Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003 Administrator's Companion, 2nd Edition

Chapter 39. Using the Registry

• Introducing the Registry

• The Origins of the Registry

• What Registry Data Is Used For

• Understanding the Registry’s Structure

• Using the Registry Editors

• Backing Up and Restoring the Registry

• Summary

The registry is a source of fear for many system administrators because it’s the central repository of system configuration settings. Making mistakes while editing the registry can have undesirable consequences, but it’s not so different from using a power saw—or an automobile, for that matter. All-powerful tools cause negative consequences if misused. If you know what you’re doing and take a few simple safety precautions, you can take advantage of a powerful tool—like the registry—without grief.

Introducing the Registry

The registry ...