Where is the Windows Registry commonly located in the file system?

The Windows Registry is a crucial database used by the operating system to store configuration settings and options for the operating system and installed applications. Its common location within the file system is in the "Windows/System32/Config" directory. This directory contains several essential registry files that are necessary for the proper functioning of the Windows operating system.

The files stored in "Windows/System32/Config" include the system files that manage hardware and software settings, user profiles, and other operational parameters. By being in this directory, the Registry is easily accessible to the system processes that rely on it during startup and while running, enabling efficient management of system resources and user settings.

The other options do not represent standard locations for the Windows Registry. For instance, "Windows/System32/Drivers" is primarily associated with device drivers and not with the Registry. Similarly, "Windows/Users/Config" and "Program Files/Config" are not typical paths within the Windows file structure that hold registry data. As such, recognizing that the Windows Registry is stored in "Windows/System32/Config" is essential for anyone studying Windows architecture and forensic analysis.