Multiple HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT registry trees

[ntuser]

Is it normal for the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT reg tree to be different across
different user accounts? (as is the case for me) Or is it meant to be the
same for the whole system.

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

Is it normal for the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT reg tree to be different across
different user accounts? (as is the case for me)

Yes and no.

Or is it meant to be the same for the whole system.

The HKCR hive itself does not really exist, it's a combination of
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes (default settings) and HKCU\Software\Classes
(user settings) while HKCU\Software\Classes is dominant if the values
of identical settings differ. Therefore, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT is both
system *and* user related.

 

[ntuser]

Ok thanks. Next question is: Where are the registry entries stored for file
associations known as shown by My Computer>Tools>Folder Options>File Types.
Specifically the entries in the resulting dialogue box?

Or does it assemble the list from multiple locations?

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

Ok thanks. Next question is: Where are the registry entries stored for
file associations known as shown by My Computer>Tools>Folder
Options>File Types. Specifically the entries in the resulting dialogue
box?

Stored in multiple locations. This is especially true since the

Or does it assemble the list from multiple locations?

Correct.