Registry size (XP Pro) ?

I listed Auslogics Registry Defrag 4.1.7.91 in my column today.

SIW (see thumbnail) shows my Registry as 4mb (Current) and 119mb (Maximum). See bottom of thumbnail, right column.

My questions are:

1. Why would I bother to defrag if my Registry is only 4 mb in size?
2. Where is the Registry stored on a PC, and can you check "Properties", other than by using SIW? Bazza

http://www.majorgeeks.com/Auslogics_Registry_Defrag_d5668.html

 

Why defrag your registry at all?

Its a placebo. Ranks up there with reg cleaners and perceived performance increases.

It is stored in 5 files.

c:\windows\system32\config

SYSTEM
SOFTWARE
HARDWARE
SECURITY
DEFAULT

 

Thanks for the rapid reply, Adrynalyne. :major

At 4mb's in size, I couldn't see that any benefit could be gained by defragging. Thanks for the info where the Registry is stored.

Bazza

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Where did this idea come from, that a 'clean' registry will give a PC this big boost in performance? I think a clean registry is a good idea just for housekeeping reasons, or if maybe a software install/uninstall goes awry then cleaning some 'dead wood' may be a good idea, but as far as increasing performance, it doesn't really make sense, especially if the reg is only 4mb in size. Even if it was 75mb or 100mb..... And then there's the fear that's been instilled in people about the registry and it's mysterious powers and it's potential for evil. True, you shouldn't go in there if you don't know what you're doing and start changing or removing things, but that rule applies to EVERYTHING in life. If you don't know anything about cars, you don't pop the hood and start pulling parts out. If you don't know anything about TVs, you don't open the back of it and start soldering in resistors and capacitors. I had to rant sorry