subtree

Definition of subtree in The Network Encyclopedia.

What is subtree?

A major logical section of the registry. Subtrees are the root keys of the registry, and all other registry keys are subkeys of these root keys. The following table summarizes the functions of the five subtrees of the Microsoft Windows NT and Windows 2000 registries.


Subtrees of the Windows NT and Windows 2000 Registries

Subtree Function
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Contains configuration information for the local machine, including all hardware and software settings
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
Provides compatibility with Windows 3. x and points to the Classes subkey of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG
Provides information about the active hardware profile
HKEY_CURRENT_USER
Contains the settings of the user who is currently logged on interactively and points to the SID_# of HKEY_USERS, in which SID_# is the security ID string of the current user
HKEY_USERS
Contains default system settings and the settings of the user who is currently logged on interactively, plus all previously logged on users

NOTE

In Microsoft Windows 95 and Windows 98, a sixth subtree called HKEY_DYN_DATA is generated dynamically and is used for performance measuring via System Monitor and plug and play configuration of devices. This subtree is also called the hardware tree.

TIP

Most Windows NT and Windows 2000 registry troubleshooting takes place in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet subkey.