Converting the Windows Script Host RegDelete Method

  • Article

Definition: Deletes a key or one of its values from the registry.

RegDelete

Need to delete a registry value? Hey, no problem; just use the Remove-ItemProperty cmdlet followed by two parameters: the registry path to the key where the value resides; and the –name parameter followed by the value you want to delete. You know, like this:

Remove-ItemProperty HKCU:\Software\Test -name NewValue

Removing a registry key is even easier; just call the Remove-Item cmdlet followed by the path to the key to be removed:

Remove-Item HKCU:\Software\Test

Of course, there is one catch here; unless the key is empty you’ll be presented with a confirmation message similar to this:

The item at HKCU:\Software\Test has children and the Recurse parameter was not specified. If you continue, all children  will be removed with the item. Are you sure you want to continue?
[Y] Yes  [A] Yes to All  [N] No  [L] No to All  [S] Suspend  [?] Help (default is "Y"): n

Don’t like that confirmation message? Then just tack on the –recurse parameter, like so:

Remove-Item HKCU:\Software\Test -recurse

That will immediately delete the registry key, empty or not.

See conversions of other Windows Script Host methods and properties.
Return to the VBScript to Windows PowerShell home page