| RegEdit is a program on Windows PCs that is | | | | disk with backslashes separating them. The |
| used to edit the registry. The registry is set of | | | | right-hand pane shows data items, types, and |
| files on your PC that is used to store information | | | | data. |
| about the hardware and software configuration of | | | | There will be a plus ("+") or minus ("-") next to |
| your PC. The software configuration information | | | | the folder icons. The plus ("+") opens the contents |
| includes programs that are part of Windows and | | | | below the folder and the minus ("-") closes it. |
| programs that you have loaded onto the PC. | | | | Close up all the folders by clicking the minus ("-") |
| Programs and services that the system will run | | | | signs. Now you will see the standard five folders |
| as you boot up are in the registry as well as | | | | make up the registry that at are the top level |
| settings that program maintain during normal use. | | | | and are call hives. If you are using a very old |
| But the registry is also the place many viruses, | | | | version of Windows there might not be five. |
| adware, spyware, and malware programs attach | | | | - Click the plus ("+") next to the folder titled |
| and place information that deleteriously affects | | | | "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE" |
| your PC. | | | | - Look for the folder underneath called |
| A word of warning! If you use RegEdit to alter | | | | "SOFTWARE".If it is not already open, click the |
| the registry you can corrupt the registry. This | | | | plus ("+") next to it to open it. |
| may render your system unusable. Your system | | | | - Look for the folder underneath called |
| may not even boot up. So if you're not | | | | "Microsoft".If it is not already open, click the plus |
| comfortable reloading the operating system on | | | | ("+") next to it to open it. |
| your PC, or if you don't have the original | | | | - Look for the folder underneath called |
| installation media for your programs this is | | | | "Windows".If it is not already open, click the plus |
| probably not for you. As always in these type of | | | | ("+") next to it to open it. |
| instructions, there is no warranty or guarantee | | | | - Look for the folder underneath called |
| express or implied and you edit the registry at | | | | "CurrentVersion".If it is not already open, click the |
| your own risk! | | | | plus ("+") next to it to open it. |
| But it's okay to look right! Yes, but RegEdit | | | | - Look for the folder underneath called "Run".If it |
| doesn't have an undo button or a restore option. | | | | is not already open, click the plus ("+") next to it |
| There are ways to restore previous versions of | | | | to open it. But then click once right on the folder |
| the registry, but it is an advanced technique which | | | | itself. |
| is not covered here. In this example, we will just | | | | Notice on the bottom status line, the complete |
| look and begin to understand how the registry | | | | hierarchical path that we have navigated is |
| works, and how to use RegEdit. | | | | displayed there. It should look like this: My |
| Proceed with caution Okay now that you are | | | | Computer/HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE |
| sufficiently warned, let's take a look at the | | | | Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Run (forward |
| registry with RegEdit. | | | | slash should be replaced with backslash, |
| 1. Click "Start" on your Windows menu (the orb | | | | EzineArticles doesn't seem to like backslashes) In |
| for Windows Vista users) | | | | the right-hand pane you will see a list with column |
| 2. Then click "Run" Don't have a "Run" option? If | | | | headings of "Name", "Type", and "Data". This |
| you know how to set the properties for your | | | | particular key is used when Windows starts up to |
| start bar you can enable the "Run" option there. If | | | | run programs. The data often contains the path |
| you don't know how to do that maybe you | | | | to the program referenced. It is also one place |
| should reconsider whether you want to do this it | | | | many viruses, adware, spyware malware |
| all. But as an option, you can click "Programs", | | | | programs, and just annoying programs place |
| then "Accessories", then click "Command Prompt". | | | | information so that they run every time your PC |
| 3. Type "RegEdit" (without the quotes) and click | | | | starts. But there may be items in here that your |
| "OK" or press enter if you are using the | | | | computer needs. Microsoft places items here. And |
| "Command Prompt". | | | | your computer manufacture may also put items |
| When RegEdit starts the window is divided into | | | | in here. So take care if you do decide to delete |
| two panes. The left-hand pane shows a | | | | something (which you can do by right-clicking and |
| hierarchical display starting from the top with "My | | | | selecting delete). |
| Computer" (you may have use the vertical scroll | | | | There are safer and more efficient ways to edit |
| bar in the pane). The hierarchical view reflects the | | | | the registry -- especially if you are looking for |
| organization of the registry -- sort of like the | | | | intruders that have invaded your registry. |
| directory on your PC's hard disk -- files and | | | | Anti-virus, spyware/adware detection software, |
| folders within folders. In the registry you have | | | | and registry cleaners offer alternatives to using |
| keys and data. And the keys are referenced by a | | | | RegEdit. |
| hierarchical path like your file paths on the hard | | | | |