I want to work with the Windows 2000 registry

The Windows 2000 registry is a central database in which the operating system stores configuration data in hierarchical form. Several tools in the Windows 2000 Resource Kit can help users, system administrators, and developers manage and manipulate the registry.

I want look up detailed information on registry entries

Regentry.chm: Technical Reference to the Windows 2000 Registry describes the keys, subkeys and value entries in the registry, including default values, syntax, valid ranges, and descriptions of registry data. While working in a registry editor, you can use this document to find details on specific entries and instructions on setting specific values.

To use the Technical Reference to the Windows 2000 Registry:

I want to perform other tasks with the registry

Several other tools in the Windows 2000 Resource Kit help you to work with the registry:

• Delsrv.exe
• Dureg.exe: Registry Size Estimator
• Regback.exe: Registry Backup
• Regdmp.exe
• Regfind.exe
• Regini.exe: Registry Change by Script
• Regrest.exe: Registry Restoration
• Scanreg.exe

Windows 2000 Operating System Resources

I want to work with the registry from the command-prompt

Another useful registry tool, Reg.exe: Registry Console Tool, is included in the Windows 2000 Support Tools. Reg.exe enables you to add, change, delete, search, save, and restore registry entries from the command prompt or a batch file.

Install the Support Tools from the \Support\Tools folder on the Windows 2000 operating system CD.

I want to edit the registry directly

The Windows 2000 operating system provides configuration and administrative programs that you can use to make most necessary changes in the registry, so most users should never need to edit it directly.

However, if you wish to view the registry or need to change a value that can only be set directly in the registry, you can use one of the two registry editors installed with Windows 2000:

• Regedit.exe
• Regedt32.exe

To start a registry editor, click Start, click Run, and then type the name of the editor in the Run box.

Caution

Do not use a registry editor to edit the registry directly unless you have no alternative. The registry editors bypass the standard safeguards provided by administrative tools. These safeguards prevent you from entering conflicting settings or settings that are likely to degrade performance or damage your system. Editing the registry directly can have serious, unexpected consequences that can prevent the system from starting and require that you reinstall Windows 2000. To configure or customize Windows 2000, use the programs in Microsoft Management Console or Control Panel whenever possible.

Tip

To avoid making inadvertent changes when viewing the registry, use Regedt32. From the Options menu, select Read Only Mode.

For information about the registry editors, see the online Help for Regedit.exe and Regedt32.exe.