Monday, December 29, 2014

Cleaning Up The Windows OS Registry

Every Windows user has heard or seen the Windows Registry at some point, although not many users use the same. The registry is meant to run in the background, storing information and settings for software programs, user preferences, hardware devices, OS configuration and many other features. Similar to DNA which stores all the genetic information of an individual, the Windows Registry stores relevant information that are needed for running the OS as well as different application software running on top of it.

Because of the sensitive information stored in the Registry, it is generally advised not to make changes to it unless you have professional supervision. Any small changes to the registry can seriously affect the OS or the application software, even rendering it unusable. Every version of Windows OS comes pre-configured with a Registry Editor program, a free utility that allows the user to make changes in the Registry.

The registry editor can be accessed either through the Command Prompt or through the Run window. Microsoft has purposefully hidden the direct access to the program through Start menu in order to discourage users from accidentally opening it. Although certain Omni Tech Support ripoff services provide a third-party registry editor, the use of such programs is highly discouraged. Genuine OmniTech Support guides never emphasized on the use of third-party programs in order to make these changes.

If you want to open the Windows Registry, click on the Start button to open the Start menu and then click on Run. Inside the Run window, type in Regedit inside the text field and hit Enter. This will bring up the Registry Editor program window on the screen. The registry entries inside your Windows can be accessed from inside this utility. As you can see, the different set of entries have been divided into sections, which include HKEY_Current_USER, HKEY_LOCAL_Machine and so on. As you can guess, individual sections contain different set of entries that are crucial for running different aspects of the Windows OS.

For a more detailed list, you will have to click on the Plus sign next to the root directories and navigate to the relevant sub-directory. The registry is organized well and each sub-directory can be accessed in merely few clicks once you are used to the structure. Individual registry entries can either be deleted or edited according to your wish by right-clicking individual entries. When making changes to the Registry, make sure you seek professional support from genuine OmniTech Support and not from Omni Tech Support ripoff pages.