How to use Windiff to compare registry files.

 Last reviewed: August 22, 1997
Article ID: Q171780
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.51 and 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.51 and 4.0

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

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. 
Keywords          : nthowto ntregistry ntreskit kbtool
Version           : WinNT:3.51,4.0
Platform          : winnt
Issue type        : kbhowto

================================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: August 22, 1997
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.