Copies the data from the registry tree into a text file, which you can then use for reference or import as a backup copy. To copy the entire registry tree, click All. To copy only the key selected in the registry tree and all branches below it, or to type the name of the branch to copy, click Selected Branch.


Specifies the name of the computer where the remote registry you want to open is located. If you don't know the name of the computer, click Browse to search for it.


Click this to browse through computers on your network to find the computer whose registry you want to open.


Specifies what part of the registry you want to print. To print the entire registry tree, click All. To print only the selected branch of the registry tree and all branches below it, or to type the branch to print, click Selected Branch.


Displays the current name of the value.

If you want to rename the value, click Cancel. Then click the name of the key or value (make sure you click the name of the file and not its icon), type the new name, and then press ENTER.


Type the new data for this value.


Narrows the search by specifying which text you want to search in.


Provides a space for you to type the text you want to find.


Finds only whole strings instead of searching for your text inside longer strings.


Searches for the next instance of the text you specified in the Find What box.


Choose whether you want the DWORD value to be based on hexadecimal or decimal notation.


Lists the computers whose registries you are connected to. To disconnect from a network registry, double-click the computer.


Click Help Topics to return to the list of topics.


Printing all or part of the registry
To print all or part of the registry

1	If you want to print only part of the registry, click the top-level key of the area you want to print.

2	On the Registry menu, click Print.

Tip

For Help on an item, click [image] at the top of the dialog box, and then click the item.


Exporting all or part of the registry to a text file
To export all or part of the registry to a text file

1	On the Registry menu, click Export Registry File.

2	In the Export Range area, click All to back up your entire registry, or click Selected Branch to back up only a particular branch of the registry tree.

Tips

The .reg files created by exporting can be edited by any text editor.

For Help on an item, click [image] at the top of the dialog box, and then click the item.


Importing some or all of the registry
To import some or all of the registry

Click Registry, and then click Import Registry File.

Tip

For Help on an item, click [image] at the top of the dialog box, and then click the item.


Adding a key
To add a key

1	Open the registry list to the place you want to add the new key.

2	Use your right mouse button to click the place you want to add the new key.

3	Click New, and then click Key. The new key appears with a temporary name.

4	Type a name for the new key, and then press ENTER.

Tip

If you make a mistake that results in your computer not starting properly, you can restore the registry. For instructions, see Related Topics below.

 Related Topics


Adding a new value
To add a value

1	Open the registry list to the place you want to add the new value.

2	Use your right mouse button to click the place you want to add the new value.

3	Click New, and then click the type of value you want to add: string, binary, or DWORD.

The new value appears with a temporary name.

4	Type a name for the new value, and then press ENTER.

Tip

If you make a mistake that results in your computer not starting properly, you can restore the registry. For instructions, see Related Topics below.

 Related Topics


Renaming a key or value
To rename a key or value

1	Find the key or value you want to rename. You do not need to open it.

2	Use your right mouse button to click the key or value you want to rename, and then click Rename.

3	Type the new name, and then press ENTER.

Tip

If you make a mistake that results in your computer not starting properly, you can restore the registry. For instructions, see Related Topics below.

 Related Topics


Deleting a key or value
To delete a key or value

1	Find the key or value you want to delete. You do not need to open it.

2	 Use your right mouse button to click the key or value, and then click Delete.

Tip

If you make a mistake that results in your computer not starting properly, you can restore the registry. For instructions, see Related Topics below.

 Related Topics


Changing a value
To change a value

1	Double-click the value you want to change.

2	In the Value Data box, type the new data for the value.

Tip

If you make a mistake that results in your computer not starting properly, you can restore the registry. For instructions, see Related Topics below.

 Related Topics


Finding a string, value, or key
To find a string, value, or key

1	On the Edit menu, click Find.

2	Type what you want to find. You can narrow the search by specifying where to look.

Tip

To repeat the search, press F3.


Overview of Registry Editor

Registry Editor is an advanced tool that enables you to change settings in your system registry, which contains information about how your computer runs. Generally, it is best to use Windows controls to change your system settings.

You should not edit your registry unless it is absolutely necessary. If there is an error in your registry, your computer may become nonfunctional. If this happens, you can restore the registry to its state when you last successfully started your computer. For instructions, see Related Topics below.

 Related Topics


Restoring the registry
To restore the registry

1	Click the Start button, and then click Shut Down.

2	Click Restart The Computer In MS-DOS Mode, and then click Yes.

3	Change to your Windows directory. For example, if your Windows directory is C:\Windows, you would type the following:

cd c:\windows

4	Type the following commands, pressing ENTER after each one. (Note that System.da0 and User.da0 contain the number zero.)

attrib -h -r -s system.dat

attrib -h -r -s system.da0

copy system.da0 system.dat

attrib -h -r -s user.dat

attrib -h -r -s user.da0

copy user.da0 user.dat

5	Restart your computer.

Tip

Following this procedure will restore your registry to its state when you last successfully started your computer.