Hi Jeremy, There's a fairly simple rule controlling which string type should be used. If you want a variable to be parsed (replaced with variable value) you have to use reg_expand_sz, if you just want to store a value with %signs around it, reg_sz is fine. regards, Rick Ulrich Mack Volante Systems ________________________________ From: thin-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx on behalf of Jeremy Saunders Sent: Fri 24/03/2006 0:02 To: thin@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [THIN] Re: Explorer shell folders in hkey_users\.default\ (reg_sz keys &environment variables) Hi Joe, If REG_SZ works without giving you problems, then it should be okay for you. However, I always use REG_EXPAND_SZ simply because Microsoft say you should. With REG_EXPAND_SZ string values, you can safely use environment variables for paths that are stored in the registry. This ensures that the any environment variable used is correctly expanded. Leaving it as a REG_SZ value can provide inconsistent results depending on how well the application accessing the keys has been written. As a note you shouldn't be directly modifying the anything under the "Shell Folders" key, just the "User Shell Folders" key. And whilst you can change the REG type, you can delete the REG_SZ and recreate it as a REG_EXPAND_SZ. Whilst that's not a difinitive answer, it may give you a guide. Kind regards, Jeremy Saunders Senior Technical Specialist Integrated Technology Services & Cerulean IBM Australia Level 2, 1060 Hay Street West Perth WA 6005 Visit us at http://www.ibm.com/services/au/its P: +61 8 9261 8412 F: +61 8 9261 8486 M: TBA E-mail: jeremy.saunders@xxxxxxxxxxx "Joe Grainger" <jag@xxxxxxxxxxxx o.uk> To Sent by: <thin@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> thin-bounce@freel cc ists.org Subject [THIN] Explorer shell folders in 23/03/2006 07:42 hkey_users\.default\ (reg_sz keys PM & environment variables) Please respond to thin Hi all, I've researched this one briefly, using google, tweaking keywords, and limiting search results by domain. (e.g. using site:microsoft.com) Viewing the contents of the registry, the default key value is always REG_SZ, and can't be changed. On Windows 2003 Server, because the default value is REG_SZ, can you modify a default value to include an environment variable? E.g Replacing "c:\documents and settings\administrator\recent" with "%userprofile%\recent" I have found Microsoft Knowledge Base articles which do state that to use environment variables, you have to use the REG_EXPAND_SZ value type. However I can't find a definitive answer to my question before I run any tests. Thanks! Joe Hazlewoods LLP - Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers Offices in Cheltenham Tel 01242 237661, Gloucester Tel 01452 634800 and Staverton Tel 01242 680000. Members: Harvey Grove FCA FCCA Andrew Brookes FCA CF Jon Cartwright FCCA ATII TEP Nick Dee ACA Tony Flambard FCCA David Granger FCA FCCA Jonathan Harvie FCA David Main FCCA Christopher Mourton FCCA David Pierce FCA FCCA Adrian Randle FCA FCCA TEP Graham Rew FCA Philip Swan FCA ATII Norman Webber FCCA CF David Williams FCA Website www.hazlewoods.co.uk. Registered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales to carry out company audit work. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered in England. Partnership No: OC311817 ************************************************************************ DISCLAIMER: The contents of this Email and attachments are confidential to the ordinary user(s) of the Email address(es) to which it was sent and may be legally privileged. Hazlewoods LLP accepts no responsibility for the content of this Email, or the actions taken on the basis of the information provided, unless that information is subsequently agreed in writing. ************************************************************************?I+R{n?&8z?Vj?jzzZ)zX? ##################################################################################### This e-mail, including all attachments, may be confidential or privileged. Confidentiality or privilege is not waived or lost because this e-mail has been sent to you in error. If you are not the intended recipient any use, disclosure or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. If you have received it in error please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of this e-mail and any attachments. All liability for direct and indirect loss arising from this e-mail and any attachments is hereby disclaimed to the extent permitted by law. #####################################################################################