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Registry.SetValue Method

  • Reference

Definition

Namespace:
Microsoft.Win32
Assembly:
Microsoft.Win32.Registry.dll
Assembly:
mscorlib.dll
Package:
Microsoft.Win32.Registry v5.0.0

Sets the value of a name/value pair in a registry key.

Overloads

SetValue(String, String, Object)

Sets the specified name/value pair on the specified registry key. If the specified key does not exist, it is created.
SetValue(String, String, Object, RegistryValueKind)

Sets the name/value pair on the specified registry key, using the specified registry data type. If the specified key does not exist, it is created.

Examples

The following code example stores values of several data types in an example key, creating the key as it does so, and then retrieves and displays the values. The example demonstrates storing and retrieving the default (nameless) name/value pair, and the use of defaultValue when a name/value pair does not exist.

using namespace System;
using namespace Microsoft::Win32;

int main()
{   
    // The name of the key must include a valid root.
    String^ userRoot = "HKEY_CURRENT_USER";
    String^ subKey = "RegistrySetValueExample2";
    String^ keyName = String::Concat(userRoot, "\\", subKey);
    
    // An int value can be stored without specifying the
    // registry data type, but Int64 values will be stored
    // as strings unless you specify the type. Note that
    // the int is stored in the default name/value
    // pair.
    Registry::SetValue(keyName, "", 5280);
    Registry::SetValue(keyName, "TestInt64", 12345678901234, 
        RegistryValueKind::QWord);
    
    // Strings with expandable environment variables are
    // stored as ordinary strings unless you specify the
    // data type.
    Registry::SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand", "My path: %path%");
    Registry::SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand2", "My path: %path%", 
        RegistryValueKind::ExpandString);
    
    // Arrays of strings are stored automatically as 
    // MultiString. Similarly, arrays of Byte are stored
    // automatically as Binary.
    array<String^>^ strings  = {"One", "Two", "Three"};
    Registry::SetValue(keyName, "TestArray", strings);
    
    // Your default value is returned if the name/value pair
    // does not exist.
    String^ noSuch = (String^)Registry::GetValue(keyName, 
        "NoSuchName", 
        "Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.");
    Console::WriteLine("\r\nNoSuchName: {0}", noSuch);
    
    // Retrieve the int and Int64 values, specifying 
    // numeric default values in case the name/value pairs
    // do not exist. The int value is retrieved from the
    // default (nameless) name/value pair for the key.
    int testInteger = (int)Registry::GetValue(keyName, "", -1);
    Console::WriteLine("(Default): {0}", testInteger);
    long long testInt64 = (long long)Registry::GetValue(keyName, 
        "TestInt64", System::Int64::MinValue);
    Console::WriteLine("TestInt64: {0}", testInt64);
    
    // When retrieving a MultiString value, you can specify
    // an array for the default return value. 
    array<String^>^ testArray = (array<String^>^)Registry::GetValue(
        keyName, "TestArray", 
        gcnew array<String^> {"Default if TestArray does not exist."});
    for (int i = 0; i < testArray->Length; i++)
    {
        Console::WriteLine("TestArray({0}): {1}", i, testArray[i]);
    }
    
    // A string with embedded environment variables is not
    // expanded if it was stored as an ordinary string.
    String^ testExpand = (String^)Registry::GetValue(keyName, 
        "TestExpand", "Default if TestExpand does not exist.");
    Console::WriteLine("TestExpand: {0}", testExpand);
    
    // A string stored as ExpandString is expanded.
    String^ testExpand2 = (String^)Registry::GetValue(keyName, 
        "TestExpand2", "Default if TestExpand2 does not exist.");
    Console::WriteLine(
        "TestExpand2: {0}...", testExpand2->Substring(0, 40));
    Console::WriteLine(
        "\r\nUse the registry editor to examine the key.");
    Console::WriteLine("Press the Enter key to delete the key.");
    Console::ReadLine();
    Registry::CurrentUser->DeleteSubKey(subKey);
}
//
// This code example produces output similar to the following:
//
// NoSuchName: Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.
// (Default): 5280
// TestInt64: 12345678901234
// TestArray(0): One
// TestArray(1): Two
// TestArray(2): Three
// TestExpand: My path: %path%
// TestExpand2: My path: D:\Program Files\Microsoft.NET\...
//
// Use the registry editor to examine the key.
// Press the Enter key to delete the key.

using System;
using Microsoft.Win32;

public class Example
{
    public static void Main()
    {
        // The name of the key must include a valid root.
        const string userRoot = "HKEY_CURRENT_USER";
        const string subkey = "RegistrySetValueExample";
        const string keyName = userRoot + "\\" + subkey;

        // An int value can be stored without specifying the
        // registry data type, but long values will be stored
        // as strings unless you specify the type. Note that
        // the int is stored in the default name/value
        // pair.
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "", 5280);
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestLong", 12345678901234,
            RegistryValueKind.QWord);

