How to use the Windows Registry to fine-tune your PC

Windows can do quite a lot more than Microsoft lets on, as only a fraction of Windows’ functions are accessible via the graphical user interface (GUI).

You can only get at the majority of functions and settings via the Registry. Microsoft’s advice is that only very experienced users should edit the Registry, and this article will help you to become such an expert.

The Registry tools that come with Windows are a bit limited, but Microsoft provides for free some very functional utilities that are easy to build on.

We’ll introduce you to Microsoft’s offerings. Third-party manufacturers produce Registry tools, too, and we’ve listed some of them on the 'Recommended Registry utilities' pdf attached to this feature.

And we list the best Registry tips, which are split into three categories: Security, Performance and Usability.

The heart of Windows
Since Windows 95, the Registry has been the central Windows database for all system settings. The Registry is part of all current Microsoft operating systems – XP, XP x64 and even Vista. Be careful, though: bugs or incorrect Registry entries can instantly make Windows completely unusable.

Before you start experimenting in the Registry, make a system backup using an imaging program such as Acronis True Image.

If you don’t want to make a disk image, you can use XP’s own System Restore facility, although it is not as comprehensive and it won’t restore any lost data files or programs.

You can find the System Restoration feature under Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore.

If your computer won’t run properly because of incorrect Registry entries, you can press the F8 key during bootup to revert to a previous configuration – choose the ‘Last known good configuration’ option on the screen.

Alternatively, you could try starting in Safe Mode and accessing System Restore as described above. Remember that you must have Administrator rights to reset the system using either of these methods.