The list of paths is stored as a single, semi-colon separated string. That is the "value" which is being read and/or written.

Would you believe that all of our search paths are (substantially) the same? We don't install the program under the default Users path to avoid separate path names on each computer. Royal PITA to manage, that one is. Where ever possible we set up to use the same path on all computers, whether it's a on the users computer or using a common network folder. Additionally, since our paths are managed automatically (including specific program and client paths) there is no need for users to add or remove paths. One less thing for them to diddle around with, one less thing to wrong, and that much more time for them to focus on actual work rather than system management.