        // Strings with expandable environment variables are
        // stored as ordinary strings unless you specify the
        // data type.
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand", "My path: %path%");
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand2", "My path: %path%",
            RegistryValueKind.ExpandString);

        // Arrays of strings are stored automatically as
        // MultiString. Similarly, arrays of Byte are stored
        // automatically as Binary.
        string[] strings = {"One", "Two", "Three"};
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestArray", strings);

        // Your default value is returned if the name/value pair
        // does not exist.
        string noSuch = (string) Registry.GetValue(keyName,
            "NoSuchName",
            "Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.");
        Console.WriteLine("\r\nNoSuchName: {0}", noSuch);

        // Retrieve the int and long values, specifying
        // numeric default values in case the name/value pairs
        // do not exist. The int value is retrieved from the
        // default (nameless) name/value pair for the key.
        int tInteger = (int) Registry.GetValue(keyName, "", -1);
        Console.WriteLine("(Default): {0}", tInteger);
        long tLong = (long) Registry.GetValue(keyName, "TestLong",
            long.MinValue);
        Console.WriteLine("TestLong: {0}", tLong);

        // When retrieving a MultiString value, you can specify
        // an array for the default return value.
        string[] tArray = (string[]) Registry.GetValue(keyName,
            "TestArray",
            new string[] {"Default if TestArray does not exist."});
        for(int i=0; i<tArray.Length; i++)
        {
            Console.WriteLine("TestArray({0}): {1}", i, tArray[i]);
        }

        // A string with embedded environment variables is not
        // expanded if it was stored as an ordinary string.
        string tExpand = (string) Registry.GetValue(keyName,
             "TestExpand",
             "Default if TestExpand does not exist.");
        Console.WriteLine("TestExpand: {0}", tExpand);

        // A string stored as ExpandString is expanded.
        string tExpand2 = (string) Registry.GetValue(keyName,
            "TestExpand2",
            "Default if TestExpand2 does not exist.");
        Console.WriteLine("TestExpand2: {0}...",
            tExpand2.Substring(0, 40));

        Console.WriteLine("\r\nUse the registry editor to examine the key.");
        Console.WriteLine("Press the Enter key to delete the key.");
        Console.ReadLine();
        Registry.CurrentUser.DeleteSubKey(subkey);
    }
}
//
// This code example produces output similar to the following:
//
//NoSuchName: Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.
//(Default): 5280
//TestLong: 12345678901234
//TestArray(0): One
//TestArray(1): Two
//TestArray(2): Three
//TestExpand: My path: %path%
//TestExpand2: My path: D:\Program Files\Microsoft.NET\...
//
//Use the registry editor to examine the key.
//Press the Enter key to delete the key.

Imports Microsoft.Win32

Public Class Example
    Public Shared Sub Main()
        ' The name of the key must include a valid root.
        Const userRoot As String = "HKEY_CURRENT_USER"
        Const subkey As String = "RegistrySetValueExample"
        Const keyName As String = userRoot & "\" & subkey

        ' Integer values can be stored without specifying the
        ' registry data type, but Long values will be stored
        ' as strings unless you specify the type. Note that
        ' the integer is stored in the default name/value
        ' pair.
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "", 5280)
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestLong", 12345678901234, _
            RegistryValueKind.QWord)

        ' Strings with expandable environment variables are
        ' stored as ordinary strings unless you specify the
        ' data type.
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand", "My path: %path%")
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand2", "My path: %path%", _
            RegistryValueKind.ExpandString)

        ' Arrays of strings are stored automatically as 
        ' MultiString. Similarly, arrays of Byte are stored
        ' automatically as Binary.
        Dim strings() As String = {"One", "Two", "Three"}
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestArray", strings)

        ' Your default value is returned if the name/value pair
        ' does not exist.
        Dim noSuch As String = _
            Registry.GetValue(keyName, "NoSuchName", _
            "Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.")
        Console.WriteLine(vbCrLf & "NoSuchName: {0}", noSuch)

        ' Retrieve the Integer and Long values, specifying 
        ' numeric default values in case the name/value pairs
        ' do not exist. The Integer value is retrieved from the
        ' default (nameless) name/value pair for the key.
        Dim tInteger As Integer = _
            Registry.GetValue(keyName, "", -1)
        Console.WriteLine("(Default): {0}", tInteger)
        Dim tLong As Long = Registry.GetValue(keyName, _
             "TestLong", Long.MinValue)
        Console.WriteLine("TestLong: {0}", tLong)

        ' When retrieving a MultiString value, you can specify
        ' an array for the default return value. The value is
        ' declared inline, but could also be declared as:
        ' Dim default() As String = {"Default value."}
        '
        Dim tArray() As String = _
            Registry.GetValue(keyName, "TestArray", _
            New String() {"Default if TestArray does not exist."})
        For i As Integer = 0 To tArray.Length - 1
            Console.WriteLine("TestArray({0}): {1}", i, tArray(i))
        Next

