The configuration database in all 32-bit versions of Windows that contains settings for the hardware and software in the PC it is installed in. The Registry is made up of the SYSTEM.DAT and USER.DAT files. Many settings previously stored in the WIN.INI and SYSTEM.INI files in 16-bit Windows (Windows 3.x) are in the Registry.
The Registry can be edited directly, but that is usually only done for very technical enhancements or as a last resort. Routine access is done via the Control Panels in My Computer or any Properties menu. Right clicking almost every icon in Windows brings you the Properties menu for that object. A PC with many applications that has been used for a while can easily have a hundred thousand or more Registry entries. See Win Registry and Registry cleaner.
The Registry can be edited directly, but that is usually only done for very technical enhancements or as a last resort. Routine access is done via the Control Panels in My Computer or any Properties menu. Right clicking almost every icon in Windows brings you the Properties menu for that object. A PC with many applications that has been used for a while can easily have a hundred thousand or more Registry entries. See Win Registry and Registry cleaner.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- Analyst: IBM WebSphere appears to be more well-RESTed
- IBM's latest release of WebSphere Service Registry and Repository appears to move away from 'Big SOA WS-* style integration' by Joe McKendrick
- Blog posts 2009-11-29
- CleanMyPC Registry Cleaner 4.26 (Windows)
- CleanMyPC Registry Cleaner will check your Windows registry and then remove any incorrect or obsolete information in the registry. Repairing these faulty registry items will allow your PC to run faster and error free. The backup/restore function of the tool let you backup your whole Windows Registry so you can...
- Software downloads 2009-11-28
- FCleaner 1.2.7.1127 (Windows)
- FCleaner is a freeware all-in-one Windows disk and registry cleaning and optimization tool. It removes unused files and invalid registry entries that are eating up your disk space and slowing your system down, tweaks your system and allows your Windows to run faster. FCleaner can also protect your privacy such...
- Software downloads 2009-11-28
- Little Registry Cleaner Portable Edition 1.4 (Windows)
- Little Registry Cleaner is an open source program designed for Windows Registry. Its purpose is to remove obsolete or unwanted items that build up in the registry over time in order to improve the stability and performance of your computer. These items may include un-needed or inaccurate entries left behind...
- Software downloads 2009-11-27
- Little Registry Cleaner 1.4 (Windows)
- Little Registry Cleaner is an open source program designed for Windows Registry. Its purpose is to remove obsolete or unwanted items that build up in the registry over time in order to improve the stability and performance of your computer. These items may include un-needed or inaccurate entries left behind...
- Software downloads 2009-11-27
- WhatInStartup 1.16 (Windows)
- This utility displays the list of all applications that are loaded automatically when Windows starts up. For each application, the following information is displayed: Startup Type (Registry/Startup Folder), Command-Line String, Product Name, File Version, Company Name, Location in the Registry or file system. It allows you to easily disable or...
- Software downloads 2009-11-27
- Uninstall Expert 3.0.1.2105 (Windows)
- Uninstall Expert is an easy-in-use and powerful applications that helps you to uninstall unneeded programs completely from your computer. With Uninstall Expert, users can uninstall applications much faster than Windows Add/Remove program, sometimes 5-10 times faster. Still users can pick up the "hidden" programs which can't be displayed by Windows...
- Software downloads 2009-11-26
- Max Spyware Threat Definition 16.0.2.044 (Windows)
- Max Secure Spyware Detector is a complete solution for individuals, professionals and home users. The software is specially designed to scan, detect, delete and recover spyware with an option of quick and full scan.This software is also powered by some advanced features that are similar to our corporate edition like,...
- Software downloads 2009-11-26
- SearchMyFiles 1.30 (Windows)
- SearchMyFiles is an alternative to the standard "Search For Files And Folders" module of Windows. It allows you to easily search files in your system by wildcard, by last modified/created/last accessed time, by file attributes, by file content text or binary search, and by the file size. SearchMyFiles allows you...
- Software downloads 2009-11-26
- CCleaner 2.26.1050 (Windows)
- CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry...
