If you want an easy way of shrinking your Windows 95/98 registry -you've found it! This information is mainly drawn from the file Smallreg4.zip written by Roy Lehrer who also described how to alter Regedit.exe (for those who need to). The file will describe in detail how it's done. I strongly suggest reading it before attempting the procedure!
Briefly the windows registry files (System.dat, System.da0, User.dat and User.da0), after some use, will accumulate a great deal of old information that should have been deleted. If you are running Windows95b or later (OSR2) then it is a simple procedure to use the real mode (DOS) abilities of Regedit to clear out the junk.
If you are using Windows 98 then you can just follow these instructions!
If you are using any version of Windows 95 you need to download the fixed version of regedit below.
If you are using Windows 95 (all versions!) then a bug in that version of regedit (well documented in the Microsoft Knowledge Base) means that it will crash in DOS mode if it encounters large registry keys. The work around for this is a rather convoluted and time consuming process. Also even the 95b version does not re-import keys with carriage returns and newlines (\n \r) correctly.
So below you will find a link to a bug fixed version of Regedit. This means that you can then use the simple instructions too!
Judging by the amount of mail I get asking me how to do it without having to read all the information (you know who you are!), some people will want a quick overview of what to do!
The file that can be downloaded from this site is only of use to those who already own Windows95. It is of no use to anyone else. By placing this file here I in no way condone the use or dissemination of pirated software ('warez').
Regedit.exe is Copyrighted © by the Microsoft Corporation 1993-1995.
Microsoft is the registered trade mark of the Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks on this page are acknowledged.
Download Smallreg4!
UPDATED to Ver4 as of 7 February 98.
With slightly simplified instructions and reference to the new Regclean 4.1a!
It's the MS downloads site, just set it to look for key words, type "regclean" and select 95, 98 or even NT 4 as the operating system.
Download Regedit.exe!
NOTE: This file is the version of Regedit.exe that is sold with Windows98. It is only modified slightly so that it will run under the 95 versions of DOS, even if it's not. This is simply to remove the need to load and run Setver. This version of Regedit.exe adds no functionality that was not already present in the Windows95 version. It is likely that Microsoft will release a bug fixed version of this file, once they do this page will be removed.
NOTE: To check your 95 version; right click on 'Bill's Computer' 'Properties', 'General' tab. Under 'System:' the version number should end in an 'a' or no letter at all. If it ends in a 'b' you are running OSR2. If you want more information on checking your version check the Microsoft Knowledge base (article q158238).
NOTE: The files have been checked over by the latest F-Prot Anti-virus release. I'd have to be pretty stupid to be distributing a virus infected file that can be linked back to me so readily!
Email Me if you use my fixed version of Regedit. I just like to know!
So far people have discovered a revolutionary way of slimming down their registry that allows them to go on eating exactly what they like! (Actually around 10,000 more people have come through here but the counters got reset - again!).
This page was created on the 3rd of July 1997.
It was last updated on the 23rd of September 2000.