        ' A string with embedded environment variables is not
        ' expanded if it was stored as an ordinary string.
        Dim tExpand As String = Registry.GetValue(keyName, _
             "TestExpand", "Default if TestExpand does not exist.")
        Console.WriteLine("TestExpand: {0}", tExpand)

        ' A string stored as ExpandString is expanded.
        Dim tExpand2 As String = Registry.GetValue(keyName, _
             "TestExpand2", "Default if TestExpand2 does not exist.")
        Console.WriteLine("TestExpand2: {0}...", _
            tExpand2.Substring(0, 40))

        Console.WriteLine(vbCrLf & _
            "Use the registry editor to examine the key.")
        Console.WriteLine("Press the Enter key to delete the key.")
        Console.ReadLine()
        Registry.CurrentUser.DeleteSubKey(subkey)
    End Sub
End Class
'
' This code example produces output similar to the following:
'
'NoSuchName: Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.
'(Default): 5280
'TestLong: 12345678901234
'TestArray(0): One
'TestArray(1): Two
'TestArray(2): Three
'TestExpand: My path: %path%
'TestExpand2: My path: D:\Program Files\Microsoft.NET\...
'
'Use the registry editor to examine the key.
'Press the Enter key to delete the key.

SetValue(String, String, Object)

Source:
Registry.cs

Sets the specified name/value pair on the specified registry key. If the specified key does not exist, it is created.

public:
 static void SetValue(System::String ^ keyName, System::String ^ valueName, System::Object ^ value);
public static void SetValue (string keyName, string? valueName, object value);
public static void SetValue (string keyName, string valueName, object value);
static member SetValue : string * string * obj -> unit
Public Shared Sub SetValue (keyName As String, valueName As String, value As Object)

Parameters

keyName
String

The full registry path of the key, beginning with a valid registry root, such as "HKEY_CURRENT_USER".

valueName
String

The name of the name/value pair.

value
Object

The value to be stored.

Exceptions

ArgumentNullException

value is null.

ArgumentException

keyName does not begin with a valid registry root.

-or-

keyName is longer than the maximum length allowed (255 characters).

UnauthorizedAccessException

The RegistryKey is read-only, and thus cannot be written to; for example, it is a root-level node.

SecurityException

The user does not have the permissions required to create or modify registry keys.

Examples

The following code example stores values of several data types in an example key, creating the key as it does so, and then retrieves and displays the values. The example demonstrates storing and retrieving the default (nameless) name/value pair, and the use of defaultValue when a name/value pair does not exist.

using namespace System;
using namespace Microsoft::Win32;

int main()
{   
    // The name of the key must include a valid root.
    String^ userRoot = "HKEY_CURRENT_USER";
    String^ subKey = "RegistrySetValueExample2";
    String^ keyName = String::Concat(userRoot, "\\", subKey);
    
    // An int value can be stored without specifying the
    // registry data type, but Int64 values will be stored
    // as strings unless you specify the type. Note that
    // the int is stored in the default name/value
    // pair.
    Registry::SetValue(keyName, "", 5280);
    Registry::SetValue(keyName, "TestInt64", 12345678901234, 
        RegistryValueKind::QWord);
    
    // Strings with expandable environment variables are
    // stored as ordinary strings unless you specify the
    // data type.
    Registry::SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand", "My path: %path%");
    Registry::SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand2", "My path: %path%", 
        RegistryValueKind::ExpandString);
    
    // Arrays of strings are stored automatically as 
    // MultiString. Similarly, arrays of Byte are stored
    // automatically as Binary.
    array<String^>^ strings  = {"One", "Two", "Three"};
    Registry::SetValue(keyName, "TestArray", strings);
    
    // Your default value is returned if the name/value pair
    // does not exist.
    String^ noSuch = (String^)Registry::GetValue(keyName, 
        "NoSuchName", 
        "Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.");
    Console::WriteLine("\r\nNoSuchName: {0}", noSuch);
    
    // Retrieve the int and Int64 values, specifying 
    // numeric default values in case the name/value pairs
    // do not exist. The int value is retrieved from the
    // default (nameless) name/value pair for the key.
    int testInteger = (int)Registry::GetValue(keyName, "", -1);
    Console::WriteLine("(Default): {0}", testInteger);
    long long testInt64 = (long long)Registry::GetValue(keyName, 
        "TestInt64", System::Int64::MinValue);
    Console::WriteLine("TestInt64: {0}", testInt64);
    
