Configuration Files CGS2564

DOS Config.sys Device drivers Memory configuration Autoexec.bat Run programs, DOS commands, etc. Environment settings File types Pure text files Edit with DOS Editor, Notepad, etc.

Window 3.X System.ini Hardware settings Win.ini Windows settings Application settings File types Pure text files Edit with DOS Editor, Notepad, etc

Window 3.X Private.ini files Used by programs to store their information Netscape.ini Encarta.ini Etc. Where located? Application’s folder Windows folder Or might store entries in Win.ini instead Still used by some programs.

Windows 95, 98, 2000, XP Config.sys, Autoexec.bat, Win.ini, System.ini Important only for legacy devices/programs Backward compatibility Registry A database A central location for all Windows information Hardware Windows settings Application settings Etc.

Where are These files? Autoexec.bat and Config.sys Root directory of boot drive System.ini and Win.ini Windows folder Registry C:\Windows\system32\config Most files C:\Documents and Settings\User Name NTUSER.DAT

C:\Windows\system32\config A “Hive”

Changing the Registry Changes when you: Change desktop settings Use Control Panel Install hardware Install software Change software settings Etc. Edit with Regedit or Regedt32 Not pure text files Can’t use Notepad

Registry Editor

Registry Keys HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT Registered file types and their properties Registered objects such as My Computer and the Recycle bin HKEY_CURRENT_USER User profile Configuration settings for the current user HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE Configuration specific to the computer irrespective of the user HKEY_USERS User profile settings for all users HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG Hardware profile used on the computer at system startup

Backing up the Registry Can not just copy the files! (are “in use” by Windows) 1. Backup Utility Backup the “System State” 2. Automated System Recovery Create full System Backup and ASR disk 3. System Restore Create Restore Point before editing Registry 4. Export the Registry

Exporting the Registry Best Method Quickest, easiest to do Easiest to restore Most flexible Can do entire Registry or just specific keys Regedit Export Registry File Creates a.REG file To Restore Import Registry File Our double click on.REG file