In order to get your computer's operating system running smoothly, you should make sure that your registry files are being properly handled by both the internal memory process and the hard drive core files.

Registry files commonly refer to the Windows registry, the operating system's database in which your computer settings are stored. This database also includes other functional options that keep the system running efficiently under Microsoft Windows.

Although, primitive registry files were found in 16-bit versions of this software, the vulnerability of such database encouraged the development of the 32-bit versions introduced with the Windows 95 operating system.

Today this platform, along with the newer 64-bit versions and Windows Mobile provide a broad spectrum of settings and tweaks to adjust your working or entertaining computer environment according to your requirements based on the software and hardware available in each case.

Although, most settings can be managed from the control panel available in all Windows versions, it is easier and more convenient by using programs especially created to take on the challenge with registry files. The advantage of these programs is that novices, intermediates, and experts alike can work around the settings without messing up the system.

Most applications that deal with registry files are intuitive and/or fully explained through easy-to-follow help files. Moreover, most of them include a registry backup utility that makes it easier to switch back to the settings prior to any modification or fix human errors automatically while making changes.

Regardless of the operating system, a large number of processes continue being handled by INI files, like in the old Windows 3.x versions (16-bits). This procedure creates a control file on a per-program basis either located under the Windows directory or the program files directory of a custom directory, depending on each program format or the final user's choice.

However, a large number of internal processes are handled by a file with a specific registry structure, which stores information on a centralized database, which is accessible through the operating system's registry editor or with a registry file application, some of which can handle this and other scattered INI files.

Registry files applications are also known as utilities or system tools and most of them are compatible with multiple operating systems at once so if you upgrade your operating system from an older Windows version to a newer, you can continue using the same registry utility.

Some of the most popular include: TuneUp Utilities, a program that updates, repairs and cleans your Windows registry. Tony Arts EasyCleaner, deletes registry's orphan entries, and cleans temporary files, cookies, MRU documents, etc. Eusing Registry Cleaner, clears missing shortcuts, missing registry files, and many other system settings. CachePal, an Internet Explorer toolbar that clears your temporary Internet files, cookies, and Internet history, including entries stored into the registry.

Another way to access your system's registry files for any given reason is hiring the services of people who specialize in modifying a Windows registry because they have the adequate knowledge to tweak operating systems.