what are registry files for?
364489
The registry is a single place for keeping such information as what hardware is attached, what system options have been selected, how computer memory is set up, and what application programs are to be present when the operating system is started.  So a reg file is a file that holds info on what is in the registry.  In laymans terms, they're files that make your computer and operating system run.
381918
In computing, the Windows registry is a database which stores settings and options for the operating system for Microsoft Windows 32-bit versions and Windows Mobile. It contains information and settings for all the hardware, software, users, and preferences of the PC. Whenever a user makes changes to "Control Panel" settings, or file associations, system policies, or installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in the registry.\n\nso, the registry editor is just a way for you to view and change settings on your windows OS without the hassle of typing commands and such.\n\nfor your other question, yes, definitely. one can add a virus/infection by simply changing a setting or a registry. :p
443341
its the central part of your windows that saves all of the configuration of your system (with digits and characters) in it.\nwhen windows is loading ,it uses registry to find out windows and system and user configuration.\nDo not change registry if you are not proffesional in it.because it may cause your windows not work!!
895277
Simply put, if you have no experience in using the registry, then NO. BUT - you could uninstall your applications and re-install on a different drive...just make sure you do a full unistall (not keeping any user settings) or you'll end up with problems.
889472
Hi!\n\nFirst, be ready to back up your registry...\nNow: Start>Run>regedit\nGo to File>Export type a name for the registry file, like : original, etc, etc etc and make sure that ALL is selected, not the Selected Branch...\nThen, go to Edit>Find\nIn the dialog box, type umaxpcls.sys \nThe string umaxpcls.sys will, eventually, be found.\nNow, replace the key (the value) with ab306p.sys.\nSave your registry, if asked.\nMake sure both files have the same path, so, copy ab306p.sys near umaxpcls.sys  (in the same folder). You can find it by pressing F3 (or Find File) in Explorer.\n\nGood luck!
935841
They are installation files. More precisely they are archives used duing installation of programs. For example the old Windows had *.cab files, but many actual programs use them.\nIf you delete them you can't reinstall some programs (unless you have a copy of them somewhere), but it doesn't affect in any way the programs you have already installed.
1062324
There is registry manager software distributed with windows.  The executable is called regedit.exe; it doesn't get any better than that.
528414
I don't know of any free registry cleaning tool that does a good job. My recommendation is the VCOM System Suite. It has a very good regristry cleaning/defragmenting tool that can speed up your computer significantly. You may be able to get a copy of Systemsuite for around $39.
436061
yeah, they need cleaning regularily. download a program call cccleaner, it is free and will clean out all you junk files, clean out and optimize your registry. It is free, I use it and recommend it
387568
An excellent source to look for is this:\n\nhttp://news.yahoo.com/s/cmp/20060422/tc_cmp/186500837;_ylt=Av0wPFiVqTbzfTN8.uZavlVk24cA\n\nAlso download.com has got a feature on it, take a look.\n\nBesides, it goes without saying that your system needs to be malware free.\n\nAlso note if your registry is cluttered up with obsolete or incorrect entries, it takes a toll on the system performance. RegistryRepair is a good free utility to try (available on download.com).\n\nCheers
836355
The registry on your computer is a database area that holds all software settings for software that is installed on your computer, something has happened, that has made those settings disappear, try re-installing the software again, or try remove it completely, and then reinstall it. \nYou need to try replace that missing "registry key" which is the setting its looking for to make it work.
466353
Assuming you want to open the registry editor, regedit is it, yes. If it's something else you want to do, you'll need to be more specific about what you want to open.
663245
they're in the registry. open it and do a search for a known string
66606
I use Registry Mechanic.  It will backup your registry before performing any cleanups.  Click on the link below and scroll to the bottom of the page.  You will see it and click on "Download Registry Mechanic".
85095
Windows XP stores registry keys in the following file:\n\nWindows 3.11\nThe registry file is called Reg.dat and is stored in the &#92;Windows&#92; directory.\n\nWindows 95 & 98\nThe registry files are named User.dat and System.dat and are stored in the &#92;Windows&#92; directory.\n\nWindows ME\nThe registry files are named Classes.dat, User.dat, and System.dat and are stored in the &#92;Windows&#92; directory.\n\nNTUSER.dat\nThe NTUSER.dat file is stored in &#92;Documents and Settings&#92; <username>&#92; for 2000, 2003, and XP installations.\n\nOn a Windows NT installation it is again located in the %SystemRoot%&#92; Profiles&#92; <username>&#92; folder.\n\n%SystemRoot% = "System32" directory under the "Windows" directory\n\n\n--------------------\nThe Regsirty Editor is called:\n"Regedit.exe" for all Windows versions\n\n"Regedt32.exe" for Windows 2000/XP/2003 (this is another version avaiable...in Windows 2000, it has a differnet interface, Windows XP same interface as Regedit.exe, for 2003 not tried!!!\n\nTo open it...simply open RUN and type in the command name w/ or w/o the EXE at the end\n\nIts normally located in the WinDir (Windows Directory)\n\nHope this answers your question....
764758
You know that there are usually files that are installed elsewhere.  There are also changes to the registry.  Even if you copy the programs over, I doubt they will run.  You best bet is to get the CD's they were installed from, if they were.
595877
If you are asking about the Microsoft Windows Registry, you may get some assistance from the Microsoft web site.  I assume you don't have an MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network) subscription.  If you do, consult that first.\n\nNot all registry entries are controlled by Microsoft, as application programs also use the registry.\n\nIf I were curious what a particular key or value meant, I would use Google to look it up.  There is a surprising amount of obscure technical information available.\n\nIf I were truly desperate, I would search the entire disk looking for some part of the registry entry that looks unique.  Perhaps knowing which program uses the registry entry would give a clue to the meaning.