Is there another way (or language, i.e., script batch, etc.) to write a program that can check for the existance of and update registry keys?

I would like to write a program that can do the above without having to build an executable that I must distribute over the network. The client wants very limited writing to be done on the users machines. And with an executable, it is likely I will need to have setup update local DLL files.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated....

TIA
Michael