What is the Registry on my computer

[gulliver1]

Does anybody know what the 'registry' is on my computer and how do I clean & maintain it. I am with McAfee security. Thanks

[squarebear]

The reigistry is used by Windows to keep track of what you have on your computer, where files are and any further information like parameters for the files, usernames, recently opened documents, screen settings and so on...

I wouldn't advise cleaning it as many tools simply say they have found many problems then charge you to clear it up. If in doubt, leave it well alone as one wrong move will stop your computer from functioning properly.

[ChuckFickens]

it's the main database that stores all the settings for your computer and programs installed on it.

Best advice, don't clean it, windows is pretty good at taking care of it's own registry and all the so called registry cleaners are a rip off and just want you to spend money on them to clear non-existent faults.

[ChuckFickens]

LOL, snap squarebear :)

[Mobius1]

Web of Trust rates that link as being a site of poor reliability and trustworthiness Zacs, and it's trying to sell a registry clean...

If you feel your registry is bloated and don't want to do a spring clean style PC reformat, then there are free registry cleaners available. CCleaner (http://www.ccleaner.com) is a program primarily designed to get rid of unwanted files, but it has a basic registry cleaning function that will remove unnecessary entries and duplicates.

Eusing Free Registry Cleaner (http://www.eusing.com/free_registry_cleaner/registry_cleaner.htm) also comes highly recommended on Gizmo's Freeware reviews, though I have not used that myself.

If you decide to use a cleaner, always take advantage of the program's in-built ability to back-up your registry file prior to cleaning. That way, if something important is removed (though it shouldn't be) then you can restore the registry to how it was previously.

[ACtheTROLL]

on the contrary zac - rubbish advice ... leave it alone

if someone has to ask what it is - they shouldn't anyway - but as the top two say just leave it alone - look but don't touch ... unless you can afford time to rebuild the machine

[craft1948]

and whatever you do don't listen to NoKnowledge if he posts an answer......