The registry is a central part of the Windows operating systems. The data in the registry
is stored in more than one file, each file called a hive, hence the beehive icon for
RegCompact. On Windows95 and 98 there are two registry hives, System.dat and User.dat.
On WindowsNT and 2000 there are System, Default, SAM, Security and Software hives.
Most programs store their configuration data in the registry. Over time, as programs are
installed and uninstalled, the registry becomes fragmented. Also, when data is removed from
the registry it's space is not reclaimed until more data overwrites the empty space. This
has a significant impact on the performance of Windows and programs that make heavy use of the registry. It is most evident at boot time and when running programs that use lots of COM
classes (such as Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, any programs written in Visual Basic,
and lots of commercial software). Whenever you install software data is written to the
registry so the software can later be uninstalled.
What RegCompact Does
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RegCompact eliminates registry fragmentation by writing the data in the registry out into a
temporary file. This data is written sequentially, so there are no holes from deleted data
or fragmentation. RegCompact then reboots the system, and the compacted registry hives are
replaced when the system starts up.
Command Line Arguments
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If you execute RegCompact with the /NOGUI command line argument it will automatically
compact the registry hives and reboot the system with no user interaction.
Requirements
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Any computer running Windows95, 98, Me, NT 4.0 or 2000 is supported.
Shareware Information
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RegCompact is Shareware. There is no mechanism in RegCompact such as nag screens, time
limits, etc. to try to make you pay. I trust the good will of people to pay if they enjoy
the program. To make it easy for people to donate I have set up an online purchasing system
at RegSoft. All you need is a credit card and you can donate from anywhere in the world.
It is completely safe and secure. It also makes it easy for me, as I live in Australia.
If you do not have a credit card but would like to send a cheque then email me at