Class

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control

Description

The Class subkey stores configuration data for classes of hardware devices.

Each subkey in the Class subkey represents a device class and is named by the globally unique identifier (GUID) for the class. It appears as a 16-digit alphanumeric string within curly braces. These {Class-GUID} subkeys store configuration data that applies to the entire class of devices, such as the class of all modems.

Within the {Class-GUID} subkeys are device-specific subkeys, which represent particular devices that are instances of the class.

Because the Class subkey is hardware specific, its contents vary widely. The Class subkey on your computer might look quite different from the attributes described in this reference.

Tip

• To determine the type of hardware device represented by a {Class-GUID} subkey, use the registry editor Regedit.exe. Click the name of the {Class-GUID} subkey (it appears as a 16-byte alphanumeric string within brackets). The device type appears in the value of the first, unnamed entry in the subkey.

• To display hidden devices, non–Plug and Play devices, and devices not attached to the computer (commonly known as "ghosted" or "phantom" devices), type set DEVMGR_SHOW_NONPRESENT_DEVICES=1 at the command line. Then, use Device Manager to remove or reconfigure these devices. Do not edit the registry. For more information about viewing hidden devices, see Microsoft Windows XP Professional Resource Kit Documentation.

Caution

• Do not change any entries in the Class subkey or any subkey within it. These subkeys are configured by the system to comply with Plug and Play standards. Changing any data can prevent your computer devices from starting or operating properly.