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The registry is the place where all the backstage configuration of Windows is stored. When opening the registry editor in Windows, you will notice that there are several folders that you can browse. They are commonly known as registry hives, which include a group of keys and registry values that is associated with a set of supporting files loaded into the memory of the PC. In other words, the difference between registry hives and registry keys is that the first contains the second; hive are the first folders in the registry, whereas keys are folders inside the hives, which ca contain values and keys.

While regular users should not tamper with the system’s registry, experts might want to experiment more. HiveSwarming is an open-source application designed to help experienced users to convert between registry hives and registry export formats.

The application has no standard interface, as it can only be launched via the command console. While using the application requires previous experience in working with the registry and the Windows system, the application’s syntax is as simple as it can get.

HiveSwarming can perform conversions both ways. It can turn a registry file into a hive and vice versa. To use the application, all you have to do is make your choice and type in the correct command, as shown by the syntax example in the console window. The command must be followed by the location of the input and the output files.

There are a few things to consider. First, make sure your REG file file is parseable. Second, keep in mind that jeys containing a single value called "SymbolicLinkValue" and of type REG_LINK will be recreated as a symbolic link.

HiveSwarming accepts UTF encoded REG files with non-empty root keys, no trailing or leading spaces on lines, essentially files that can be imported to the registry.