configuration data for a user profile, while another might contain information on hardware or software installs. Keys are like folders and may contain SubKeys, files or Values. Values contain actual data belonging to Keys or Subkeys, and while there are different types of data stored, the most common type is binary, strings, and DWord. In order to access the Value and access its stored data, one must follow the main Key (or Hive), Keys and Subkey. However, again, novice PC users need not get boggled down with such details as Registry entries are automatically performed for you at the command of an installed program or as a Windows service through interaction of its OS interface. Manual edits, however, can be made by launching the Register Editor, also known as the regedit.exe file. Again, extreme caution should be considered and in fact, you should ‘always’ backup the Registry in case you misstep. Don’t worry. The Windows operating system GUI has too made this a very easy task.

The great thing about Windows is that it offers many ways to skin a cat, i.e. multiple methods in achieving the same result or task. If you access the Windows Control Panel, you will see options to backup or restore the system. Unfortunately, these services are system functions and are not exclusive to just the Windows Registry, but it serves the same purpose – to protect stored data, whether personal, programs or configurations. You too can use an external Backup or Restoration Tool or simply do it yourself using MS-DOS.

Restore Points, i.e. Windows Restore, can be tricky in such an infiltration by a malicious program could corrupt or erase settings to circumvent and regenerate malicious activities and program loads. A malicious program also has the ability to corrupt the Windows Registry, adding malicious services, i.e. Run Keys, Subkeys, Values, etc., and hooking legitimate processes, again to circumvent malicious activity. Because the Windows Registry is a critical operating system component, it is white listed by many antivirus programs, therefore, keeping them from scanning or editing this entire area. This is why malware makers use programming tricks to mask and bury their malicious files here.

The best way to protect your system and Windows Registry from malware is by using a firewall, keeping installed a stealth antimalware solution and keeping software patched.

The Windows Registry is a vital resource and thus is in constant use. On occasion, although a rarity, the Windows Registry may become cluttered with broken components left from poorly uninstalled programs and unnecessary Run Keys (from malicious or potentially unwanted programs). If your system is performing poorly, you may want to consider cleaning the Windows Registry. However, if you are not skilled or comfortable in making edits, you should seek aid from a professional program, preferably a reliable registry cleaner.