What is Windows Registry?

Windows registry is basically a centralized, tree-like database in which your Windows operating system stores all its configuration information related to installed hardware and software, user preferences, and system settings. This information is stored in the registry in the form of keys, subkeys, and their values. There are five subtrees in the registry, each emerging from five root keys. These root keys are: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, HKEY-CURRENT_USER, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, HKEY_USERS, and HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG.

Because all tasks performed by the registry occur behind the scene, Windows users usually do not pay a lot of attention to it. However, as registry holds all essential information that is required for your system to function, it is essential that you maintain a healthy and error free registry. In order to do so, you must first know the reasons behind registry errors.

What Causes Registry Errors?

Given below are some of the main causes:

• Frequent installation of freeware and shareware programs downloaded from the Internet—these programs are known to come packaged with spyware that add several malicious entries to the registry.
• Incorrect program removal that leaves behind several orphan keys within the registry.