HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE

This key describes the physical hardware in the computer. Since the data in the HARDWARE key is stored in binary form, the best way to view the data are by using Windows NT Diagnostics, one of the programs in the Administrative Tools (Common) program group. See the section titled "Using the Windows NT Diagnostics Administrative Tool," presented earlier in this chapter, for more information about the program.

For more information about the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\HARDWARE key, see Chapter 23 in the Windows NT Workstation Resource Guide, "Overview of the Windows NT Registry."