a dedicated log-on server.

* Because the registry is accessed through a special API it is available to scripts and remote management using WMI. Each script does not have to be customized for every application's unique configuration file layouts and restrictions.

* The registry can be accessed as one item over a network connection for remote management/support, including from scripts, using the standard API.

* It can be backed up more easily, in that it is just a small number of files in specific locations.
Bad things with the Registry
Not all that shines is gold. The Registry introduces some problems as well:

* It is a single point of failure - damage to the Registry can render a Windows system unbootable, in extreme cases to a point that can not be fixed, and requires a full reinstall of Windows. This is why it is so important to use registry scan and repair utilities, while the registry still can be repaired.

* Any program which wants to manipulate the registry must use special Windows API functions whereas a configuration file can be manipulated using normal text file-processing techniques.

* Configuration files can contain comments to help the user by explaining what values are for and how they can be changed, the registry cannot. And the registry use something called guides in a large scale. Long strange unique numbers that is completely meaningless to humans. Making handling much harder.

* It is more difficult to backup - it cannot be done 'live' because it is always in use, and thus requires special software such as ntbackup.

* Restoring parts of the registry is hard because you cannot easily extract data from backed up registry files

* Any application that doesn't uninstall properly, or doesn't have an uninstaller, can leave entries in the registry, which can lead over time to increased file size and decreased performance. And once again, here's the major reason why you must use a registry scan/clean and repair software.

Free Windows Registry Scan


The registry will be redone once more with the release of the new Vista Operating System from Microsoft.

Source: http://www.articlecircle.com/ - Free Articles Directory

About the Author Visit http://www.registrytech.com/ for more information. The Windows Registry Introduction was made by Kenth Nasstrom to answer questions from customers about Windows