Registry location

Status
This thread has been Locked and is not open to further replies. Please start a New Thread if you're having a similar issue. View our Welcome Guide to learn how to use this site.

jraquel

Thread Starter
Joined
Aug 25, 2003
Messages
341
Where is the actual registry located on the hard drive and under what name. I know I can type regedit and see it but where is it physically located and can I see it as a file through explorer?
 

MMJ

Guest
Joined
Oct 15, 2006
Messages
3,625
"The Registry is stored in several files; depending upon the version of Windows, there will be different files and different locations for these files, but they are all on the local machine, except for the NTuser or user file which may be placed on another computer to allow for roaming profiles.

Windows NT, 2000, XP, and Server 2003

The following Registry files are stored in %SystemRoot%\System32\Config\:

* Sam - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SAM
* Security - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SECURITY
* Software - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
* System - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM
* Default - HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT
* Userdiff

The following file is stored in each user's profile folder:

* NTUSER.DAT

Windows 95, 98, and Me

The registry files are named User.dat and System.dat and are stored in the C:\WINDOWS\ directory. In Windows Me Classes.dat was added.

Windows 3.11

The registry file is called Reg.dat and is stored in the C:\WINDOWS\ directory."

Source
 
Joined
Oct 26, 2006
Messages
329
from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_registry#Where_is_the_Registry_stored.3F

Where is the Registry stored?

The Registry is stored in several files; depending upon the version of Windows, there will be different files and different locations for these files, but they are all on the local machine, except for the NTuser or user file which may be placed on another computer to allow for roaming profiles.

[edit] Windows NT, 2000, XP, and Server 2003

The following Registry files are stored in %SystemRoot%\System32\Config\:

* Sam - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SAM
* Security - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SECURITY
* Software - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE
* System - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM
* Default - HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT
* Userdiff

The following file is stored in each user's profile folder:

* NTUSER.DAT

[edit] Windows 95, 98, and Me

The registry files are named User.dat and System.dat and are stored in the C:\WINDOWS\ directory. In Windows Me Classes.dat was added.

[edit] Windows 3.11

The registry file is called Reg.dat and is stored in the C:\WINDOWS\ directory.
 

valis

Moderator
Joined
Sep 24, 2004
Messages
78,060
any particular idea you wanted to know, or just curious? Messing with the registry can make you an expensive paperweight in a hurry.
 
Status
This thread has been Locked and is not open to further replies. Please start a New Thread if you're having a similar issue. View our Welcome Guide to learn how to use this site.

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 0, Guests: 1)

As Seen On
As Seen On...

Welcome to Tech Support Guy!

Are you looking for the solution to your computer problem? Join our site today to ask your question. This site is completely free -- paid for by advertisers and donations.

If you're not already familiar with forums, watch our Welcome Guide to get started.

Join over 807,865 other people just like you!

Latest posts

Members online

Top