Interesting Windows Registry Keys
Interesting Windows Registry Keys
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Windows Version and Owner Info
Located at
Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion, you'll find the Windows version, Service Pack, installation time, and the registered owner's name in a straightforward manner.
Computer Name
The hostname is found under
System\ControlSet001\Control\ComputerName\ComputerName.
Time Zone Setting
The system's time zone is stored in
System\ControlSet001\Control\TimeZoneInformation.
Access Time Tracking
By default, the last access time tracking is turned off (
NtfsDisableLastAccessUpdate=1). To enable it, use:fsutil behavior set disablelastaccess 0
Windows Versions and Service Packs
The Windows version indicates the edition (e.g., Home, Pro) and its release (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11), while Service Packs are updates that include fixes and, sometimes, new features.
Enabling Last Access Time
Enabling last access time tracking allows you to see when files were last opened, which can be critical for forensic analysis or system monitoring.
Network Information Details
The registry holds extensive data on network configurations, including types of networks (wireless, cable, 3G) and network categories (Public, Private/Home, Domain/Work), which are vital for understanding network security settings and permissions.
Client Side Caching (CSC)
CSC enhances offline file access by caching copies of shared files. Different CSCFlags settings control how and what files are cached, affecting performance and user experience, especially in environments with intermittent connectivity.
AutoStart Programs
Programs listed in various
RunandRunOnceregistry keys are automatically launched at startup, affecting system boot time and potentially being points of interest for identifying malware or unwanted software.
Shellbags
Shellbags not only store preferences for folder views but also provide forensic evidence of folder access even if the folder no longer exists. They are invaluable for investigations, revealing user activity that isn't obvious through other means.
USB Information and Forensics
The details stored in the registry about USB devices can help trace which devices were connected to a computer, potentially linking a device to sensitive file transfers or unauthorized access incidents.
Volume Serial Number
The Volume Serial Number can be crucial for tracking the specific instance of a file system, useful in forensic scenarios where file origin needs to be established across different devices.
Shutdown Details
Shutdown time and count (the latter only for XP) are kept in
System\ControlSet001\Control\WindowsandSystem\ControlSet001\Control\Watchdog\Display.
Network Configuration
For detailed network interface info, refer to
System\ControlSet001\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces{GUID_INTERFACE}.First and last network connection times, including VPN connections, are logged under various paths in
Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList.
Shared Folders
Shared folders and settings are under
System\ControlSet001\Services\lanmanserver\Shares. The Client Side Caching (CSC) settings dictate offline file availability.
Programs that Start Automatically
Paths like
NTUSER.DAT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Runand similar entries underSoftware\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersiondetail programs set to run at startup.
Searches and Typed Paths
Explorer searches and typed paths are tracked in the registry under
NTUSER.DAT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorerfor WordwheelQuery and TypedPaths, respectively.
Recent Documents and Office Files
Recent documents and Office files accessed are noted in
NTUSER.DAT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RecentDocsand specific Office version paths.
Most Recently Used (MRU) Items
MRU lists, indicating recent file paths and commands, are stored in various
ComDlg32andExplorersubkeys underNTUSER.DAT.
User Activity Tracking
The User Assist feature logs detailed application usage stats, including run count and last run time, at
NTUSER.DAT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\UserAssist\{GUID}\Count.
Shellbags Analysis
Shellbags, revealing folder access details, are stored in
USRCLASS.DATandNTUSER.DATunderSoftware\Microsoft\Windows\Shell. Use Shellbag Explorer for analysis.
USB Device History
HKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Enum\USBSTORandHKLM\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Enum\USBcontain rich details on connected USB devices, including manufacturer, product name, and connection timestamps.The user associated with a specific USB device can be pinpointed by searching
NTUSER.DAThives for the device's {GUID}.The last mounted device and its volume serial number can be traced through
System\MountedDevicesandSoftware\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\EMDMgmt, respectively.
This guide condenses the crucial paths and methods for accessing detailed system, network, and user activity information on Windows systems, aiming for clarity and usability.
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