What is the Registry?

The windows registry provides for a somewhat secure, unified database that stores
configuration information into a hierarchical model. Until recently, configuration files
such as WIN.INI, were the only way to configure windows applications and operating
system functions. In todays NT 4 environment, the registry replaces these .INI files. Each
key in the registry is similar to bracketed headings in an .INI file.
One of the main disadvantages to the older .INI files is that those files are flat text files,
which are unable to support nested headings or contain data other than pure text. Registry
keys can contain nested headings in the form of subkeys. These subkeys provide finer
details and a greater range to the possible configuration information for a particular
operating system. Registry values can also consist of executable code, as well as provide
individual preferences for multiple users of the same computer. The ability to store
executable code within the Registry extends its usage to operating system system and
application developers. The ability to store user-specific profile information allows one to
tailor the environment for specific individual users.
To view the registry of an NT server, one would use the Registry Editor tool. There are
two versions of Registry Editor:
.:Regedt32.exe has the most menu items and more choices for the menu items. You can
search for keys and subkeys in the registry.
 
.:Regedit.exe enables you to search for strings, values, keys, and subkeys and export keys
to .reg files. This feature is useful if you want to find specific data.
For ease of use, the Registry is divided into five seperate structures that represent the
Registry database in its entirety. These five groups are known as Keys, and are discussed
below: