How Do You Edit a Windows Registry Files?
WARNING! It is not recommended to edit your registry unless you really know what you are doing as if you mess it up your computer may not start and you will need to reinstall the Windows operating system.
Tip: Use software that can scan and repair registry errors ! Take the human error factor out of the equation. This software can be downloaded for free and will scan your computer for free to see if you have any errors. It only takes about 2 or 3 minutes to scan a computer for errors.
What is the Windows Registry?
Basically the Windows registry is a database. This database is used by your Windows operating system (Windows XP, 98, 2000, ME, Vista, etc..) and by all the software applications installed on your computer. The registry stores configuration information.
How Do You Edit The Windows Registry Files?
1) Very Carefully! See warning above, using simple software to find and fix errors may be a better solution.
2) If you must manually edit your Windows registry you will use most likely use Registry Editor (Regedit.exe).
3) Before you begin to edit your Windows registry make sure you understand how to restore it in case of a problem. If you use scanning software make sure it creates restore points such as Regcure
Since we recommend you not to manually edit your registry unless you really know what you are doing we will not go into details. Basically though registry keys are similar to the following:
hkey_local_machine
hkey_local_machine software microsoft windows currentversion run
hkey_local_machine software microsoft windows nt currentversion winlogon
hkey_local_machine system currentcontrolset services
hkey_local_machine software microsoft windows currentversion
hkey_local_machine software classes
hkey_local_machine system currentcontrolset services tcpip parameters
hkey_local_machine software microsoft windows currentversion uninstall
hkey_local_machine system currentcontrolset control session manager
hkey_local_machine software microsoft internet explorer
hkey_local_machine system currentcontrolset control lsa
hkey_local_machine software microsoft windows currentversion explorer
hkey_local_machine system currentcontrolset enum
hkey_local_machine software classes clsid
hkey_local_machine software
hkey_local_machine system currentcontrolset services lanmanserver parameters
hkey_local_machine software microsoft windows nt currentversion
hkey_local_machine software microsoft windows currentversion policies
hkey_local_machine system controlset001
hkey_local_machine software microsoft shared tools msconfig startupreg
hkey_local_machine system currentcontrolset control securepipeservers winreg
hkey_local_machine system currentcontrolset control lsa kerberos
hkey_local_machine system currentcontrolset services i8042prt parameters
hkey_local_machine software microsoft windows nt currentversion windows
hkey_local_machine system currentcontrolset control lsa kerberos parameters
hkey_local_machine software microsoft mssmgr
hkey_local_machine software policies
hkey_local_machine software the silicon realms toolworks


