All WebSphere MQ configuration information is stored in the Windows Registry. There is a simple, or close correlation between the contents of the Windows Registry and the WebSphere MQ configuration files.
You edit configuration information from the WebSphere MQ Services snap-in (or by using the amqmdain command).
Use the WebSphere MQ Services snap-in to make configuration changes only. Do not try to edit the Registry system file directly as this might adversely affect the smooth running of both your WebSphere MQ system and your Windows operating system.
The Windows Registry is created when you install the operating system. When you migrate to WebSphere MQ for Windows Version 5.3, the information in the configuration files you used in any previous version is automatically stored in the Registry by the WebSphere MQ Services snap-in.
If you want to refer back to these files in the future, back them up before starting the migration process.
You can view a description of the keys used by the Windows Registry from the WebSphere MQ Information Center. You can access the WebSphere MQ Information Center from: