A database repository for information about a computer's configuration. The registry contains information that Windows continually references during operation, such as:

- Profiles for each user.
- The programs installed on the computer and the types of documents each can create.
- Property settings for folders and program icons.
- What hardware exists on the system.
- Which ports are being used.

The registry is organized hierarchically as a tree and is made up of keys and their subkeys, hives, and entries.

If programs do not uninstall properly or store configuration information not available via the program interface you might have to manually edit the registry. You can access the registry by running the program RegEdit. WARNING - if you incorrectly modify the registry you can disable programs, file associations or the whole operating system. Making a backup copy of the registry is highly recommended.