Registry File

[luzchurch]

When you click on start, then run and type in regedit, which file does it actually access? i.e what is the name and extension of this file?

[dudeking]

C:\WINDOWS\regedit.exe

[luzchurch]

I probably did not pose my question clearly. I wanted to know which file appears on the screen (with info on HKEY...etc) when you type in regedit in the run strip.

[dalecosp]

We're in the win98 forum, so I'm guessing you are asking about Windows 98.

IIRC, there are some "*.cab" files (look for "reg$n.cab") somewhere under \windows\ that are "backup" copies, if you will. I assume the most recent of these would match the current registry. The actual registry information is in memory (RAM), which is part of the reason the windows 98 memory footprint never gets much smaller unless you "flatten" the machine.

Now, note that I say IIRC. I play with win98 so seldom anymore that it could be that I'm channeling Jerome Lester Horowitz.....

[luzchurch]

I cannot locate any such files that you mention.

[dalecosp]

Sorry; the search string would be something more like "Rb*.cab", as you can see from the information found here (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q256419).

[Nick Grana]

The registry backups are in hidden directory C:\WINDOWS\SYSBCKUP
They will be in zip files named rb001.cab, rb002.cab, etc,. These backups are only 5 good days when system is booted. Scanreg/restore will have the latest 5 days.
More info about the registry (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/256986).
Hope this helps.:cool:

[luzchurch]

Is it possible to edit the registry file from MS DOS prompt?

[Nick Grana]

You can regedit from a windows dos box Ok.
From a pure dos prompt, type regedit and you will be given 4 options, none of which wouldn't even remotely help most people.
It locates user.dat and system.dat, which we already know where they reside. And a couple more for renaming the registry or importing/exporting (?)
a reg file.
Usually if you want to know what a command will do in real dos just type the command at the c: prompt followed by (a space)/?: scanreg /? That will list all options for that command.
The registry consists of 4 files: system.dat, user.dat, system.ini and win.ini.
Windows NT or XP can do more. Here's some other info for the registry. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_registry)
Does this help.:cool:

[luzchurch]

Is its possible to locate the product key through MS DOS prompt? I know it can be obtained by using regedit command through windows.

[kaitykaity]

It's in the registry. Read this:
http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=106421

[luzchurch]

I know how to locate the product key through windows. But iS IT POSSIBLE TO FIND IT THROUGH DOS PROMPT?

[kaitykaity]

NO NEED TO EFFING YELL.

Start > Program > Accessories > MS-DOS Prompt > cd\ [enter] regedit [enter]

Geez.

[Nick Grana]

KEY is in system.dat file.
Supposedly(?) one can edit that file in native dos, hit search/find productkey.
I edit mine and it gets to about 80% loading and screams 'way out memory' and then bombs out.:confused: :cool:

[AnnMarie]

Yes you can. See here (http://www.dougknox.com/utility/scripts_desc/cdkey_dos.htm)

[Nick Grana]

Good one, AnnMarie;)
While searching I kept wondering if I was looking for a hack.
You posted it so I'm sure I had nothing to worry about.:cool:
(you know what I mean):happy:

[luzchurch]

Thanks for the information. My apologies for emphasizing what I was looking for in my earlier posting. I was just frustrated that's all. Thanks again for your patience.

[AnnMarie]

No problem luzchurch and I'm glad we could help. :)