Read and write to the Registry with VB

I am trying to write a small application using Visual Basic 2013 that will read the port number for Remote Desktop from the registry then pass that information to a text box. Then if I need to change the port number I can enter that port number in the text box and pass it back to the registry.

This bit of code works to get the number and is pretty straight forward:

 Dim readValue = My.Computer.Registry.GetValue(
        "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp", "PortNumber", Nothing)
        PortTxtBx.Text = readValue

My problem is trying to write the value back to the registry.

I know that I want build a test this application in the normal way because it has to be run elevated to administrator so testing is a little unwieldy in so far as I have to build the app then run it.

I need to keep this as simple as possible because only have to use it about 40 times.

If someone has another idea such as script I am all ears.

Thanks
Pat ClancyCEOAsked:
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arnoldCommented:
Your tests can be done manipulating the hkey_current_user chain.

Are you adding or modifying existing keys?
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa289494(v=vs.71).aspx#vbtchaccessingregistrywithvisualbasicnetanchor5

The link includes an example with tests to determine whether you are adding a new pair, or modifying an existing one.

Always test as well as backup/record what was there before you make changes.
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Rgonzo1971Commented:
HI,

pls try

  Public Sub Main
      Dim regData As Byte() = {&HF0, &HFF, &H20, &H00}
      Dim regTopKey As String = "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE"
      Dim regPath As String = "\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp"

'      My.Computer.Registry.SetValue(regTopKey & regPath, "BinData", PortNumber, RegistryValueKind.Binary)
   End Sub

Open in new window

Regards
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Pat ClancyCEOAuthor Commented:
Yes I understand that and I can manually go in and change the numbers that need to be changed however in this day and age there should be a script that I can use to manipulate the part number.
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Éric MoreauSenior .Net ConsultantCommented:
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Pat ClancyCEOAuthor Commented:
Thank you Rgonzo1971 I appreciate your effort however, I may be missing something. I tried putting the code into a button event and I'm just getting error messages indicating that I do not have access to the registry.

I do note that "BinData" is used and the port number is actually a DWORD 32-bit and RegistryValueKind.Binary is not declared.

Thanks for your help.
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arnoldCommented:
Are you testing with the HKEY_CURRENT_USER which allows the user to make changes without the need to elevate one's rights?

You have to take account within your app whether you have elevated rights and if not to get them.

To test your script you have to use resources to which you have access rights.  Once the functionality is established, you can change to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE at which point Administrative rights will be required.
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Pat ClancyCEOAuthor Commented:
Thank you Arnold I will try changing the key to the current user to test the application.
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Pat ClancyCEOAuthor Commented:
The answer helped me find a way to troubleshoot the issue. I was able gomplete my tast.
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