Where Does VirtualDub Store Its Settings?
VirtualDub and VirtualDub2 settings in the Windows registry, portable mode, and where job queue files live.
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VirtualDub stores settings in the Windows registry, not in files, a deliberate choice by its author for atomic multi instance access. Classic builds use a VirtualDub.org key, the maintained VirtualDub2 fork uses its own VirtualDub2 key. Job queues are the exception: they live as files next to the executable.
Portable operation exists but needs a flag. The /portable switch redirects the virtual registry into an INI file beside the program. Without it, deleting the program folder leaves settings behind in the registry.
Where VirtualDub stores this, by platform
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VirtualDub.org
Classic builds historically used HKCU\Software\Freeware\VirtualDub; current keys are as listed. Auxsetup's cleanup button can target a stale key, so verify the path before trusting it. VirtualDub2 stores its key at HKCU\SOFTWARE\VirtualDub2\VirtualDub.
Frequently asked questions
How do I reset VirtualDub to defaults?
Delete the VirtualDub.org key (classic) or VirtualDub2 key (VirtualDub2) under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software and restart. Everything returns to defaults, which is the documented fix when settings corrupt.
Where is the VirtualDub job queue file?
Next to the executable, as VirtualDub.jobs. The queue flushes to disk before every render, so a crash leaves the failed job marked In Progress and then Aborted on next load.
Can I run VirtualDub portably?
Launch with the /portable switch to shunt settings into an INI file beside the program instead of the registry. Folder and settings then move together, which the author added for exactly this use.
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