Closed Key
Closed Key
Registry The registry or Windows registry is a database of information, settings, options, and other values for software and hardware installed on all versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems. When a program is installed, a new subkey is created in the registry. This subkey contains settings specific to that program, such as its location, version, and primary executable.
When Windows was initially released (e.g., Windows 3.11), it relied heavily on .ini files to store Windows and Windows programs configurations and settings. Although .ini files are still sometimes used, most Windows programs rely on settings made to the Windows registry after being installed.
Information about the Registry Editor
To view and make changes to the Windows registry, the Windows Registry Editor (shown below) may be used. In Windows 3.x, the Registry Editor was known as the Registration Info Editor or Registration Editor. The Registry Editor allows you to view all keys and values that are in the registry, as well as change Windows, program, or driver values you feel are necessary.
Registry root keys (hive name)
When first opening the Windows Registry Editor, it displays root keys that contain all registry values. Below is a brief description about each of the most common root keys and the values contained in each of them.
Root Key Description
HKCR (HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT) Describes file type, file extension, and OLE information.
HKCU (HKEY_CURRENT_USER) Contains user who is currently logged into Windows and their settings.
HKLM (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE) Contains computer-specific information about the hardware installed, software settings, and other information. The information is used for all users who log on to that computer. This key, and its subkeys, is one of the most frequently areas of the registry viewed and edited by users.
HKU (HKEY_USERS) Contains information about all the users who log on to the computer, including both generic and user-specific information.
HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG (HKCC) The details about the current configuration of hardware attached to the computer.
HKDD (HKEY_DYN_DATA) Only used in Windows 95, 98, and NT, the key contained the dynamic status information and plug and play information. The information may change as devices are added to or removed from the computer. The information for each device includes the related hardware key and the device's current status, including problems.
Windows registry values
Below are the different values you will encounter while in the Windows registry and a brief description about what type of data each value can contain.
Icon Type Name Description
Closed key Closed key Like the folders seen
in Windows Explorer. These keys are what contain the registry subkeys mentioned below.
Open key Open key When a key is opened, the icon changes to an expanded or open folder and displays all its contents and any additional subkeys.
REG_SZ REG_SZ String value Allows for any string value to be defined on a single line, such as a file path, and is the most commonly found subkey in the registry.
REG_MULTI_SZ REG_MULTI_SZ String array value Any multi-line string value.
REG_EXPAND_SZ REG_EXPAND_SZ Expanded string value Contains a string with environmental or system variables that need to be expanded. For example, c:\%windir%\example.exe could be the same as C:\windows\example.exe.
REG_BINARY REG_BINARY Binary value Allows for attributes to be defined in binary as either on or off (0 or 1).
REG_DWORD REG_DWORD DWORD value Similar to the binary value, but capable of values being defined in either 32-bit decimal or hex.
REG_QWORD REG_QWORD QWORD value Like the DWORD, but stored as a 64-bit value.
Should I use "registry" or "Registry" in my writing?
According to the Microsoft Manual of Style, "registry" should be written entirely in lowercase, except when part of a named system component (e.g., "Registry Editor"), or when it's the first word of a sentence.
What is an Operating System? » Computer Shortcut Keys and their Functions » Keyboard Function Keys » Computer Basics - Hardware - Software - Parts
Short Stories for Kids - Moral Stories – English Short Stories for Children - Moral Stories for Kids - Stories for Kids - Funny Story for Kids - Scary Stories for Kids - Really Funny Short Stories - Bedtime Stories
Proverb Stories
Powerful Motivational Quotes for Students » Success Quotes » English Short Stories for Kids
Cabin Crew Jobs & Career Advice » Secretary Job Description » Receptionist Job Description » Top 100 Interview Questions and Answers » How to Prepare for an Interview » How to Write a CV » How to Choose a Career » Computer Shortcut Keys and their Functions
Scholarships in Australia » Scholarships in Austria » Scholarships in Belgium » Scholarships in Canada » Scholarships in Germany » Scholarships in Ireland » Scholarships in Italy » Scholarships in Japan » Scholarships in Korea » Scholarships in Netherlands » Scholarships in Switzerland » Scholarships in UK » Scholarships in USA
Scholarships for Study in Africa » Scholarships for African Students » Undergraduate Scholarships » African Women Scholarships & Grants Scholarships for Study in Africa » Scholarships for African Students » Undergraduate Scholarships »
Click here to post comments
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Computer Basics FAQ.
