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Q171780: How to Use WinDiff to Compare Registry Files

Article: Q171780
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): 3.51,4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbtool
Last Modified: 10-AUG-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.51, 4.0 
- Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.51, 4.0 
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SUMMARY
=======

How can you compare registry entries before and after an upgrade, the
installation of a new software package, or between two computers?

MORE INFORMATION
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To use the Windows NT 3.51 or 4.0 Resource Kit utility Windiff.exe to compare
the differences between the registry entries before and after an upgrade,
perform the following:

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide
problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft
cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can
be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

1. Start Regedt32.exe.

2. Select each registry root that you want to compare.

  Example: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

3. From the menu bar, click Registry.

4. Click Save Subtree As.

5. Click Save as type.

6. Select Text files.

7. Save the file as Filename.old.

8. Follow the above steps for all subtrees.

9. Install the new software or perform the upgrade.

10. After the upgrade or install repeat steps 2-6.

11. Save the file as Filename.new.

12. Run Windiff from the resource kit and compare the two files, filename.old
  and filename.new.

NOTE: This procedure can be done for individual keys as well.

Additional query words:

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Keywords          : kbtool 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT351search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTW351search kbWinNTW351 kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400 kbWinNTS351 kbWinNTS351search
Version           : :3.51,4.0
Issue type        : kbhowto

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