What is the Windows Registry?

In pure layman's terms, the Windows registry is a central repository or database of information needed by your computer to store important bits of information relating to your computer system. Windows needs to 'remember' stuff about your operating system, hardware and software including configurations, general settings, preferences, the locations of files, documents, photos, spreadsheets and even your browser bookmarks.

Without the Windows registry, you wouldn't be able to read this article, you wouldn't be able to see your screen saver or desktop or print or scan your favourite photos. In fact, Windows needs all this information to keep your computer running smoothly and at peak efficiency.

As you continue changing preferences, installing and uninstalling software and hardware, the registry grows and becomes more complex. As such, what you need to know is that any changes in your computer are recorded within your Registry. In addition, the chances of errors and missing, obsolete or corrupt entries increases exponentially.

Keeping your registry in a good state of repair and conducting regular scans maintenance is imperative because the registry contains important data that is used all the time during system operation.

This is where registry cleaning software comes along.

This blog is dedicated to looking at and reviewing registry cleaning products that are found on the market today.

Have a look at Editing Windows Registry Series of Articles