Registry structure?
| Keys | Abbreviation | Description | describe |
|---|---|---|---|
| HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT | HKCR | Stores file association and COM object registretion | Store file associations and COM object registration |
| HKEY_CURRENT_USER | HKCU | Stores data associated with the account currently logged on | Stores data related to the currently logged in account |
| HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE | HKLM | Stores system-related information | Information about the storage system |
| HKEY_USERS | HKU | Stores information about all the accounts on the machine | Store information about all accounts on the machine |
| HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG | HKCC | Stores information about the current machine profile | Stores information about the current machine profile |
The abbreviations in the table are generally used to write scripts and INF files.
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTThis branch contains all file association mappings to support the drag-and-drop functionality of the Windows user interface, OLE information, Windows shortcuts, and COM core aspects.HKEY_CURRENT_USERThis branch links to the HKEY_USERS section appropriate for the user currently logged into the PC, and contains information such as the login name, desktop settings, and start menu settings.HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINEThis branch contains computer-specific information about hardware, software, and other preferences on a specific PC, which is used for all users logged into this computer.HKEY_USERSThis branch contains the personal preferences of each user of the computer, each represented by a SID subkey located under the main branch.HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIGThis branch links to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE section appropriate for the current hardware configuration.HKEY_DYN_DATAThis branch points to the part of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE used for Windows' Plug and Play functionality, this part is dynamic and will change as devices are added and removed from the system.
Registry common data type
| Data type | Description |
|---|---|
| REG_BINARY | Binary data.Usually in hexadecimal notation.An example is 0xA8 |
| REG_DWORD | Double word(32 bits).Can be edited in either hexadecimal or decimal |
| REG_SZ | A string.Figure 1 shows examples in the right pane. |
Where are registry files stored?
You Windows\System32\Configcan find most of them in the folder
Look at the SAM, SECURITY, SOFTWARE, SYSTEM files, which correspond HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINEto the same keys under the folder.
https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/how-to-clean-up-your-messy-windows-context-menu/