On Windows, unlike other systems (for example,Linux), system settings and many applications are not protected decentralized, each in its configuration file, but in a single, centralized, ordered form. Accordingly, sometimes there is a need to fix them. Of course, the latter statement applies only to advanced users, service engineers and system administrators. Regular PC users who do not have knowledge of how to build a line of systems based on the best development of Microsoft’s Windows operating system (and who don’t want to get this knowledge) are better not to edit the registry - this can lead to fatal consequences (data loss and even damage to equipment).
So, the regedit program, the registry editor bythe default "lies" in the WINDOWS directory and is launched via a shortcut or from the command line (you just need to type regedit). After launch, we see information that the Windows xp registry editor takes from a pair of small system files ntuser.dat, as well as ntuser.dat.log in the C directory: Documents and Settings User name (responsible for creating the HKEY_CURRENT_USER section when a user logs on to the system for the first time). In addition, registry hives are stored in the C: WindowsSYSTEM32CONFIG directory in the SECURTY files (HKLMSecurity section), SAM (HKLMSAM), Software (HKLMSoftware), System (HKLMSystem and HCC), Defaullt (HKEY_USERS.Default). This path also contains files with the log extension for registry hives of any type, where a log of significant changes is kept. There are also copies of registry hives with the sav extension, which are snapshots at the time of completion of the text phase of the system installation.
All current versions of the above files instructured hierarchical views are presented when the registry editor is running. Let's list some of its functions besides the obvious ones (changing different types of registry keys). You can export the selected partition or branch to various file types. This is the reg format, which provides for the automated addition of a registry hive to a file in another copy of the Windows operating system or a registry hive file, which allows you to make archive copies of the whole system manually. It also provides the possibility of converting to the format of 9x systems (MS Windows 95, 95OSR2, as well as 98, 98SE, Me), including operating systems based on NT cores. In addition, you can write the registry branch of the system in an ordinary text file. A convenient feature for restoring other Windows systems is the ability to load registry branches from another installation and edit them on a working system. But it should be remembered that to call such a branch is not required SYSTEM or SOFTWARE, but arbitrarily. After making the changes, you need to unload this thread in the regular way (via the file> unload the registry hive). Another function that deserves attention is the registry hive loading from another system (file menu> connect network registry). In this case, both PCs (the one from which the download is made and the requesting one) should be part of the network, that is, have a network name and a workgroup, as well as good netbios protocols. It should also be noted that there must be an appropriate level of rights.
We looked at some of the regedit functions thatis an editor of the Windows system registry, they lack the vast majority of users. But Windows has been around for almost two decades - a rather significant period. And progress does not stand still. Third-party developers have written several programs - alternative registry editors, with increased comfort and additional features for those who often need to use the registry editor. There are about ten such programs. But in this article we will consider only the most wonderful of them.
Registry Workshop - has a user-friendly interface, can do backup and restore on a schedule.
Witap Registry Explorer - can work with removable media
Registrar Registry Manager - perhaps onCurrently, the best program is the alternative registry editor. Includes easy search by key. Displays search results in a single window. With the help of the bookmarks to any, without exception, the registry branch, you can very quickly return. Naturally, there is a system of changes made to cancel (multi-level) backup function. You can also edit damaged registry hives to restore their performance. It should also be noted built-in registry monitoring.
