Many computer magazines today mention the Registry when discussing how to modify various settings in Windows. So, what is the Registry? Where is it located in Windows? What is its structure? What are the tricks for editing the Registry?…
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Interacting with the Registry is akin to adding or removing a cog in a massive machine. A wrong move could potentially cripple the entire system. |
The Registry is considered the “ultimate key” to accessing Windows and is generally reserved for advanced users. For regular users, the Windows Registry resembles a dense forest with seemingly no exit. Below, we summarize some essential information about the Registry for your reference.
1. Basic Knowledge about the Registry:
The Registry is a database that stores all technical specifications of Windows. It records all the information when you change or edit settings in the Settings Menu, Control Panel, etc.
In Windows 95 and Windows 98, the Registry was stored in two files: user.dat and system.dat in the Windows folder. In Windows Me, the Registry was saved in the file Classes.dat in the Windows folder. In Windows 2000 and Windows XP, the Registry is stored in the “WindowsSystem32Config” folder.
You can edit the Registry in any version of Windows using the built-in Registry Editor by opening the Run window and typing the command “Regedit”.
The Registry has a tree-like structure, similar to a directory tree, with many branches extending depending on the application structure. Typically, the Windows Registry has five main branches, each responsible for storing specific information. Each main branch has numerous sub-branches, and these sub-branches store a wealth of specific information about everything in Windows.
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT: Stores common information for the entire system.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER: Stores information for the user currently logged into Windows.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE: Stores information about the system, hardware, and software.
HKEY_USERS: Stores information for all users, with each user represented by a branch named after their user ID.
HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG: Stores information about the currently used hardware.
Advanced Windows users looking to deepen their understanding of the system should explore the Registry as much as possible for the following reasons:
– The Registry holds all information about hardware, software, and user preferences…. Knowing how to manage the Registry is essential for using your computer scientifically and gaining a deeper understanding of the Windows working environment.
– To advance in Windows programming techniques, security measures, or even tasks like software cracking or unauthorized access to others’ computers… you must possess a certain level of understanding of the Registry.
– Most tricks published in reputable computer magazines are closely related to the Registry. Tools that can interact with Windows, created by software developers, often rely on “accessing” the Registry through user-friendly and intuitive tools.
2. Warnings When Using the Registry Editor
Everything within the Windows system leaves behind crucial “codes” or keys in the Registry. Modifying these keys may only impact a small part of Windows, but can sometimes affect the entire system. A careless edit of a few critical keys could render Windows completely inoperable.
If you decide to “dare” to enter the Registry Editor, the first step is to back up your Registry by running Registry Editor -> File -> Export and saving this .REG file in a safe location to restore the system if you make any incorrect edits. To restore the original Registry, go back to Registry Editor -> File -> Import -> and locate the saved .REG file for restoration.
3. Important Notes When Editing the Registry
– The text following the terms: User Key, System Key, or Key indicates the path to the branch that needs to be modified or created if it does not exist. Note that the User Key affects only the logged-in user, while the System Key affects all users.
– The Name field is the name of the key to be created, which appears as a sub-branch in the right pane of the Registry.
– The Type field specifies the data type of the newly created key.
– The Value field indicates the value of the key.
Once you have backed up the original Registry and know how to restore it, you can comfortably explore the Registry. Becoming a true “Registry expert” is not overly difficult; you just need a sufficient understanding of English to read and comprehend everything Microsoft presents in English within Windows.
Once you understand all the terms in the Registry, you can start experimenting by adjusting the default settings to your own preferences, then saving the Registry, logging out of the current User account, logging back into the modified account, and checking the effects of your changes. If it runs too fast, too slow, or becomes completely inoperable, you should return to the Registry to revert to the original settings. If you can’t recall the modified settings, proceed to restore the original Registry.
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