Basically, Windows hack registry is the way of coming up with a technique within the personal computer that is using the windows version and tries to improve its functionality and speed in terms of performance. It entails the use of some single commands to access some files within the computer and make some vital changes within the system. These changes at times are for the improved performances of the system are at some point may be dangerous when performed without the proper instructions. This is because once the changes have been made; it would not be easy to track back to the original version of the system appearance which may finally affect the performance of the system.
The general system is not recommended since it is a risky attempt to destabilize ones system. This is because the update itself is not supported by the company Microsoft since it can cripple the computer and users are advised especially to normal users it is very risky attempt and should be handled with a lot of concern and care, and if possible should not be tried by normal computer users. According to Sullivan in his blog post article, he recommends that it is risky for one to try updating his system an action which is not allowed by the company. For the technicians, they can do it only if they have adequate knowledge on how to handle the problem and how to rectify the problem in case it arises, something which is also not possible once the system is already changed, so still not so recommended even for the technicians, so not recommended still because of the risks involved.
Though the process is a risky item in handling the PC, at some points it is very critical in that it can help one to install some emergency patch in his system in case the system is denied access to some security updates by the company due to the expiry concerns. This will enable the system to upgrade to the current system and be able to receive the normal updates. This was majorly with the Windows XP SP2. This will protect the system from being attacked by some vulnerable items which might be introduced by some attackers via the internet or directly into the PC.
Registry hack are some of the tricks which enables the personal computers to improve in terms of performance. At some points it can enable one to do some crucial activation of their systems without necessary having the key for the activation but only with some versions of the windows operating systems. Also more importantly, it can enable one to change a product key of the system just by using the commands as described by some technicians. But these may come with some dire consequences since the machine may encounter some problems in the process of changing the product key and fails to work again after the entry. This might pose a great challenge to the user and the system might not be restored back to its normal initial position of operation.
The idea of hack registry cannot be recommended for parents at home since it comes with very serious consequences if tried in a personal computer. It will destabilize once computer and changes the system operations. If one is using the XP SP2, it might make the system to behave like the SP3, which will still come with some other settings which they may not be familiar with hence deterring their common usage of the machine. According to Sullivan in his blog post, he says that when changes in their system, it will come up with other settings which the user may not be familiar with hence paralyzing their operation. Hence in general, it cannot be recommended for use by the parents also at home or in their work places.
In the case of the students, the action is very dangerous especially to the personal computers since it might cause some unusual behavior of the system. For instance, it can make the windows internet explorer 5 to behave like the explorer 9, which is more advanced in its operation but still it comes with some consequences, the systems settings might have been tampered with in the process of making the changes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the windows registry hack is not recommended for attempt since it is risky and not advised even by the company Microsoft. It can damage ones machine and ones installed it would not be possible to uninstall the changes, so precautions are recommended when one wants to make such changes to avoid damaging of the system.
Reference
Windows Registry hack and its implications: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9180478/Registry_hack_allows_Windows_XP_SP2_patching
Knoppix Hacks By Kyle Rankin 2nd Ed.(2008): Tips and Tools for Hacking, Repairing, and Enjoying Your PC.
