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Registry

Webopedia Staff
Webopedia Staff
Updated on:

A database used by the Windows operating system (Windows 95 and NT ) to store configurationinformation. The Registry consists of the following major sections:

  • HKEY_Classes_Root – file associations and OLEinformation
  • HKEY_Current_User – all preferences set for current user
  • HKEY_User – all the current user information for each user of the system
  • HKEY_Local_Machine – settings for hardware, operating system, and installed applications
  • HKEY_Current_Configuration – settings for the display and printers
  • HKEY_Dyn_Data – performance data
    •

    Most Windows applications write data to the Registry, at least during installation. You can edit the Registry directly by using the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) provided with the operating system. However, you must take great care because errors in the Registry could disable your computer.

    Find out more about Your Windows System Registry in Webopedia’s “Did You Know…?” section.

    Webopedia Staff
    Webopedia Staff
    Since 1995, more than 100 tech experts and researchers have kept Webopedia’s definitions, articles, and study guides up to date. For more information on current editorial staff, please visit our About page.

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