registry

Generally, a registry is a database for addresses or data used for system configuration or authentication.

1. In the case of domain addresses, the addresses of the top- level domain( TLD) are stored in the registry. The registry, which in Germany is administered by DeNIC, ensures that a domain name exists only once. The sale of the domain name takes place via the registrar.
2. Under Windows the Registry is a registration data base for configuration data. These are structured in the hierarchically Registry into groups and subgroups and are constantly queried by the operating system during operation. The operating system informs itself about the installed application programs, about attached peripheral devices and adjusted parameters. All data of the Registry are stored under Windows NT and higher in the filessystem.dat and user.dat. The Registry represents thus one of the central tools for the system administration.