The Windows Registry is that database within your computer which contains information of each and every aspect of your computer’s functioning. This registry consists of a number of keys and values within it, in which this entire information is present. You can learn more about what actually a registry is – here.
The hierarchal representation of a registry starts with root keys within which there are sub keys. These sub keys contain values. Simply by changing the content present in these values, the functionality of any Windows based computer can be altered. But before put your hands into the registry make sure you set up a system restore point; this is serious stuff and if anything goes wrong your computer is just trash.
Also See Our Article: Information About Registry Root Keys
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE (HKLM):
In total your registry contains 5 root keys which define your computer. The hives of each root key contain within them the information about the various aspects that fall under it. Likewise, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE (HKLM) is one of them; and can be regarded as the supreme of them all (because it is the same for all users on your computer). It contains the information of all the users in the computer and is not user specific like the HKEY_CURRENT_USER.
The Contents of HKLM:
The HKLM root key contains under it the sub keys which include: BCD00000000, HARDWARE, SAM, SECURITY, SOFTWARE, SYSTEM and so on. It is to be noted that the sub keys present in your system could vary owing to the version of windows you are currently using and also on your computer’s configuration.
Here is the function of the most common sub keys within the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE (HKLM).
- Hardware : Contains the information related to hardware such as processor type, architecture of the bus system, disk I/O hardware, serial and parallel ports, modems so on.
- Software : It contains the information about software such as the device drivers, security and other software installed on the system, including the operating system.
- System : Contains all the other sub keys and setting which relate to the Windows booting section.