Computer Hardware:
     • Tools, Static & Cleaning
     • Form Factor
     • PC Case & Fans
     • Motherboard
     • Processor (CPU)
     • Power Supply Unit
     • RAM
     • Hard Drive
     • Solid State Drive
     • Optical Drive
     • Floppy Disk Drive
     • Graphics Card
     • Sound Card
     • Network Card
     • Computer Monitor
     • Keyboard & Mouse
     • Laptop / Netbook
     • Building a Computer
     • Overclocking

Operating System & Backup:
     • Operating System
     • Drivers
     • Windows Tools
     • User Accounts
     • Backup
     • Windows 10

Internet & Network:
     • Internet
     • Wi-fi or Cable
     • Improve Broadband Speed
     • Network Computers

Computer Peripherals:
     • Printer
     • Scanner
     • External Hard Drive
     • USB Flash Drive

Computer Security:
     • Anti-virus
     • Anti-Spyware
     • Phishing
     • Firewall

Common PC Problems:
     • Slow Computer
     • Hardware Failure
     • Software Failure
     • Printing Problems

Miscellaneous:
     • Windows Shortcuts
     • Glossary of Terms
     • HTML Colour Picker
     • Number Base Converter

Windows Registry

The 'Registry' is a database that stores important information about the system hardware, installed programs, and settings on your computer.

Usually you do not need to make any changes to the 'Registry' as it is automatically updated by the programs and applications running on your computer. If you do intend to make changes to the 'Registry', maybe because of a corrupt file, then you should first make a backup of the 'Registry', as an incorrect change could make your computer inoperable.

Registry.

You can access the 'Registry' by clicking 'Start', and typing 'regedit'. into the search box, and pressing 'Enter' on the keyboard.

When the 'Registry Editor' screen is displayed you will see the following five Root Keys:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
This root key defines what should happen when Windows runs an application with a certain file extension. For example, if you open an .rtf document then it checks the 'Registry' to find out which program is associated with the .rtf file extension which may be WordPad or Microsoft Word for example.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER
Windows supports more than one user on a single computer and will store information such as desktop colour schemes, and the contents of the desktop for each user. This key contains the current user's configuration data.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE contains the configuration data for all the software on your computer as well as the hardware.

HKEY_USERS
This key contains configuration data for all currently active users on your computer.

HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG
This contains information on the hardware that is currently in use.

How to backup the Registry
It is important to backup the 'Registry' before making any changes.

At the top-left of the 'Registry Editor' click on 'File' and then 'Export', enter a file name, and select 'Save'. This will save a copy of your 'Registry' in case you make a mistake. To restore the 'Registry' then click 'File' and then 'Import', locate your registry file, and select 'Open'.

Programs and the Registry
Usually when you install a large program on your computer then it may also save some of the program's settings into the 'Windows Registry'.

When you want to delete the program from your computer then you should uninstall it properly by using the actual program's 'uninstall' feature, or if that is not available then using 'Programs and Features' in the Control Panel to uninstall the program. This will remove the complete program and all its settings from your computer without causing any problems.

Registry Cleaner software
Over time, the 'Registry' will contain invalid information because a program was not uninstalled correctly or because the computer crashed causing invalid entries. There is plenty of Registry Cleaner software available today which is supposed to clean the 'Registry', and claims to fix any errors and increase your computer's performance. It should be mentioned that a poorly written Registry Cleaner can cause problems with your computer but if you intend to use one then 'CCleaner' is very popular. Rather than using a Registry Cleaner it is recommended that you uninstall your unwanted programs properly.