Let us understand the issue of registry settings on mobile devices through an example: Microsoft Activesync is meant for synchronization with Windows-powered personal computers (PCs) and Microsoft Outlook. ActiveSync acts as the "gateway between Windows-powered PC and Windows mobile-powered device, enabling the transfer of applications such as Outlook information, Microsoft Office documents, pictures, music, videos and applications from a user's desktop to his/her device.

In addition to synchronizing with a PC, ActiveSync can synchronize directly with the Microsoft exchange server so that the users can keep their E-Mails, calendar, notes and contacts updated wirelessly when they are away from their PCs. In this context, registry setting becomes an important issue given the ease with which various applications allow a free flow of information.