    // When retrieving a MultiString value, you can specify
    // an array for the default return value. 
    array<String^>^ testArray = (array<String^>^)Registry::GetValue(
        keyName, "TestArray", 
        gcnew array<String^> {"Default if TestArray does not exist."});
    for (int i = 0; i < testArray->Length; i++)
    {
        Console::WriteLine("TestArray({0}): {1}", i, testArray[i]);
    }
    
    // A string with embedded environment variables is not
    // expanded if it was stored as an ordinary string.
    String^ testExpand = (String^)Registry::GetValue(keyName, 
        "TestExpand", "Default if TestExpand does not exist.");
    Console::WriteLine("TestExpand: {0}", testExpand);
    
    // A string stored as ExpandString is expanded.
    String^ testExpand2 = (String^)Registry::GetValue(keyName, 
        "TestExpand2", "Default if TestExpand2 does not exist.");
    Console::WriteLine(
        "TestExpand2: {0}...", testExpand2->Substring(0, 40));
    Console::WriteLine(
        "\r\nUse the registry editor to examine the key.");
    Console::WriteLine("Press the Enter key to delete the key.");
    Console::ReadLine();
    Registry::CurrentUser->DeleteSubKey(subKey);
}
//
// This code example produces output similar to the following:
//
// NoSuchName: Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.
// (Default): 5280
// TestInt64: 12345678901234
// TestArray(0): One
// TestArray(1): Two
// TestArray(2): Three
// TestExpand: My path: %path%
// TestExpand2: My path: D:\Program Files\Microsoft.NET\...
//
// Use the registry editor to examine the key.
// Press the Enter key to delete the key.

using System;
using Microsoft.Win32;

public class Example
{
    public static void Main()
    {
        // The name of the key must include a valid root.
        const string userRoot = "HKEY_CURRENT_USER";
        const string subkey = "RegistrySetValueExample";
        const string keyName = userRoot + "\\" + subkey;

        // An int value can be stored without specifying the
        // registry data type, but long values will be stored
        // as strings unless you specify the type. Note that
        // the int is stored in the default name/value
        // pair.
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "", 5280);
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestLong", 12345678901234,
            RegistryValueKind.QWord);

        // Strings with expandable environment variables are
        // stored as ordinary strings unless you specify the
        // data type.
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand", "My path: %path%");
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand2", "My path: %path%",
            RegistryValueKind.ExpandString);

        // Arrays of strings are stored automatically as
        // MultiString. Similarly, arrays of Byte are stored
        // automatically as Binary.
        string[] strings = {"One", "Two", "Three"};
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestArray", strings);

        // Your default value is returned if the name/value pair
        // does not exist.
        string noSuch = (string) Registry.GetValue(keyName,
            "NoSuchName",
            "Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.");
        Console.WriteLine("\r\nNoSuchName: {0}", noSuch);

        // Retrieve the int and long values, specifying
        // numeric default values in case the name/value pairs
        // do not exist. The int value is retrieved from the
        // default (nameless) name/value pair for the key.
        int tInteger = (int) Registry.GetValue(keyName, "", -1);
        Console.WriteLine("(Default): {0}", tInteger);
        long tLong = (long) Registry.GetValue(keyName, "TestLong",
            long.MinValue);
        Console.WriteLine("TestLong: {0}", tLong);

        // When retrieving a MultiString value, you can specify
        // an array for the default return value.
        string[] tArray = (string[]) Registry.GetValue(keyName,
            "TestArray",
            new string[] {"Default if TestArray does not exist."});
        for(int i=0; i<tArray.Length; i++)
        {
            Console.WriteLine("TestArray({0}): {1}", i, tArray[i]);
        }

        // A string with embedded environment variables is not
        // expanded if it was stored as an ordinary string.
        string tExpand = (string) Registry.GetValue(keyName,
             "TestExpand",
             "Default if TestExpand does not exist.");
        Console.WriteLine("TestExpand: {0}", tExpand);

        // A string stored as ExpandString is expanded.
        string tExpand2 = (string) Registry.GetValue(keyName,
            "TestExpand2",
            "Default if TestExpand2 does not exist.");
        Console.WriteLine("TestExpand2: {0}...",
            tExpand2.Substring(0, 40));

        Console.WriteLine("\r\nUse the registry editor to examine the key.");
        Console.WriteLine("Press the Enter key to delete the key.");
        Console.ReadLine();
        Registry.CurrentUser.DeleteSubKey(subkey);
    }
}
//
// This code example produces output similar to the following:
//
//NoSuchName: Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.
//(Default): 5280
//TestLong: 12345678901234
//TestArray(0): One
//TestArray(1): Two
//TestArray(2): Three
//TestExpand: My path: %path%
//TestExpand2: My path: D:\Program Files\Microsoft.NET\...
//
//Use the registry editor to examine the key.
//Press the Enter key to delete the key.

