----- Original Message -----
From: "Phil Gagne" <[log in to unmask]>

[ long text removed  question "What is Windows registry, how it works,
how it can be corrupted and what I can do prevent it]

Window Registry is hierarchical database of windows and applications
configuration.
It contains all data about Windows drivers, applications, file associations
etc.
As you already noticed, Winzip last used files are stored in registry.

Registry can corrupted if there is made some change - installed new driver,
application
made incorrect change. Frequent applications installing/uninstalling can
corrupt it.
Registry can be corrupted when  during registry reading/writing is power
problems.
Viruses can corrupt registry.

In Windows registry backup is made every time when you start computer. By
default
there is 5 backups stored in hidden directory under windows directory as
RBn.CAB files
here n is number.  There is command prompt program for that  scanreg
If you use Win95 there is registry backup and cleaning  editing tools.


For more information see Mystery Behind Windows Registry
http://www.systweak.com/winreg/winreg.htm


Toomas

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