Registry

Modifies the Windows Registry according to the settings you specify. Used to store, retrieve, modify, or delete settings either for the task itself or for another application. For example, you may want a task to save data collected during one session so that it can be retrieved and used the next time the task is run. In another possible use, you may want to collect data about an external application by retrieving it from the applications registry branch. Additionally, since the registry contains features that improve system integrity, this action can also Ideal tool.

Using the HKEY_CURRENT_USER section of the registry is especially useful for storing "user-specific" data because each user on the Windows system has his/her own HKEY_CURRENT_USER structure that Windows loads in at log on, thus the data can be different depending on which user is logged on to the system. Use HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE for settings that are not "user-specific" and are "global" to the machine.

Because the registry stores important system configuration settings, improper use of this action can cause irreversible damage to your operating system. Use this action with caution and always backup your registry. This action is intended for advanced users; improper use could damage your Windows installation and or the installation of other software on your system.

To enter Registry properties:

  1. In the Available Actions pane, open the Advanced folder and double-click the Registry action or drag it into the Steps pane.

  2. In the General tab properties under the parameter labeled Action to take, select the desired action. The properties below this parameter changes depending on the action selected.

  3. In the Registry key field, click Open Folder and navigate to the desired key in the registry structure.

  4. In the Value name field, enter the value name if applicable to the chosen action.

  5. If the action is Read value data, select the variable to populate with the data in the Populate variable with value data box.

  6. If the action is Create/Change value data, enter the data in the Value data field.

  7. If the action is Rename value or Rename key, enter the new name in the New name field.

  8. To set the Description tab properties, please refer to Description Tab Options.

  9. To set the Error Causes and On Error tab properties, please refer to Step Error Handling.

  10. When finished, click OK to save settings and close the properties dialog box.

Declaration

<AMREGISTRY ACTION="text [options]" TYPE="string" KEY="text" VALUE="text" VALUEDATA="text" RESULTVARIABLE="text">

See Also: Change Printer, Empty Recycle Bin, End Process, Get Process Information, Get Volume Information, Log Event, Print, Run, Set Date and Time

General Tab

Property

Type

Required

Default

Markup

Description

Action to take

Text (options)

Yes

Read value data

ACTION="write_value"

The action that should be performed. The available options are:

  • Read value data: Read a value from the registry.

  • Delete value: Delete a value from the registry.

  • Rename value: Rename a value in the registry.

  • Create key: Create a key in the registry. Multiple levels can be specified - any that do not exist will be created.

  • Delete key: Delete a key in the registry. Any sub-keys will also be deleted - BE CAREFUL USING THIS OPTION

  • Rename key: Rename a key in the registry.

  • Create/change value data: Used to write a value and optional data to the registry. Necessary keys will be automatically created.

Type

Text (options)

No

String

TYPE="STRING"

The data type to use. This parameter is available only if the Action to take parameter is set to Create/change value data. The available options are:

  • String (default)

  • DWORD

Registry Key

Text

Yes

(Empty)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Network Automation\AutoMate 8\\AMSERVICES

The registry key (folder) that should be acted upon. What takes place in the key depends on which option was selected in the Action to take parameter.

NOTE: Use the Folder icon to navigate to the desired registry key, value name and optionally, value data.

Populate Variable with Value Data

Text

Yes

(Empty)

RESULTVARIABLE="myvarname"

The name of an already created variable which should be populated with the value that is read from the registry. This parameter is valid only if the Read value data option is selected in the Action to Take parameter.

Value Name

Text

Yes

(Empty)

VALUE="Width"

The registry value that should be acted upon.

Value Data

Text

Yes

(Empty)

VALUEDATA="600"

The Registry value data to write. Valid only if the Create\Change Value Data option is selected in the Action to Take parameter. The Registry Key and Value Name must also be specified for proper functioning.