Imports Microsoft.Win32

Public Class Example
    Public Shared Sub Main()
        ' The name of the key must include a valid root.
        Const userRoot As String = "HKEY_CURRENT_USER"
        Const subkey As String = "RegistrySetValueExample"
        Const keyName As String = userRoot & "\" & subkey

        ' Integer values can be stored without specifying the
        ' registry data type, but Long values will be stored
        ' as strings unless you specify the type. Note that
        ' the integer is stored in the default name/value
        ' pair.
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "", 5280)
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestLong", 12345678901234, _
            RegistryValueKind.QWord)

        ' Strings with expandable environment variables are
        ' stored as ordinary strings unless you specify the
        ' data type.
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand", "My path: %path%")
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand2", "My path: %path%", _
            RegistryValueKind.ExpandString)

        ' Arrays of strings are stored automatically as 
        ' MultiString. Similarly, arrays of Byte are stored
        ' automatically as Binary.
        Dim strings() As String = {"One", "Two", "Three"}
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestArray", strings)

        ' Your default value is returned if the name/value pair
        ' does not exist.
        Dim noSuch As String = _
            Registry.GetValue(keyName, "NoSuchName", _
            "Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.")
        Console.WriteLine(vbCrLf & "NoSuchName: {0}", noSuch)

        ' Retrieve the Integer and Long values, specifying 
        ' numeric default values in case the name/value pairs
        ' do not exist. The Integer value is retrieved from the
        ' default (nameless) name/value pair for the key.
        Dim tInteger As Integer = _
            Registry.GetValue(keyName, "", -1)
        Console.WriteLine("(Default): {0}", tInteger)
        Dim tLong As Long = Registry.GetValue(keyName, _
             "TestLong", Long.MinValue)
        Console.WriteLine("TestLong: {0}", tLong)

        ' When retrieving a MultiString value, you can specify
        ' an array for the default return value. The value is
        ' declared inline, but could also be declared as:
        ' Dim default() As String = {"Default value."}
        '
        Dim tArray() As String = _
            Registry.GetValue(keyName, "TestArray", _
            New String() {"Default if TestArray does not exist."})
        For i As Integer = 0 To tArray.Length - 1
            Console.WriteLine("TestArray({0}): {1}", i, tArray(i))
        Next

        ' A string with embedded environment variables is not
        ' expanded if it was stored as an ordinary string.
        Dim tExpand As String = Registry.GetValue(keyName, _
             "TestExpand", "Default if TestExpand does not exist.")
        Console.WriteLine("TestExpand: {0}", tExpand)

        ' A string stored as ExpandString is expanded.
        Dim tExpand2 As String = Registry.GetValue(keyName, _
             "TestExpand2", "Default if TestExpand2 does not exist.")
        Console.WriteLine("TestExpand2: {0}...", _
            tExpand2.Substring(0, 40))

        Console.WriteLine(vbCrLf & _
            "Use the registry editor to examine the key.")
        Console.WriteLine("Press the Enter key to delete the key.")
        Console.ReadLine()
        Registry.CurrentUser.DeleteSubKey(subkey)
    End Sub
End Class
'
' This code example produces output similar to the following:
'
'NoSuchName: Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.
'(Default): 5280
'TestLong: 12345678901234
'TestArray(0): One
'TestArray(1): Two
'TestArray(2): Three
'TestExpand: My path: %path%
'TestExpand2: My path: D:\Program Files\Microsoft.NET\...
'
'Use the registry editor to examine the key.
'Press the Enter key to delete the key.

Remarks

Starting with the .NET Framework 4, the valueName parameter is no longer restricted to a maximum of 255 characters; however, the keyName parameter continues to have the 255-character restriction.

Because many values can be stored in each key in the registry, you must use the valueName parameter to specify the particular value you want to set.

Note

A registry key can contain one value that is not associated with any name. When this unnamed value is displayed in the registry editor, the string "(Default)" appears instead of a name. To set this unnamed value, specify either null or the empty string ("") for valueName.

If valueName does not exist in the key, it is created and the associated value is set to value.

If keyName specifies a subkey that does not exist, the subkey is created in the specified root. For example, in Visual Basic the string "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\MyTestKey" creates the subkey "MyTestKey" in the HKEY_CURRENT_USER root. The string "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\MyTestKey\Key2\Key3" creates the nested subkeys "MyTestKey", "MyTestKey\Key2", and "MyTestKey\Key2\Key3".

Valid root names include HKEY_CURRENT_USER, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, HKEY_USERS, HKEY_PERFORMANCE_DATA, HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG, and HKEY_DYN_DATA.

Note

The SetValue method opens a registry key, sets the value, and closes the key each time it is called. If you need to modify a large number of values, the RegistryKey.SetValue method might provide better performance. The RegistryKey class also provides methods that allow you to add an access control list (ACL) to a registry key, to test the data type of a value before retrieving it, and to delete keys.

