Arguably the Windows registry is one most critical components of your operating system, and yet most people are not aware of it. Simply put, the registry can be thought of as your PC’s central database. This database holds information about your Windows installation, the users on your PC and the application (or software) you’ve installed.

While you may not have realized it, you’ve likely interacted with your registry numerous times. Utilities like Control Panel and Device Manager are really tools to edit those corresponding portions of the registry. The registry is read during each computer startup, and numerous times thereafter as you start new programs.

Registry Structure

The registry is divided into the following sections (or classes):

* HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT – Known mostly for storing file associations – e.g., .doc files are opened by Word, .xls files are opened by Excel, and so on.
* HKEY_CURRENT_USER – stores settings for the user currently logged-on. This is a sub-key of HKEY_USERS.
* HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE – stores computer, or machine-specific information.
* HKEY_USERS – Stores settings for all user accounts.
* HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG – computer run-time information.

Registry Strengths

The registry model is a significant improvement to its predecessor — .INI files. In older versions of Windows, configuration data would be stored in separate files that were scattered across the hard drive.

So, the major benefit is having all your PC configuration data in one location. This makes backing up the registry much easier since it’s a small number of files in one location.

Registry Weaknesses

While the current registry design is a significant improvement over past methods, it’s not without its weak points. The largest of which is the centralized approach. While it eases other tasks like backups, it presents a single point of failure. As with any database, data corruption can occur with in serious cases can prevent your computer from loading.

The registry is also prone to bloating. This happens when programs are installed and load data into the registry, but do not remove their data during program un-installation. The registry is read during each system start-up outdated and useless information does nothing but waste computing time. Eventually this will lead to a noticeably slower PC and ultimately it can lead to computer freezes and crashes.

Registry Maintenance

Since the registry can present a single point of failure, regular maintenance is necessary for the overall health of your computer. Remember, the registry stores information from the time Windows was first installed on. This could be many months or even years of data. Much of this information is no longer needed.

Regular cleaning is vital for your PC’s healthy.

How to clean the registry

Since the registry has no method of self-cleaning, it’s necessary to run a registry cleaning program regularly. Many cleaners are available and most offer a free download and trial scan.

What do the cleaners do? Basic “housecleaning” tasks like removing unwanted and unneeded items. They will search for and remove redundant data, broken links and short-cuts – i.e. short-cuts to files that are no longer on the system, and registry settings that are no longer valid. Realistically, if you’ve never cleaned your registry there could be 10,000 – 100,000 or more such entries. It’s easy to understand how this could slow down your PC.