Chapter 7
The Windows Registry
IN THIS CHAPTER
Appreciating the Registry
Creating a backup of the Registry
Editing the Registry
Adding a new Registry key or value
Searching the Registry
Cleaning the Registry
The Registry isn’t a troubleshooting tool as much as it can be a pain in the rump. It helps to know about the Registry, how to make modifications, and what to avoid. Beyond that, and if you’re in a hurry, just read the last section in this chapter, which covers so-called Registry “cleaners.”
Behold the Registry
Microsoft created the Registry to solve several problems. Number one was to provide a central location for all the options, settings, and configurations for Windows, your user account, and all your programs. This massive berg of information is jammed into a single unit, called the Registry.
More importantly, Microsoft created the Registry to thwart attempts by enthusiasts ...
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