This overload of SetValue stores 64-bit integers as strings (RegistryValueKind.String). To store 64-bit numbers as RegistryValueKind.QWord values, use the SetValue(String, String, Object, RegistryValueKind) method overload.

This overload of SetValue stores all string values as RegistryValueKind.String objects, even if they contain expandable references to environment variables. To save string values as expandable strings (RegistryValueKind.ExpandString), use the SetValue(String, String, Object, RegistryValueKind) method overload.

This overload is equivalent to calling the SetValue(String, String, Object, RegistryValueKind) method overload with RegistryValueKind.Unknown.

Applies to

SetValue(String, String, Object, RegistryValueKind)

Source:
Registry.cs

Sets the name/value pair on the specified registry key, using the specified registry data type. If the specified key does not exist, it is created.

public:
 static void SetValue(System::String ^ keyName, System::String ^ valueName, System::Object ^ value, Microsoft::Win32::RegistryValueKind valueKind);
public static void SetValue (string keyName, string? valueName, object value, Microsoft.Win32.RegistryValueKind valueKind);
public static void SetValue (string keyName, string valueName, object value, Microsoft.Win32.RegistryValueKind valueKind);
static member SetValue : string * string * obj * Microsoft.Win32.RegistryValueKind -> unit
Public Shared Sub SetValue (keyName As String, valueName As String, value As Object, valueKind As RegistryValueKind)

Parameters

keyName
String

The full registry path of the key, beginning with a valid registry root, such as "HKEY_CURRENT_USER".

valueName
String

The name of the name/value pair.

value
Object

The value to be stored.

valueKind
RegistryValueKind

The registry data type to use when storing the data.

Exceptions

ArgumentNullException

value is null.

ArgumentException

keyName does not begin with a valid registry root.

-or-

keyName is longer than the maximum length allowed (255 characters).

-or-

The type of value did not match the registry data type specified by valueKind, therefore the data could not be converted properly.

UnauthorizedAccessException

The RegistryKey is read-only, and thus cannot be written to; for example, it is a root-level node, or the key has not been opened with write access.

SecurityException

The user does not have the permissions required to create or modify registry keys.

Examples

The following code example stores values of several data types in an example key, creating the key as it does so, and then retrieves and displays the values. The example demonstrates storing and retrieving the default (nameless) name/value pair, and the use of defaultValue when a name/value pair does not exist.

using namespace System;
using namespace Microsoft::Win32;

int main()
{   
    // The name of the key must include a valid root.
    String^ userRoot = "HKEY_CURRENT_USER";
    String^ subKey = "RegistrySetValueExample2";
    String^ keyName = String::Concat(userRoot, "\\", subKey);
    
    // An int value can be stored without specifying the
    // registry data type, but Int64 values will be stored
    // as strings unless you specify the type. Note that
    // the int is stored in the default name/value
    // pair.
    Registry::SetValue(keyName, "", 5280);
    Registry::SetValue(keyName, "TestInt64", 12345678901234, 
        RegistryValueKind::QWord);
    
    // Strings with expandable environment variables are
    // stored as ordinary strings unless you specify the
    // data type.
    Registry::SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand", "My path: %path%");
    Registry::SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand2", "My path: %path%", 
        RegistryValueKind::ExpandString);
    
    // Arrays of strings are stored automatically as 
    // MultiString. Similarly, arrays of Byte are stored
    // automatically as Binary.
    array<String^>^ strings  = {"One", "Two", "Three"};
    Registry::SetValue(keyName, "TestArray", strings);
    
    // Your default value is returned if the name/value pair
    // does not exist.
    String^ noSuch = (String^)Registry::GetValue(keyName, 
        "NoSuchName", 
        "Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.");
    Console::WriteLine("\r\nNoSuchName: {0}", noSuch);
    
    // Retrieve the int and Int64 values, specifying 
    // numeric default values in case the name/value pairs
    // do not exist. The int value is retrieved from the
    // default (nameless) name/value pair for the key.
    int testInteger = (int)Registry::GetValue(keyName, "", -1);
    Console::WriteLine("(Default): {0}", testInteger);
    long long testInt64 = (long long)Registry::GetValue(keyName, 
        "TestInt64", System::Int64::MinValue);
    Console::WriteLine("TestInt64: {0}", testInt64);
    
    // When retrieving a MultiString value, you can specify
    // an array for the default return value. 
    array<String^>^ testArray = (array<String^>^)Registry::GetValue(
        keyName, "TestArray", 
        gcnew array<String^> {"Default if TestArray does not exist."});
    for (int i = 0; i < testArray->Length; i++)
    {
        Console::WriteLine("TestArray({0}): {1}", i, testArray[i]);
    }
    
    // A string with embedded environment variables is not
    // expanded if it was stored as an ordinary string.
    String^ testExpand = (String^)Registry::GetValue(keyName, 
        "TestExpand", "Default if TestExpand does not exist.");
    Console::WriteLine("TestExpand: {0}", testExpand);
    
