Registry Keys

The registry is organized in a hierarchical format, based on a logical ordering of the elements stored within it. Registry keys are the base unit of organization in the registry. When storing information in the registry, select the appropriate location based on the type of information being stored.

A particular registry key can have subkeys, just as a folder can have subfolders. Each key can have multiple values associated with it, which are used to store the information. Each value holds one particular piece of information, which can be retrieved or updated when required. Each subkey holds the information specific to that application, such as color settings, screen location and size, or recognized file extensions. The maximum depth of registry keys is 15. This is a Windows CE limitation.

Note that information stored in the registry is readily available to other applications and users, and therefore should NOT be used to store security data (like passwords) or critical application information.

The Registry Editor.