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, click Selected Branch.


Specifies the name of the computer in which 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, 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 the text in which you want to search.


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 Find what.


Specifies 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.


To print all or part of the registry

1	Click the computer or top-level key of the registry area you want to print.

2	On the Registry menu, click Print.

Note

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


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

1	On the Registry menu, click Export Registry File.

2	In File name, enter a name for the registry file.

3	Under Export Range, do one of the following:

To back up the entire registry, click All.

To back up only a particular branch of the registry tree, click Selected Branch and enter the name of the branch you want to export.

Notes

You can use any text editor to work with the .reg files you create by exporting.

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


To import some or all of the registry

1	On the Registry menu, click Import Registry File.

2	Use Look in to find and select the file you want to import, and then click Open.

Note

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


To add a key

1	Expand the registry list and click the right mouse button at the location you want for the new key.

2	Click New, and then click Key.

The new key appears with a temporary name.

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

Note

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

 Related Topics


To add a value

1	Open the registry and click the right mouse button at the location you want for the new value.

2	Click New, and then click the type of value you want to add: String Value, Binary Value, or DWORD Value.

The new value appears with a temporary name.

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

Note

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

 Related Topics


To rename a key or value

1	Using the right mouse button, click the key or value you want to rename, and then click Rename.

You do not need to open the key or value.

2	Type the new name, and then press ENTER.

Note

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

Related Topics


To delete a key or value

Using the right mouse button, click the key or value, and then click Delete.

You do not need to open the key or value.

Note

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

Related Topics


To change a value

1	Double-click the value you want to change.

The Edit String dialog box appears.

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

Note

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

Related Topics


To find a string, value, or key

1	On the Edit menu, click Find.

2	Type the string, value, or key you want to find.

3	Click the Keys, Values, Data, and Match whole string only check boxes to match the type of search you want.

Tip

You can narrow the search by specifying where to look. 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 NT 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, click Related Topics, below.

Related Topics


To restore the registry

1	Click Start, and then click Shut Down.

2	Click Restart the computer, and then click Yes.

3	When prompted, press the spacebar to invoke the Hardware Profile/Last Known Good menu, which will restore your registry to a stable state.

4	Follow the instructions on the screen.

Note

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