Initialization (.ini) files serve as a database in which you can store and retrieve information between uses of your application. Some .ini files, such as Boot.ini and Wininit.ini, are used by the operating system. In this view you can edit any .ini file found on the target system, although editing system .ini files is not recommended.

Sections in .ini files follow this format:

    [section name]
    keyword1=value1
    keyword2=value2
    keyword3=value3

See the InstallShield Help Library to learn how to work with the INI File Changes view.

## Dragging and Dropping

You can drag and drop both sections and keywords. Keywords can only be dropped on sections, and sections can only be dropped on .ini files. Dragging and dropping a section or keyword has the same effect as cut and paste.

## Copying and Pasting

INI sections and keywords support copy and paste commands, allowing you to reuse common sections and keywords without having to start from the beginning each time. To copy a keyword or section, right-click on it and select copy, or select the section you would like to copy and press Ctrl+C. To paste a section or keyword, select the node you would like it to be a child of and press Ctrl+V or right-click on it and select Paste.