In which places is the Windows %PATH% defined?

I ran a third-party install script which added its folders to the %PATH% variable in the Windows shell.

I want to get rid of it, but I can't find the place where they are defined. My current %PATH% variable seems to be a concatenation of:

• PATH for current user


• PATH for the entire system


• something else?

Answer

1. This applies to Windows 7 (and I think to Vista as well):

• Start > Right-click on Computer > Properties.


• Advanced System Settings link (on left).


• Environment Variables button.


• You will find a Path variable under the System variables section.
  
  
  
  • Select it and click Edit button to edit it.
  
  
  • You may also find a Path variable under the User variables section. You can edit it also.
  
  


• When done, click OK three times.

Tip: The Edit variable window is not very user-friendly. Copy the contents to Notepad for easier editing, and then copy the edited version back.

2. Some systems may contain a PATH variable in the Volatile Environment. This variable is normally created on a computer connected to domains and usually cleared off at log out. However, you may want to check whether a PATH variable persists in the Volatile Environment:

• Start > type in regedit.


• Run the regedit.exe program that is found in the search.


• Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Volative Environment in Registry Editor's left pane.


• If there is any entry with the name PATH on the right pane, ensure that the stored paths are not necessary^, then right-click the entry and click Delete.


• Click Yes to the message.


• Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

^ If any of the stored paths is necessary:

• Copy it to a Path entry in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Environment.
  
  
  
  • You will have to copy the text manually. There is no drag-and-drop copying in Registry Editor.
  
  
  • Double-click on the original entry to open the Edit String dialog, and then copy the necessary text.
  
  


• If there is no Path entry in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Environment:
  
  
  
  • Right-click an empty space in right page and choosing New > String Value.
  
  
  • Type the name Path.
  
  
  • Press Enter twice to save the name and open the Edit String dialog.
  
  
  • Paste in the copied text.
  
  
  • Click OK.
  
  

Source on Volatile Environment (See Using Volatile Environment PATH towards the end.)