From time-to-time one may come across a reference to the Registry, whilst reading articles in respect to the Windows operating system or PCs. So, what is it?   The Registry The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that contains information, settings, and options about software and hardware installed on the Windows operating system. It also contains information about users, programs, preferences, and settings relating to how Windows behaves.   Why modify the Registry? For intermediate and advanced Windows users, it is sometimes preferable to edit settings directly in the Registry. This may be done for convenience, or because it is