Microsoft® Windows® XP Unleashed

Chapter 20. The Windows XP Registry

In This Chapter

• A Brief History of the Windows Registry

• Registry Basics

• Backing Up and Restoring the Registry

• Using the Windows Registry Editor

Let's face it. Just the mention of the Windows Registry makes most people a bit nervous. After all, Microsoft has gone to great pains ever since the introduction of the first Registry in Windows 3.1 to make people aware that editing the Registry can cause serious problems; improper changes can even prevent your computer from being able to start. However, if you take the proper precautions (such as backing up the Registry before editing it); learn to use the proper tools; and perhaps most importantly, learn when editing the Registry is the proper choice, you will find that ...