Windows Registry Troubleshooting

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.

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

1. What is the Windows Registry?
2. Windows Registry files
3. The Registry Structure in Depth
4. Registry Keys in Depth

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

1. Windows Regedit
2. ScanReg
3. Process Monitor
4. CCleaner
5. Additional third-party Registry tools
6. Comparing before and after Registries

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

1. Troubleshooting fundamentals
2. Finding corruptions within the Registry

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

1. Editing other users’ Registry files
   1. Advanced diagnosis of the Windows Registry
   2. Advanced key repair and replacement

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

1. Understanding Registry security on your PC
2. Securing the Registry with the Windows security tools
3. Securing the Registry with encryption
4. Managing and maintaining strong password enforcement for system administrators

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

1. Common Registry Hacks
2. Tweaking the Registry to improve the PC experience
3. Other common Registry changes and why you would make them