    // A string stored as ExpandString is expanded.
    String^ testExpand2 = (String^)Registry::GetValue(keyName, 
        "TestExpand2", "Default if TestExpand2 does not exist.");
    Console::WriteLine(
        "TestExpand2: {0}...", testExpand2->Substring(0, 40));
    Console::WriteLine(
        "\r\nUse the registry editor to examine the key.");
    Console::WriteLine("Press the Enter key to delete the key.");
    Console::ReadLine();
    Registry::CurrentUser->DeleteSubKey(subKey);
}
//
// This code example produces output similar to the following:
//
// NoSuchName: Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.
// (Default): 5280
// TestInt64: 12345678901234
// TestArray(0): One
// TestArray(1): Two
// TestArray(2): Three
// TestExpand: My path: %path%
// TestExpand2: My path: D:\Program Files\Microsoft.NET\...
//
// Use the registry editor to examine the key.
// Press the Enter key to delete the key.

using System;
using Microsoft.Win32;

public class Example
{
    public static void Main()
    {
        // The name of the key must include a valid root.
        const string userRoot = "HKEY_CURRENT_USER";
        const string subkey = "RegistrySetValueExample";
        const string keyName = userRoot + "\\" + subkey;

        // An int value can be stored without specifying the
        // registry data type, but long values will be stored
        // as strings unless you specify the type. Note that
        // the int is stored in the default name/value
        // pair.
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "", 5280);
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestLong", 12345678901234,
            RegistryValueKind.QWord);

        // Strings with expandable environment variables are
        // stored as ordinary strings unless you specify the
        // data type.
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand", "My path: %path%");
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand2", "My path: %path%",
            RegistryValueKind.ExpandString);

        // Arrays of strings are stored automatically as
        // MultiString. Similarly, arrays of Byte are stored
        // automatically as Binary.
        string[] strings = {"One", "Two", "Three"};
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestArray", strings);

        // Your default value is returned if the name/value pair
        // does not exist.
        string noSuch = (string) Registry.GetValue(keyName,
            "NoSuchName",
            "Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.");
        Console.WriteLine("\r\nNoSuchName: {0}", noSuch);

        // Retrieve the int and long values, specifying
        // numeric default values in case the name/value pairs
        // do not exist. The int value is retrieved from the
        // default (nameless) name/value pair for the key.
        int tInteger = (int) Registry.GetValue(keyName, "", -1);
        Console.WriteLine("(Default): {0}", tInteger);
        long tLong = (long) Registry.GetValue(keyName, "TestLong",
            long.MinValue);
        Console.WriteLine("TestLong: {0}", tLong);

        // When retrieving a MultiString value, you can specify
        // an array for the default return value.
        string[] tArray = (string[]) Registry.GetValue(keyName,
            "TestArray",
            new string[] {"Default if TestArray does not exist."});
        for(int i=0; i<tArray.Length; i++)
        {
            Console.WriteLine("TestArray({0}): {1}", i, tArray[i]);
        }

        // A string with embedded environment variables is not
        // expanded if it was stored as an ordinary string.
        string tExpand = (string) Registry.GetValue(keyName,
             "TestExpand",
             "Default if TestExpand does not exist.");
        Console.WriteLine("TestExpand: {0}", tExpand);

        // A string stored as ExpandString is expanded.
        string tExpand2 = (string) Registry.GetValue(keyName,
            "TestExpand2",
            "Default if TestExpand2 does not exist.");
        Console.WriteLine("TestExpand2: {0}...",
            tExpand2.Substring(0, 40));

        Console.WriteLine("\r\nUse the registry editor to examine the key.");
        Console.WriteLine("Press the Enter key to delete the key.");
        Console.ReadLine();
        Registry.CurrentUser.DeleteSubKey(subkey);
    }
}
//
// This code example produces output similar to the following:
//
//NoSuchName: Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.
//(Default): 5280
//TestLong: 12345678901234
//TestArray(0): One
//TestArray(1): Two
//TestArray(2): Three
//TestExpand: My path: %path%
//TestExpand2: My path: D:\Program Files\Microsoft.NET\...
//
//Use the registry editor to examine the key.
//Press the Enter key to delete the key.

