Whatever version of Windows you’re using--from Vista up to Windows 8.1--the registry is at the heart of your desktop experience. Software installs and compatibility, hardware operation and more are managed by a complex database of codes and numbers. When something goes wrong it can seem impossible to diagnose and repair the problem, and harder still to prevent a recurrence or make the subtle changes and tweaks required to fix the problem. In this book we’ll take you inside the workings of the Registry, and teach you how to repair, modify and clean it to keep your PCs running smoothly.

Mike Halsey is a Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) awardee and technical expert. As the author of Windows 7, 8 and 10 Troubleshooting books and associated videos he’s well versed in the problems and issues that PC users, IT Pros and System Administrators face when administering and maintaining all aspects of a PC ecosystem.Mike is a teacher and prolific author who uses his training in educating people about sometimes complex subjects in simple and straightforward ways to great effect in his books and training videos. Mike is very active on social media, which he has used for several years for promotion and education purposes.

Chapter 1: Introducing the Windows Registry

Chapter Goal: A deep dive into the structure and architecture of the registry, including its different key types, file structure and hosting.

What is the Windows Registry?Windows Registry filesThe Registry Structure in DepthRegistry Keys in DepthChapter 2: Using Registry Tools in Windows

Chapter Goal: Teaching people about the various tools available to help them work with the Registry in any version of Windows

Windows RegeditScanRegProcess MonitorCCleanerAdditional third-party Registry toolsComparing before and after RegistriesChapter 3: Troubleshooting and Corrupt Registry

Chapter Goal: Teaching the reader how to diagnose and repair issues with a corrupt registry on a PC

Troubleshooting fundamentalsFinding corruptions within the Registry

Chapter 4: Advanced Registry Troubleshooting

Chapter Goal: Teaching people how they can perform advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting including working on other people’s Registry files

Editing other users’ Registry filesAdvanced diagnosis of the Windows RegistryAdvanced key repair and replacement

Chapter 5: Securing the Windows Registry

Chapter Goal: Teaching people how to ensure the registries on their PCs are safe from malware attack and direct interference

Understanding Registry security on your PCSecuring the Registry with the Windows security toolsSecuring the Registry with encryptionManaging and maintaining strong password enforcement for system administratorsChapter 6: Tweaks, Hacks and Common Registry Changes

Chapter Goal: Bonus material to help IT pros harness the full power and potential of the registry for enhancing the user and productivity experience, while also providing examples readers can use to practice Registry editing

Common Registry HacksTweaking the Registry to improve the PC experienceOther common Registry changes and why you would make them