What Is the Windows Registry Editor?

The registry contains all of the settings that Windows needs to run.

The Windows Registry Editor is a tool included in recent versions of the operating system that enables users to modify settings and values in the registry. The registry itself is a large database of options that controls the appearance and behavior of Windows, as well as the applications installed on it. Editing the registry is not advisable unless you have some technical knowledge of the software, as errors in the registry can prevent Windows from booting or operating correctly.

The Windows Registry

The Windows registry itself is made up of a number of different files spread across the hard drive. The registry editor collects these files together in one database. Some registry sections--or "hives"--cover options relating to the local computer, while other sections focus on options relating to the current user account. Values in the registry can affect settings as diverse as the text in window titles to the amount of time Windows waits before declaring that a program is failing to respond.

Access

Windows' own registry editor is called Regedit; launch it by clicking the Start menu button, typing "regedit" into the search box and pressing "Enter." Regedit requires administrator privileges, so standard user accounts will not be able to access this tool. Regedit offers a simple interface and basic tools for searching through and editing the registry.

Features

Use the left-hand pane of the registry editor to navigate around the registry. This section displays the registry's various hives and entries. The menus at the top of the screen enable the user to bookmark particular registry keys under Favorites and to search the registry for specific text strings or numbers. Regedit also includes Import and Export options on the File menu. Use these two options to load new registry configurations and to make backups of the existing registry.

Editing the Registry

It's important to have a sound knowledge of the values and settings you are modifying before tackling the registry. Before making any changes, click "File," then click "Export" to make a copy of the existing registry, preferably on an external hard drive or USB stick. Modify individual values within the registry by double-clicking them or by right-clicking them and choosing "Modify" from the menu that appears. Some registry entries can only use binary or numeric values.

References

• Microsoft: Windows Registry Information
• Microsoft: Registry Functions
• Microsoft: How To Modify The Registry