Imports Microsoft.Win32

Public Class Example
    Public Shared Sub Main()
        ' The name of the key must include a valid root.
        Const userRoot As String = "HKEY_CURRENT_USER"
        Const subkey As String = "RegistrySetValueExample"
        Const keyName As String = userRoot & "\" & subkey

        ' Integer values can be stored without specifying the
        ' registry data type, but Long values will be stored
        ' as strings unless you specify the type. Note that
        ' the integer is stored in the default name/value
        ' pair.
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "", 5280)
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestLong", 12345678901234, _
            RegistryValueKind.QWord)

        ' Strings with expandable environment variables are
        ' stored as ordinary strings unless you specify the
        ' data type.
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand", "My path: %path%")
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestExpand2", "My path: %path%", _
            RegistryValueKind.ExpandString)

        ' Arrays of strings are stored automatically as 
        ' MultiString. Similarly, arrays of Byte are stored
        ' automatically as Binary.
        Dim strings() As String = {"One", "Two", "Three"}
        Registry.SetValue(keyName, "TestArray", strings)

        ' Your default value is returned if the name/value pair
        ' does not exist.
        Dim noSuch As String = _
            Registry.GetValue(keyName, "NoSuchName", _
            "Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.")
        Console.WriteLine(vbCrLf & "NoSuchName: {0}", noSuch)

        ' Retrieve the Integer and Long values, specifying 
        ' numeric default values in case the name/value pairs
        ' do not exist. The Integer value is retrieved from the
        ' default (nameless) name/value pair for the key.
        Dim tInteger As Integer = _
            Registry.GetValue(keyName, "", -1)
        Console.WriteLine("(Default): {0}", tInteger)
        Dim tLong As Long = Registry.GetValue(keyName, _
             "TestLong", Long.MinValue)
        Console.WriteLine("TestLong: {0}", tLong)

        ' When retrieving a MultiString value, you can specify
        ' an array for the default return value. The value is
        ' declared inline, but could also be declared as:
        ' Dim default() As String = {"Default value."}
        '
        Dim tArray() As String = _
            Registry.GetValue(keyName, "TestArray", _
            New String() {"Default if TestArray does not exist."})
        For i As Integer = 0 To tArray.Length - 1
            Console.WriteLine("TestArray({0}): {1}", i, tArray(i))
        Next

        ' A string with embedded environment variables is not
        ' expanded if it was stored as an ordinary string.
        Dim tExpand As String = Registry.GetValue(keyName, _
             "TestExpand", "Default if TestExpand does not exist.")
        Console.WriteLine("TestExpand: {0}", tExpand)

        ' A string stored as ExpandString is expanded.
        Dim tExpand2 As String = Registry.GetValue(keyName, _
             "TestExpand2", "Default if TestExpand2 does not exist.")
        Console.WriteLine("TestExpand2: {0}...", _
            tExpand2.Substring(0, 40))

        Console.WriteLine(vbCrLf & _
            "Use the registry editor to examine the key.")
        Console.WriteLine("Press the Enter key to delete the key.")
        Console.ReadLine()
        Registry.CurrentUser.DeleteSubKey(subkey)
    End Sub
End Class
'
' This code example produces output similar to the following:
'
'NoSuchName: Return this default if NoSuchName does not exist.
'(Default): 5280
'TestLong: 12345678901234
'TestArray(0): One
'TestArray(1): Two
'TestArray(2): Three
'TestExpand: My path: %path%
'TestExpand2: My path: D:\Program Files\Microsoft.NET\...
'
'Use the registry editor to examine the key.
'Press the Enter key to delete the key.

Remarks

Starting with the .NET Framework 4, the valueName parameter is no longer restricted to a maximum of 255 characters; however, the keyName parameter continues have the 255-character restriction.

Because many values can be stored in each key in the registry, you must use the valueName parameter to specify the particular value you want to set.

Note

A registry key can contain one value that is not associated with any name. When this unnamed value is displayed in the registry editor, the string "(Default)" appears instead of a name. To set this unnamed value, specify either null or the empty string ("") for valueName.

If valueName does not exist in the key, it is created and the associated value is set to value.

If keyName specifies a subkey that does not exist, the subkey is created in the specified root. For example, in Visual Basic the string "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\MyTestKey" creates the subkey "MyTestKey" in the HKEY_CURRENT_USER root. The string "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\MyTestKey\Key2\Key3" creates the nested subkeys "MyTestKey", "MyTestKey\Key2", and "MyTestKey\Key2\Key3".

Valid root names include HKEY_CURRENT_USER, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, HKEY_USERS, HKEY_PERFORMANCE_DATA, HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG, and HKEY_DYN_DATA.

Note

The SetValue method opens a registry key, sets the value, and closes the key each time it is called. If you need to modify a large number of values, the RegistryKey.SetValue method might provide better performance. The RegistryKey class also provides methods that allow you to add an access control list (ACL) to a registry key, to test the data type of a value before retrieving it, and to delete keys.

If the type of the specified value does not match the specified valueKind, and the data cannot be converted, ArgumentException is thrown. For example, you can store a System.Int64 as a RegistryValueKind.DWord, but only if its value is less than the maximum value of a System.Int32. You cannot store a single string value as a RegistryValueKind.MultiString.

Note

If boxed values are passed for RegistryValueKind.DWord or RegistryValueKind.QWord, the conversion is done using the invariant culture.

Applies to