taking the view that the registry should be untouchable is with all due respect lunacy.
-mikiem
I completely agree. The registry is a complex part of the Windows system family. But it is comprehensible, so there's no need to start unrolling the prayer mat and lighting incense when somebody whispers the dreaded words "The Registry." Unfortunately, many Windows guru-types have pandered to that myth to puff up their own reputations.
To which I say:
Bunk! (I actually wanted to say something else here, but "bunk" will have to do...)
The registry is no different than the average car engine. It's complex, often poorly designed, and inadequately documented. But it was built by humans, not some vast interstellar intelligence, so it is not beyond the limits of human comprehension.
Getting a grip on working with the registry is a useful skill. It will also give you insights into how the Windows OS works at a very fundamental level. While it is seldom necessary to work directly with the registry, doing so can provide the user with the power to change or fix things that would be impossible otherwise. And there are some things you might need to do for security or performance reasons (particularly in the server environment) that can only be done by a direct edit to the registry.
Here are some useful things to remember when you're dealing with registry edits:
(0) General learning is best done in a test environment. If you're really into experimenting (as opposed to occasionally tweaking) the registry, think about setting up a virtual machine - or dust off that old junker you have in the closet and experiment on that before you perform surgery on the machine holding your live data.
(1) Research what you want to do before you do anything. Don't start making changes blindly - unless you enjoy reinstalling Windows.
(2) If you still don't understand something after you do your homework, then leave it alone until you can get help from somebody who does.
Mantra: When in doubt - don't. (repeat 3 times)
(3) If you
don't really know what you're doing (or if this is your 1st foray into the registry) - double check everything before proceeding.
Mantra: Stop and think. (repeat 3 times)
(4) If you really
do know what you're doing (or you've done the same thing 100 times before) - double check everything before proceeding.
Mantra: Stop and think. (repeat
10 times)
(5) Backup everything and have a recovery plan
before you start. Even experienced Pros make mistakes.
(6) Don't let yourself be intimidated by all the "horror stories." But don't get too cocky either.
(7) Don't forget to have fun.
Final Mantra: I am not a child - I can learn new things - and I am not afraid.
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