Word 2000 in a Nutshell

Appendix B. Registry Keys

Word stores many settings in the Windows Registry, including file locations and many user options. The typical user will probably not find much value in manipulating Word’s registry entries, as most settings can be changed using the Word interface. However, scanning the registry entries does provide an interesting look at how some of the program components are structured. Also, there are some advanced tasks that can only be performed in the Registry. For example, deleting Word’s Data subkey resets many options set using Tools → Options to their default value, along with clearing the most recently used file list.

All of the keys listed in Table B-1 are found under the root entry: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft. This is by no means a complete list of all available Word-related registry entries, but it represents most of the ones that may be useful. Also, registry keys are added, deleted, and modified according to user options and installed software, so what you see here may not be exactly what you see in your Registry.

Warning

Always make a backup copy of the Registry before making any changes. The Windows Registry Editor does not come with any safeguards and it is very easy to delete information critical to your system.

Table B-1. Word’s Registry Keys

Key	Description
Office\9.0\Common	General key for common settings across all Office applications.
Office\9.0\Common\Assistant	Holds settings for the Office Assistant.
Office\9.0\Common\General