Difference between revisions of "Open Regedit"
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| − | + | The Windows Registry is a database that stores settings and options for Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains information and settings for hardware, operating system software, most non-operating system software, and per-user settings. The registry also provides a window into the operation of the kernel, exposing runtime information such as performance counters and currently active hardware. You can use the Registry Editor to make changes to your computer's registry entries, which can be useful for hardware troubleshooting and virus removal. | |
| − | [[Category:Windows]] | + | [[Category: Windows]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
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#Navigate through the registry entries. Use the menu on the left side of the Registry Editor to find the keys you need. Many folders will contain multiple levels of subfolders. Keys in each folder will be displayed in the right frame. | #Navigate through the registry entries. Use the menu on the left side of the Registry Editor to find the keys you need. Many folders will contain multiple levels of subfolders. Keys in each folder will be displayed in the right frame. | ||
#Edit a key by double-clicking it. When you double-click a key in the right frame, a window will appear allowing you to edit the values. You should only edit keys if you know what you are doing or are following qualified instruction. Modifying keys will change how your system runs, and could cause Windows to malfunction. | #Edit a key by double-clicking it. When you double-click a key in the right frame, a window will appear allowing you to edit the values. You should only edit keys if you know what you are doing or are following qualified instruction. Modifying keys will change how your system runs, and could cause Windows to malfunction. | ||
| − | #*[[Edit | + | #*[[Edit the Windows Registry|Click here]] for more tips on safely editing the registry. |
===Using the Command Prompt=== | ===Using the Command Prompt=== | ||
#Open the Command Prompt. There are several ways that you can open the Command Prompt, which allows you to open it if something is preventing you from using one way:<ref>http://www.7tutorials.com/7-ways-launch-command-prompt-windows-7-windows-8</ref> | #Open the Command Prompt. There are several ways that you can open the Command Prompt, which allows you to open it if something is preventing you from using one way:<ref>http://www.7tutorials.com/7-ways-launch-command-prompt-windows-7-windows-8</ref> | ||
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#Use the left frame to navigate through the registry. The folder tree on the left will allow you to find the key that you need. Expand the folders to see additional subfolders. Selecting a folder will display any keys it contains in the right frame. | #Use the left frame to navigate through the registry. The folder tree on the left will allow you to find the key that you need. Expand the folders to see additional subfolders. Selecting a folder will display any keys it contains in the right frame. | ||
#Double-click a key to edit it. When you find a key in the right frame that you want to edit, double-click it to open it. Be careful when making changes, as changing the wrong thing can cause Windows to malfunction. | #Double-click a key to edit it. When you find a key in the right frame that you want to edit, double-click it to open it. Be careful when making changes, as changing the wrong thing can cause Windows to malfunction. | ||
| − | #*[[Edit | + | #*[[Edit the Windows Registry|Click here]] for more tips on safely editing the registry. |
===Troubleshooting regedit Not Opening=== | ===Troubleshooting regedit Not Opening=== | ||
#Open the Command Prompt. If the Registry Editor will not start, there may be a problem with your system settings. This is typically caused by a virus or malware infection. You can make a change to allow access to the Registry Editor again, but it is highly recommended that you take steps to remove any infections as well. | #Open the Command Prompt. If the Registry Editor will not start, there may be a problem with your system settings. This is typically caused by a virus or malware infection. You can make a change to allow access to the Registry Editor again, but it is highly recommended that you take steps to remove any infections as well. | ||
#*See Step 1 in the previous section for instructions on opening the Command Prompt. | #*See Step 1 in the previous section for instructions on opening the Command Prompt. | ||
| − | #*You can also boot into "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" if you are having trouble opening the Command Prompt in Windows. [[Start | + | #*You can also boot into "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" if you are having trouble opening the Command Prompt in Windows. [[Start Windows in Safe Mode|Click here]] for instructions on booting into Safe Mode. |
#Enter the command to unblock the Registry Editor. You'll be using the Command Prompt to delete a specific registry key that is blocking the Registry Editor from opening. Enter the following command and press {{keypress|Enter}}:<ref>http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2613529/regedit-exe-open-enable-cmd-access-denied-click.html</ref> | #Enter the command to unblock the Registry Editor. You'll be using the Command Prompt to delete a specific registry key that is blocking the Registry Editor from opening. Enter the following command and press {{keypress|Enter}}:<ref>http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2613529/regedit-exe-open-enable-cmd-access-denied-click.html</ref> | ||
#*{{kbd|reg delete "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\regedit.exe"}} | #*{{kbd|reg delete "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\regedit.exe"}} | ||
#Attempt to open the Registry Editor again. Use either of the above two methods to launch the Registry Editor. | #Attempt to open the Registry Editor again. Use either of the above two methods to launch the Registry Editor. | ||
| − | #Remove any virus or malware infections from your computer. There's a very good chance that the reason your Registry Editor was blocked is because you have a virus or other malware infection. This could have come from an illegally downloaded game or program, from an email attachment, or bundled along with another program. [[Remove | + | #Remove any virus or malware infections from your computer. There's a very good chance that the reason your Registry Editor was blocked is because you have a virus or other malware infection. This could have come from an illegally downloaded game or program, from an email attachment, or bundled along with another program. [[Remove a Virus|Click here]] for detailed instructions on removing virus and malware infections. For really bad cases, you may be better off completely [[Reinstall-Windows|reinstalling Windows]]. |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
