Environment Subkey

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

Environment

HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager

Description

The Environment subkey stores the values of static environment variables that the system creates. These variables are used by Winlogon and Windows Explorer in Windows NT 4.0 and later, and by Program Manager in Windows NT 3.51 and earlier.

This subkey does not store dynamic environment variables that the system creates. Also, it does not store environment variables that the user creates. User environment variables are stored in the Environment Key subkey.

Change Method

To change the values of entries in this subkey, in Control Panel double-click System, click the Advanced tab and then click Environment Variables. These entries appear in the System variables section.

Caution

  • The data type of entries in this subkey must be REG_EXPAND_SZ. If a user or application changes the data type, the system will not replace the variable with its intended value.

  • Use extreme care when changing these the values of entries. If the operating system cannot find the files specified for a subsystem, you will not be able to run applications designed for other environments.