Where Is Hkey Local Machine Located?
If you need to edit settings pertaining to registry hive "hkey local machine," you must use the Windows registry editor to access the hive. Although registry databases use a hierarchical structure like many Windows directories, you cannot open hkey local machine with Windows Explorer as you would a typical folder.
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HKEYs
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You may see what looks like a location on your computer that begins with "hkey_local_machine" or begins with another hkey prefix. Hkey_local_machine is not a location like "My Documents," however. It is one of several hives, or sections, within the Windows registry. Any tutorial directing you to a location that begins with hkey_local_machine requires you to access the registry via the registry editor. This specific hive contains information for the computer, regardless of users.
Windows Registry
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The Windows registry is a database of information pertaining to system functions. The data in the registry is frequently accessed by programs when your computer is on. Other software may add data to the registry; this usually occurs when you install a new program. The registry uses a hierarchical format, with the different hives, including "hkey_local_machine," at the top of the hierarchy. Each section is then divided into subsections that may be further divided.
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Registry Editor
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The registry editor is the tool that you use to view and edit the registry. You can access it by typing "regedit" into the search bar of the Start Menu or by pressing the Windows key and "R" and typing "regedit." When the editor opens, you will see the short list of hives on the left. You can expand "hkey_local_machine" to view the subsections. Once you navigate to a section that contains the information you're looking for, you can click on entries on the right to edit them.
Warning
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Although the registry editor is a straightforward tool that uses a visual interface, you may not want to make any changes if you are not an experienced computer user. Microsoft warns users to edit the registry at their own risk. Some configuration errors may require you to reinstall the operating system. However, you can create a back-up of the registry to undo any changes that you might make if you are unsure of the possible consequences.
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