SQL Server uses the following registry keys:

All Versions

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\MSSQLServer
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MSSQLServer

Version >= 6.0

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\MSDTC
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SQLExecutive

Version >= 7.0

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SQLServerAgent
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server 7
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\MSSQLServ65