Comments in registry?

  • Thread starter Thread starter tcebob
  • Start date Start date
T

tcebob

Can one "comment out" a registry data entry by, renaming it? Here's a sample:

mycomputer\hkey_current_user\control panel\colors
Background REG_SZ 4 166 123 --which I want to change but save the original.
so rename to Backgroundx
and create a new Background entry.

rs
 
No. The registry doesn't work like a batch file.

You can export a key, fiddle with the original, and then import the
original key if your fiddle doesn't play. Provided, of course, that you
can still start Windows. But even this has limitations, and may have
unpredictable results.

The smarter thing to do is to backup the entire registry before making
any edit. Or if you really want to be safe, do what I do: image your
system partition.
 
You should export a backup copy of the key before making any changes, but you should be alright
doing what you propose. Most programs query values by name -- incorrectly named values just sit
there.
 
You can disable an entire folder or subfolder or individual keys by
adding a minus sign in front of the name.

There are areas that can kill an OS and others that won't. Usually
if you are making changes to something for look rather than
behavior changes, you should be ok. If you really want to learn
what you can do and not worry about killing the OS, check out
Norton's GoBack. No matter how bad someone (or software) screws up
the registry, GoBack can undo the changes.


| Can one "comment out" a registry data entry by, renaming it?
Here's a sample:
|
| mycomputer\hkey_current_user\control panel\colors
| Background REG_SZ 4 166 123 --which I want to change but
save the original.
| so rename to Backgroundx
| and create a new Background entry.
|
| rs
|
|
 
Just the name "Norton" gives me the willies. Used to be, they made a splendid file manager
for Dos, which they ported to Windows 3.1 and then let die. Then came the Tools and
(shudder) the AntiVirus, which was just like a virus itself, except you had to pay for it.
However, if you really recommend it I will take a look at GoBack.

rs


Sam wrote:
: You can disable an entire folder or subfolder or individual keys by
: adding a minus sign in front of the name.
:
: There are areas that can kill an OS and others that won't. Usually
: if you are making changes to something for look rather than
: behavior changes, you should be ok. If you really want to learn
: what you can do and not worry about killing the OS, check out
: Norton's GoBack. No matter how bad someone (or software) screws up
: the registry, GoBack can undo the changes.
:
:
: :: Can one "comment out" a registry data entry by, renaming it? Here's a sample:
::
:: mycomputer\hkey_current_user\control panel\colors
:: Background REG_SZ 4 166 123 --which I want to change but save the original.
:: so rename to Backgroundx
:: and create a new Background entry.
::
:: rs
 
Norton gives a lot of people the willies. I've had my share of
times of wanting to toss a system out the window now and then; but
despite the problems, I still prefer them. (especially Ghost)

If you're installing GoBack on a dual-boot system, you might want
to look at this first:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/goback.nsf/docid/2001080616224
107?Open&docid=2001101715043525&nsf=ghost.nsf&view=docid

I don't want to discourage you from trying the product because it
does work well but GoBack has its issues on some systems. Like not
being able to start windows in normal mode or it doesn't remove
itself from the boot record from an uninstall. To fix the boot
record copy "Gb_prog.exe" from its install directory and use a
Win98 boot disk to run it outside of windows. It's not a problem
for most people but I thought you should know.

The last thing, it's better to uninstall GoBack whenever you image
the drive. Sometimes there are some compatibility issues. Hopefully
this didn't turn you away or being up nightmares from a previous
experience <grin> because overall it's a good product.

Sam

| Just the name "Norton" gives me the willies. Used to be, they
made a splendid file manager
| for Dos, which they ported to Windows 3.1 and then let die. Then
came the Tools and
| (shudder) the AntiVirus, which was just like a virus itself,
except you had to pay for it.
| However, if you really recommend it I will take a look at GoBack.
|
| rs
|
|
| Sam wrote:
| : You can disable an entire folder or subfolder or individual
keys by
| : adding a minus sign in front of the name.
| :
| : There are areas that can kill an OS and others that won't.
Usually
| : if you are making changes to something for look rather than
| : behavior changes, you should be ok. If you really want to learn
| : what you can do and not worry about killing the OS, check out
| : Norton's GoBack. No matter how bad someone (or software) screws
up
| : the registry, GoBack can undo the changes.
| :
| :
| : | :: Can one "comment out" a registry data entry by, renaming it?
Here's a sample:
| ::
| :: mycomputer\hkey_current_user\control panel\colors
| :: Background REG_SZ 4 166 123 --which I want to change
but save the original.
| :: so rename to Backgroundx
| :: and create a new Background entry.
| ::
| :: rs
|
|
 
"GoBack". What an awesome name for a Symantec product. I wonder if they do
a lot of refunds? :-)
 
I usually , add registry Keys next to keys that I find that I can't remmeber
if there Malware or legit software,

eg. I have in the Key Bracnh for MSN of S/P/descrition:MSN user Profiles

I also rename Malware ones with a .virus
or ones that I want to keep as .old
 
WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!?

of course you can.. anything that accesses the registry usually looks for a
particular location for the settings that is it looking for, but there are
exceptions (like the Run key). Renaming them will save the original while
making room for adjustments of your own...

BUT...

if you didn't already know that, you should not be messing around with the
registry
 
Back
Top