Tech Tips / Windows NT / Registry
Windows NT doesn't keep track of registry changes for you. So, if you really want to find out what's going on, you'll have to use some roundabout methods.
Our technique involves dumping the contents of the registry to a text file. Once you've done so, you can just install a new program and repeat the process. When you've got two text files, you can compare them for differences.
Open the Registry Editor by typing REGEDIT in the Run dialog box. When the Registry Editor opens, select Export Registry File from the Registry menu. You'll see the Export Registry File dialog box.
At this point, enter a path and filename for the text file. Next, select All in the Export Range section and click OK. (You shouldn't try to export the registry to a floppy disk because the text file can be several MB in size.) If you find a problem, you can also use the first text file to repair your computer if the new program causes problems - simply use the Import Registry File option.
As for comparing the two files, you can use any file compare utility that you want. We recommend using the WINDIFF utility from the Windows NT Resource Kit.
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