Where Windows Searches for REG.DAT

 Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
Article ID: Q82810
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11

SUMMARY

Microsoft Windows searches for the REG.DAT file ONLY in the Windows program directory (by default, this is WINDOWS). If the file is not found, it will be created whenever an application, the shell (for example, Program Manager), or the Registration Editor (REGEDIT.EXE) creates a new OLE registration entry.

Any other occurrences of the REG.DAT file on the hard disk will be ignored (for example, in the root directory, on the path, in the SYSTEM directory, and so on).

MORE INFORMATION

Since the shell mirrors the OLE server information registered in REG.DAT in the WIN.INI file's [embedding] section, the system may be able to correct itself should the REG.DAT file be accidentally deleted, which should allow you to continue editing your OLE objects.

Note: Recreating the REG.DAT file from the WIN.INI file entry is done to maintain compatibility with pre-version 1.0 OLE clients (Microsoft Excel for Windows version 3.0, Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows version 2.0, Lotus Notes version 2.0).

If the REG.DAT file is deleted, any data registered for opening and printing files in the File Manager or Program Manager could be lost.

KBCategory: kbenv kbole
KBSubcategory: win31
Additional reference words: 3.10 3.1

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Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
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