This chapter describes how Microsoft Windows 98 components use the registry, provides an overview of registry tools, including Registry Checker, Registry Editor, and Profile Editor, and describes how to backup and restore the registry. It provides an overview of the structure of the registry, and describes the registry keys. It also describes how values from Windows 3.x INI files are stored in the registry, and includes registry entries for modems, Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and other components.
This chapter is designed for system and network administrators and for "power users." It is not intended for registry programmers (see the Microsoft Windows 98 Software Development Kit for that information).
Note
This chapter assumes that your Windows 98 files are in the \Windows folder, which is the default folder where Setup copies the system files.
Caution
Making a mistake in editing the registry can cause your system to become unstable and/or unusable.
Wherever possible, use the administrative tools, such as Control Panel or System Policy Editor, to make configuration changes, rather than editing the registry. This is to ensure values are stored properly in the registry when changing the configuration.
If you use Registry Editor to change values, you will not be warned if any entry is incorrect. Editing the registry directly by using Registry Editor can cause errors in loading hardware and software, and can prevent users from being able to start the computer.
Overview of the Windows 98 Registry
Getting Started with the Registry Tools
Administrating with the Registry
Understanding the Registry Structure
Working with the Registry Keys
Plug and Play and the Registry
View Preferences and the Registry