

This is a benefit when editing keys manually using regedit. As well, strongly typed data can be stored in the registry, as opposed to the text information stored in.

23 Since file parsing is done much more efficiently with a binary format, it may be read from or written to more quickly than an INI file. According to Microsoft, this offers several advantages over. By contrast, the Windows Registry stores all application settings in one logical repository but a number of discrete files and in a standardized form.

INI files stored each programs settings as a text file, often located in a shared location that did not provide user specific settings in a multi user scenario. RationaleeditPrior to the Windows Registry. NET Framework applications use XML files for configuration, while portable applications usually keep their configuration files with their executables. It is not a requirement for Windows applications to use the Windows Registry. 5 and Windows NT extended its use to rationalise and centralise the information in the profusion of INI files, which held the configurations for individual programs, and were stored at various locations.

Windows Registry primarily stored configuration information for COM based components. For example, when a program is installed, a new subkey containing settings like a programs location, its version, and how to start the program, are all added to the Windows Registry. In simple terms, the registry or Windows Registry contains information, settings, options, and other values for programs and hardware installed on all versions of Microsoft Windows operating systems. The registry also allows access to counters for profiling system performance. The kernel, device drivers, services, Security Accounts Manager SAM, and user interface can all use the registry. The registry is a hierarchical database that stores low level settings for the Microsoft Windows operating system and for applications that opt to use the registry.
