Editing the 32-bit Registry on a 64-bit computer

or: How to Stop Worrying and Learn to Love Wow6432Node *

Have you ever edited the registry on a 64-bit computer, but the changes don't seem to go into effect? This usually happens with a 32-bit application (often a 32-bit COM app). Here's why:

Windows normally uses the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE subkey for 32-bit applications that run on a 64-bit version of the operating system. But when a 32-bit application queries a value under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ subkey, the application reads from the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\ subkey. A "registry reflector" copies certain values between the 32-bit and 64-bit registry views and resolves any conflicts using a "last writer wins" approach.

So if your 32-bit application is not reading the registry correctly (often because you're enforcing a setting through Group Policy), ensure the setting is being written to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\ subkey on 64-bit computers.