The Windows registry is a directory that stores information about the Operating System, Software and Users for your computer. Whenever changes are made within Windows, these changes are reflected in the registry. Sometimes it is necessary to edit or tweak the registry to get rid of bits and pieces of old software that never completely uninstalled, or to improve system performance. But editing the registry can be confusing and dangerous. A corrupt registry can cause your system to fail and a reinstall of Windows is often the only way to get Windows to boot. We are listing some of our favorite registry tools here so you do not have to go wandering through your registry alone.

Backup Your Registry
No matter what you use to edit your registry, be sure to back it up first. You can do this by creating a Restore Point. In Windows Vista, go to the Windows button, then type systempropertiesprotection in the search box. This will take you to the system restore section. Create a new restore point. In Xp, go to Start, then Run and type %SystemRoot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe in the dialog box and click OK. You will be able to create a new restore point here prior to editing the registry.

Free Registry Tools Downloads

CCleaner
CCleaner is a multi-purpose system optimizer that also does a good job of straightening out the registry.

RegCleaner
RegCleaner is a fast registry cleaner that helps rid your Windows registry of obsolete entries.

RegSeeker
Regseeker is a power registry editor that allows you to search and modify entries easily.

Manually Edit The Registry
If you want to go in and make minor registry changes, be sure to backup first. You can get into the registry by typing regedit.exe from the run dialog box. You will then see a directory of folders that will allow you to go in and make changes to their keys and values to suit your needs.

View of registry folders