Making direct calls to the Windows API functions shouldn't be neccessary. It would be easier, especially if you are new to C++ to use some classes that encapsulate the Windows API. These generally are less verbose as they require less parameters and will get you up and running quicker. A quick google search for such classes yields the following. I can't vouch for it but codeproject.com generally has good free code on it. http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/21453/Class-to-handle-the-Windows-Registry-operations