registry definition question

winxp home, sp2

Looking for a good definition, description (read layout or flowchart) of the registry.
I'm looking for a way to delete some of the ash and trash left behind by
the add and remove function.
For example: If i delete the entry under software, i know there are related
things that should also be deleted but how can i find them (AIM is a very
good example).

Havent had much luck with searches anywhere.

Just a few pointers or sites will do me.

thanks,
savagcl

 

There are plenty of registry cleaning programs out there. Microsoft even makes one. Microsoft regclean I think.

Make sure you read the reviews on some of them. I have used some in the past but can't recall the names except the microsoft one. Good ones allow you to undo and will allow you to unselect what has been chosen to remove.

 

I used jv16 many years ago when it was a free utility. Guess he decided
to make some money on it.

Just tried it, worked good, found about 400 errors mostly "does not exist "
stuff.

Looks like he has added some more apps to it. Might have to buy it.

thanks,
savagcl

 

Depending on how much you want to learn and understand (as opposed to relying on one or other registry cleaning tool not to 'fix' something it thinks needs fixing, but then wrecks one or other app or Windows component), there are some books, which you could find at e.g. Amazon. One is Mastering Windows XP registry by P.D. Hipson
http://eu.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0782129870.html
a bit expensive, though.

If you just want basic information, then there are several websites that give more or less detailed descriptions. The MS KB article is

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/256986
but that only gives the bare bones.
Try googling.

 

JRosenfeld,

Thank you, exactly what i was looking for!

savagcl