The Reg.exe utility in Windows Server 2003 unexpectedly returns the REG_SZ registry type for registry values in the REG_EXPAND_SZ type

In Windows Server 2003, the Reg.exe utility unexpectedly returns the REG_SZ registry type for registry values in the REG_EXPAND_SZ type. This behavior may affect the end-user environment if you run this utility in a script that is based on registry types.

The Reg.exe utility does not correctly manage the REG_EXPAND_SZ registry type.

A hotfix is available to resolve this problem. After you apply this hotfix, the Reg.exe utility returns the correct registry type.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix, you must have Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 installed.

Restart requirement

You do not have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other previously released hotfixes.

Registry information

To use this hotfix, you do not have to make any changes to the registry.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003 with SP1, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP2, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP1, IA64-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP2, IA64-based versions

Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2003 with SP2, x64-based versions

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

REG_EXPAND_SZ is a null-terminated string that contains unexpanded references to environment variables. (For example, %PATH% is one such environment variable.) Whether REG_EXPAND_SZ becomes a Unicode string or an ANSI string depends on whether you use the Unicode or ANSI functions. You can use the ExpandEnvironmentStrings function to expand the environment variable references.

For more information about registry value types, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: