Can software vendors play with the Windows Registry the wa

S Malik

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I don’t know if this is the right place to ask these kinds of questions.

CyberLink PowerDirector 12 (Video Editing Software ?CyberLink PowerDirector 12 Ultra) creates the reg data listed below into the Windows Registry:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Software\CyberLink\PowerDirector12\PDR12

Why is it creating an extra “Software” key into the Windows Registry? I asked CyberLink support and they said it is normal. So basically software vendors can play with the Windows Registry the way they want?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 (64-bit)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
The registry is a database provided by microsoft so that software (including windows) has a place to keep configuration information. The various registry keys have security settings much like files. Vendors can add and modify registry keys of their own, but the security settings prevent them from diddling with other's information.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 consumer 64 bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5 481PT-6644
    CPU
    Intel Core I5
    Memory
    6 GB
    Hard Drives
    Spinning/SSD hybrid 500GB/20GB
    Mouse
    ELAN Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    18mbs/5mbs
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
So basically software vendors can play with the Windows Registry the way they want?

Yes.

Application installers run under the account that started the installation, which will of necessity have admin rights. With few restrictions an installer can create any key it wishes wherever it wishes. If it wished it could also delete or modify any registry key anywhere. You cannot restrict what an admin account can do. That is is a basic principle in Windows security.

An installer can essentially do anything you can.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
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