How to use other registry keys with Visual C++ 2.0 and later versions (127200)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions 4.0, when used with:
    • the operating system: Microsoft Windows NT
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions 4.1, when used with:
    • the operating system: Microsoft Windows NT
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions 4.2, when used with:
    • the operating system: Microsoft Windows NT
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions 6.0, when used with:
    • the operating system: Microsoft Windows NT
  • Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Editions 5.0, when used with:
    • the operating system: Microsoft Windows NT
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
This article was previously published under Q127200

SUMMARY

It is possible to instruct Microsoft Visual C++ to use a Registry key other than the default by specifying the /I<key_suffix> option as shown in the MORE INFORMATION section below. This allows you to specify different environments with invocations of Visual C++. By making multiple copies of the Visual C++ icon, you can specify different environments or customization options and start Visual C++ using these settings.

NOTE: Use of the /I switch is not supported. The /I switch is usually used to have different environments or it can be used as to help debug problems with Visual C++ where the default registry is suspected of being corrupted. It is not recommended to use the /I switch in order to run different point releases of Visual C++.

MORE INFORMATION

The default Registry key used by Visual C++ version 2.0 is "Visual C++ 2.0" and the default Registry key used by Visual C++ version 4.0 is "Developer." Visual C++ version 5.0 uses the "DevStudio\5.0" key, while Visual C++ version 6.0 uses the "DevStudio\6.0" key.

All keys are found in the HKEY_CURRENT_USER on Local Machine window under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft.

In the properties for the Visual C++ icon, you can add the /I switch to the Command Line field. The /I switch must be followed immediately by the extension to the registry entry that will be used.

For example, the following switch starts Visual C++ using the "Visual C++ 2.0_Test" key: 
   /I_Test
The first time Visual C++ is started with this switch it will create the "Visual C++ 2.0_Test" key using the default settings. At this point, you will have two keys, the original "Visual C++ 2.0" key and the "Visual C++ 2.0_Test" key. Future invocations of Visual C++ using the /I_Test switch will use the existing "Visual C++ 2.0_Test" key, taking advantage of customizations that are specific to that key.

CAUTION: Don't make modifications to the Registry by hand. The Registry is intended to be edited only by the application that uses it.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/3/2005
Keywords:kbinfo kbDebug kbenv kbhowto kbide KB127200 kbAudDeveloper
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