> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://linux-tutorial-cli.gitbook.io/linux-cli-tutorial/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://linux-tutorial-cli.gitbook.io/linux-cli-tutorial/txt-files/file-systems-cocepts/lpic3-300/reg_sz-reg_multi_sz.md).

# REG\_SZ and REG\_MULTI\_SZ

In Windows Registry, `REG_SZ` and `REG_MULTI_SZ` are two common data types used for storing different kinds of information.

### 1. **REG\_SZ**:

* **Description**:
  * `REG_SZ` (String Value) is a simple string data type. It is used to store a single, readable text string.
  * It is one of the most commonly used types in the registry for configuration values like file paths, environment variables, or other textual data.
* **Examples of Usage**:
  * Storing file paths: `C:\Program Files\ExampleApp`
  * Storing application version: `1.0.0`
* **Registry Example**:
  * A key might look like this:

    ```
    "ApplicationPath" = REG_SZ "C:\Program Files\MyApp"
    ```

### 2. **REG\_MULTI\_SZ**:

* **Description**:
  * `REG_MULTI_SZ` (Multiple String Value) is used to store multiple strings in a single value. It can be thought of as an array of strings. Each string is separated by a null (`\0`) character, and the entire list is terminated with an additional null character.
  * It is useful for storing lists of items such as multi-line text, environment variables, or multiple file paths.
* **Examples of Usage**:
  * Storing a list of search paths.
  * Storing a list of DNS server IP addresses.
* **Registry Example**:
  * A key might look like this:

    ```
    "SearchPaths" = REG_MULTI_SZ "C:\Path1\0C:\Path2\0C:\Path3\0"
    ```

### Differences Between `REG_SZ` and `REG_MULTI_SZ`:

* **Data Type**: `REG_SZ` holds a single string, while `REG_MULTI_SZ` holds a list of strings.
* **Usage**: `REG_SZ` is used for simple single-value strings (like file paths or text data), while `REG_MULTI_SZ` is useful for when you need to store multiple values in a single registry entry (like lists of search paths or environment variables).