FILExt - The File Extension Source

A number of articles in the FAQ reference the Windows registry. For those interested in more detail, here are some references that might help you understand what the registry is and how to work with it.

Please note that any changes you make to the registry, if made in the wrong way or wrong place, have the potential to make your system unstable and/or unbootable. The changes suggested on this site have been tested with the versions of Windows they refer to and should not have that effect; but anything is possible with computers as they are not appliances and are sensitive to how they are set up and what software you have installed on them. With the amount of software out there it would be impossible to test all combinations for unintended interactions.

Always keep a good backup you can recover from and keep it current.
And, this doesn't just refer to the registry.

Microsoft Knowledgebase Articles

• Description of the Microsoft Windows registry
• How to back up, edit, and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003
• How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting
• How to use Backup to restore files and folders on your computer in Windows XP (includes information on restoring the System State data)

Other References

• The Elder Geek: Backing Up and Restoring the Windows XP Registry
• WinGuides.com: Windows Registry Tutorial (This site also has registry tools for sale)
• PC Support Advisor: Understanding The Registry (PDF)
• Annoyances.org: Introduction to the Registry

That should get you started.

If you have Windows Vista, know that you have more backup options. They are described in this article...

Windows Vista Makes Backup and Recovery Simple