How to Use the Registry Reference
Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2
The Registry Reference describes selected elements of the registry that is installed by default with Windows Server 2003, and to a limited extent, Windows XP Professional. In addition to the default content, this reference also describes subkeys and entries that you can add to your registry, and ones that the system adds when you install optional services (such as hardware drivers, software drivers, or network services). This reference is not a complete listing of all registry contents. It does not document subkeys or entries for applications (such as Microsoft Word), nor does it describe the registry editor itself, Regedit.exe.
How to Find Registry Elements
The Registry Reference is designed to mimic the structure of Regedit.exe, the registry editor included in Windows Server 2003. Registry elements appear in the Registry Reference in their registry path, just as they do in Regedit.exe.
To find the description of a registry element, use the Search tab or click the books and pages in the table of contents in the left pane. A description of each element appears in the right pane. For example, to find a description of the DNS service subkey, in the left pane click HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, click SYSTEM, click CurrentControlSet, click Services, and click DNS, just as you do in Regedit.exe. Or, on the Search tab, type DNS in the Search box, select Search titles only, and press ENTER.
Generic Subkeys
This reference includes generic subkeys that do not appear in the registry, but that represent a group of subkeys with common characteristics. You can identify these generic subkeys by the brackets surrounding their names. For example, the entries that are common to most service subkeys appear in the <Service-name> subkey. If you are looking for a common entry and do not find it in the subkey in which it appears in your registry, look for a generic subkey.
Limitations of this Reference
If you cannot find a registry element, it might be because it is not included in this reference. The Registry Reference does not describe all elements that might appear in the registry. Some registry elements are specific to your registry. Others are part of the Windows internal code and are not meaningful to users. Many entries just store values you have set in Windows. The Registry Reference primarily documents entries that advanced users might need to change but that cannot be changed by using the Windows interface or the administrative tools provided with Windows.
Although we make every effort to be timely and accurate, the registry is part of the Windows internal program code and is therefore subject to change at any time. Possible discrepancies include changes in the locations of the entries, the default values, the range of possible values, the use of the data, and the content of entries. For updates and corrections, see the Windows Deployment and Resource Kits Web Site link below.