What is Windows Registry?
Most of you, in the field of computing, must be aware that Windows Registry is one of the hottest topics in the context of Windows optimization. Before moving on to discuss some of the problems related with Windows Registry and their potential solutions; let’s briefly explain the concept of Windows Registry for our novice readers.
To be precise, Windows Registry is a directory, or a repository, that houses the options and various settings for the OS; Windows (including 32 bit versions, 64 bit versions and Windows Mobile). Many people get suspicious about what exactly it stores? In one sentence; “Windows Registry stores all the information and settings for all OS software, non-OS software, hardware, user settings, preferences etc.” For example, settings for your internet, folders, networks, desktop etc are all contained in Windows Registry. They keep information regarding the start up of programs, the best way to run the programs and how to shut the programs.
Windows 95 was the first operating system, in the series of Microsoft OS, which incorporated the feature of Windows Registry. The purpose was to tidy up the abundance of per-program .INI files which had been used in order to store various configuration settings. However the introduction of Windows Registry has brought another problem. You may have noticed that a recently installed Windows runs much faster in comparison with a Windows that had been installed almost 6 months back. Can u guess why this is so? You will notice this even on two systems having same processor and memory specifications. The reason behind this is Windows Registry. Whenever you make any change in the settings or system policies or you install new programs or uninstall various programs from your system; all of these changes are properly logged and stored in the registry. This can lead to a slower PC performance which will be discussed later.
Problems Associated with Windows Registry
As mentioned earlier, the changes you make in the settings of your PC are stored in the System Registry. The registry even keeps track of the smallest change that you have made in your system; whether it is a change in the setting, an installation of software (Whether OS or Non-OS), un-installation of software; each and every activity, which leads to some change in your system, is logged into the System Registry. So where comes the problem? The problem arises when the size of these files (registry files) gets bigger and bigger as we do more changes in our system. As a result, our system’s performance decays and it reacts sluggishly. Whenever you delete any file or uninstall a program, a reference is kept for that deleted file or program in the Windows registry. This reference, which is of no use, is not deleted and when your System’s registry gets filled with these unwanted files, it makes your System lethargic.
Well, it doesn’t mean that you should stop making changes in your PC; you should do changes according to your interest. What you should take care of is to scan the registry in order to remove those files that are no longer required by your system. Read on…
