What is the Registry?

摘要

On Windows-based computers, the Registry is a database that contains information and settings for all the system's hardware, software, and users. It's divided into keys (where information is stored), values (what the information is), and hives (collections of keys). Whenever you install a new piece of hardware or software in your computer, Windows inserts this information into the proper hive, key, and value in the Registry for the next time you boot up your system.