A central hierarchical database in Windows 9x, Windows
CE, Windows NT, and Windows 2000 used to store information necessary to
configure the system for one or more users, applications, and hardware devices.
The Registry contains information that Windows continually references during
operation, such as profiles for each user, the applications installed on the
computer and the types of documents each can create, property sheet settings for
folders and application icons, what hardware exists on the system, and which
ports are being used.
The Registry replaces most of the text-based .ini files used in Windows 3. x and MS-DOS configuration files, such as AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS. Although the Registry is common to the several Windows platforms, there are some differences among them. Also called: system registry. See also hierarchical database, .ini, input/output port, property sheet, Registry Editor.
The Registry replaces most of the text-based .ini files used in Windows 3. x and MS-DOS configuration files, such as AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS. Although the Registry is common to the several Windows platforms, there are some differences among them. Also called: system registry. See also hierarchical database, .ini, input/output port, property sheet, Registry Editor.