Computer spyware question: What is a "Registry value"?

[bluestateguy]

I ran my Ad-aware this morning and it found a registry value. Usually it just finds files, but on occasion it finds one or two registry values or registry keys. Are those more serious?

[Liberal Veteran]

1. Usually, a registry value is nothing to worry about.

It indicates that maybe at some point a piece of spyware wrote a value to the registry.

It usually isn't quite spyware.

Tracking cookies, actually programs, and activex controls are the biggest threats.

[orthogonal]

2. a setting

MS windows has a very big file called the Registry, in which both Windows and application programs (are supposed to) store settings.

The Registry, for instance, records what programs to run for a particular extension, what screen resolution to use, whether to "autoplay" CDs, etc, etc, ad infinitum.

If Adaware doesn't like a setting, odds are it's a good idea to be rid of it.

Or you can copy the AdAware output and Google on it.

[Deja Q]

3. Additional, this is why pre-emptive programs are crucial...

As the registry gets written to by more adware shit, the slower your system becomes.

Also consider that when registry entries are removed, WIndows does nothing to maintain/compress the registry.

For moderate use PCs, or after x amount of programs had been installed and/or removed, a wipe and reinstall is in good order.

Sadly, Microsoft never addressed this issue when conjuring up their license activation crap - and while they say they don't have a maximum amount of re-install/re-activates that a person can claim, I HAVE heard people who say they'd been told by MS that they've tried to reactivate too many times.

Win3.x had a centralized INI files. That was bad enough. As was DLL technology - purported to allow software makers to share the same code, they instead made their own versions which then conflictred with other program's DLL versions or even Windows' own. This is DLL hell. I was angry when Win95 came out with the big-ass registry.

Windows was written by a handful of dilettantes. Linux is far more professional. No centralized "eggs in one basket" ini files or registry. Everything is per-application. This is one reason of many as to why it is more stable and secure. It's best to get rid of Windows and let outsourcing Gates live on the streets as he deserves to, but that'll never happen.

[ronatchig]

4. Hey Hypnotoad

if I were interested in using Linux will it overwrite windows on this machine? or does it require a machine that has not had windows op. sys. on it?

[Az]

5. Think of the registry as a big card catelog

MS uses it to store all sorts of pertinent information about programs and settings. Most programs when they install create a folder in the registry and keep their settings there. It is likely that a spyware program did just this sort of thing. It may have terminated itself soon after or simply been a one time hit. But the registry remains in place until the entry is removed by the program, you, or adaware.