Registry

Two Types of Control

Although, in general, the Registry controls all 32-bit applications and drivers, the type of control it exercises is based on users and computers, not on applications or drivers. Every Registry entry controls a user function or a computer function. User functions would include the desktop appearance and home directory, for example. Computer functions are related to installed hardware and software, items that are common to all users.

Some application functions affect users, and others affect the computer and are not specifically set for an individual. Similarly,

Registry

Data File for OS to Hardware/Drivers:

The Registry is a database of all the settings and locations of 32-bit drivers in the system. When the OS needs to access hardware devices, it uses drivers, even if the device is a BIOS-supported device. Non-BIOS-supported devices that are installed must also have a driver. The drivers are independent of the OS, but the OS needs to know where to find them, the filename, the version, and other settings and information. Without Registry entries for each of the devices, they would not be usable.

Data File for OS to Applications:

What the Registry Does?

The Registry is the data file for all 32-bit hardware/driver combinations and 32-bit applications in both Windows NT and Windows 95. Sixteen-bit drivers do not work in NT, so all devices are controlled through the Registry, even those normally controlled by the BIOS. In Windows 95, 16-bit drivers will continue to work as real-mode devices, and they use SYSTEM.INI for control.

Sixteen-bit applications will work in either NT or 95, and the applications still refer to WIN.INI and SYSTEM.INI files for information and control.

Without the Registry, the operating system would not have the necessary information to run, to control attached devices, to launch and control applications, and to respond correctly to user input.

What is the Registry?

The Registry has been made out to be a phenomenal mystery probably due to the CLSID keys alone and as such has inspired a number of books, faqs websites etc. It is very unfortunate that Microsoft has chosen to deal with the Registry and Registry editing as a "black art," leaving many people in the dark as to the real uses of all the settings in the systems. Microsoft's refusal