What are registry keys and values?

What are registry keys and values?

Registry keys are container objects similar to folders. Registry values are non-container objects similar to files. Keys may contain values and subkeys. Keys are referenced with a syntax similar to Windows’ path names, using backslashes to indicate levels of hierarchy.

What are the 5 registry keys?

Registry Keys

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE or HKLM.
  • HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG or HKCC (only in Windows 9x/ME and NT-based versions of Windows)
  • HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT or HKCR.
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER or HKCU.
  • HKEY_USERS or HKU.
  • HKEY_PERFORMANCE_DATA (only in NT-based versions of Windows, but invisible in the Windows Registry Editor)

What are the three types of values in the registry?

There are three types of values; String, Binary, and DWORD – the use of these depends upon the context. There are six main branches, each containing a specific portion of the information stored in the Registry.

What are the 5 registry hives?

Where Are the Registry Hives Located?

  • HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER.
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
  • HKEY_USERS.
  • HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG.

What is the purpose of registry keys?

In the Windows 98, CE, NT, and 2000 operating systems, a registry key is an organizational unit in the Windows registry, an internal database the computer uses to store configuration information.

What is the function and importance of the registry?

1. It acts as a database to the system, and hence all the important information related to hardware and software is stored in the registry. The configuration settings, information about the applications, users using the software, and related data is stored in the registry.

What is the most important registry key?

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE (HKLM) This key stores the largest ammount of information in the registry and is often used for fine-tuning the hardware configuration of the computer. Information stored in this key is valid for all profiles of registered users.

What does Hkey stand for?

HKEY

Acronym Definition
HKEY Hot Key
HKEY Handle Key
HKEY Handle to registry Key
HKEY Top of Hive In Microsoft Registry

Where is Hkey_local_machine located?

Locate HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE on the left-hand side of Registry Editor. If you, or someone else, have used Registry Editor before on your computer, you may need to collapse any open registry keys until you find the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE hive.

What is Hkcr in registry?

The HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT (HKCR) key contains file name extension associations and COM class registration information such as ProgIDs, CLSIDs, and IIDs. It is primarily intended for compatibility with the registry in 16-bit Windows.

Is it safe to delete registry keys?

If a critical component of your registry is compromised, registry cleaning programs would be completely useless. In general, the answer is simply “no.” Cleaning your registry won’t make your PC perform better, and not cleaning it isn’t going to lead to some future disaster.

What is the main function of registry?

Registry is the administration unit for the receipt, control, and maintenance of current records. The essential functions of registry are; To receive, record and distribute incoming and internally mail of all kinds. For example letters, memoranda and faxes.