- Software downloads 2009-11-26
- Six updates for your parent's computer over Thanksgiving
- LOL, great suggestions!![i]Run Disk Utility (it?s in Applications > Utilities) and Repair Disk Permissions. This cleans up a lot of system gunk that builds up over time and makes the Mac run better.[/i]But... but... but... you don't need to defrag OS X and since it has no registry, the system...
- Discussion threads 2009-11-25
- SysCheckUp 2.1.1 (Windows)
- SysCheckUp is software designed for Windows systems (32-bit only) to keep your computer running at maximum performance. The innovative repair tool can repair multiple problems including: missing desktop icons, missing taskbar, missing drives, no audio, and denied access to the task manager and control panel. The registry cleaner can remove...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Regmagik 4.9.7 (Windows)
- Go to registry path given as a string. Very convenient if you read instructions about doing something in registry. Just select registry path and copy it to clipboard. Then open RegmagiK and use Go to Key toolbar button or press Ctrl+G. Drag-n-Drop to create Desktop or Quick Launch shortcuts to...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Uninstall Gold 2.0.2.81 (Windows)
- Uninstall Gold is system software designed to remove remnants of unneeded programs on personal computer. Normally, Uninstall Gold scans personal computer and shows all found files, folders and registry items for users to find the desired programs to uninstall. Unlike other uninstall software, Uninstall Gold can remove unneeded program completely,...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- vLog 3.59 (Windows)
- Recording and reporting software defects for QA and tech-support. The vLog Visual Logger acts like a black box in an airplane. It records all user-actions on dialogs of specific applications, and monitors many other application and system's resources. It also adds log files and other data files (such as configuration...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Nimi Visuals 10.4 (Windows)
- Windows effect and customization engine offering over 58 inbuilt amazing effects like launchers, jelly windows, transparent windows, snow, blurred taskbar and many other check web page for more information. As well as advanced repository system for installing, managing and auto-updating 3rd part customization software, NV plug-ins, desktop scripts, wallpapers and...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Advanced SystemCare Free 3.4.1 (Windows)
- Slow down, freeze, crash, and security threats are over. Advanced SystemCare Free is a comprehensive PC care utility that takes a one-click approach to help protect, repair, and optimize your computer. It provides an all-in-one and super convenient solution for PC maintenance and protection. All work will be done with...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Converber 2.2.1 (Windows)
- A powerful unit converter that helps make easy conversions between 1324 various units of measure in 38 categories. Converber converts everything from length and force to flow and temperature. Features include: - Gives immediate access to all categories or single category - Favorites menu to bookmark your frequently-used conversions -...
- Software downloads 2009-11-25
- Registry Repair Wizard 2009 build 6.21 (Windows)
- Registry Repair Wizard is an advanced Registry cleaner for Windows that allows you to safely scan, repair, and clean Windows Registry problems with a few simple mouse clicks. Problems with the Windows Registry are a common cause of Windows crashes and error messages. By fixing the obsolete information and adjusting...
- Software downloads 2009-11-24
- WinTools.net Ultimate 9.11.1 (Windows)
- A suite of tools for increasing the operating system performance. WinTools.net cleanly removes unwanted software from disk drives and dead references from the Windows registry. WinTools.net puts you in control of the Windows start up process, memory monitoring and gives you the power to customize desktop and system settings to...
- Software downloads 2009-11-24
Neighboring Terms
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
- Save time with automated shipping solutions
-
The Business Essentials Guide provides you useful tools and templates to help grow your business and save you time with automated shipping solutions.
- Visit the UPS Business Essentials Guide
- The more you simplify, the more you save
-
When you transition from your existing Red Hat environment to SUSE Linux Enterprise from Novell, you can recognize dramatic cost savings, perhaps as much 50%
- Learn more >>
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online - Free Six-Month Trial for Eligible Organizations
-
Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online provides fast online access, simple contact management and better sales performance for a low monthly cost - the best value on the market today.
- Learn more about the free, six-month trial offer>>
SmartPlanet
- Thought-provoking progressive ideas on diverse topics that intersect with technology, business, and life, and matter to the world at large. Visit SmartPlanet
- More from IBM
-
- How to Drive Better Business Outcomes with Exceptional Web Experiences Download the eBook
- Driving Business Agility through SOA Connectivity & Integration Read the White Paper from IBM
- Linking Decisions and Information for Organizational Performance Read the Tom Davenport study
