Windows Registry Troubleshooting by Bettany, Andrew

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.

Mike Halsey is a Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) awardee and technical expert. As the author of Windows 7, 8 and 10 Troubleshooting books and associated videos he's well versed in the problems and issues that PC users, IT Pros and System Administrators face when administering and maintaining all aspects of a PC ecosystem.Mike is a teacher and prolific author who uses his training in educating people about sometimes complex subjects in simple and straightforward ways to great effect in his books and training videos. Mike is very active on social media, which he has used for several years for promotion and education purposes.

Chapter 1: Introducing the Windows Registry

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 5: Securing the Windows Registry

   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 6: Tweaks, Hacks and Common Registry Changes

   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