How to Use Regedit
Regedit refers to the program regedit.exe, which allows a user to see and make changes in the System Registry of a Windows computer. The System Registry is a database that controls how the computer runs software and uses the hardware installed. It is divided into six sections, which are labeled HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, HKEY_CURRENT_USER, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, HKEY_USERS and HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG. Each of these sections can be expanded to see further details. For example, information about software programs on the computer can be found by expanding the software menu under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and/or under the HKEY_CURRENT_USER sections of the Registry database.
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Instructions
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Create a restore point before editing the Registry in any way by using System Restore. This way, if anything untoward happens as you edit the Registry, you can always go back to undo the changes.
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Click on "Start, run" and type "regedit" in the box labeled "Open." If using a Windows Vista version and the User Account Control is active, you must approve this action to continue.
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Perform a safety step if this is the first time working with the Registry and click on "File, export" and choose a place on the computer or an external device to save a complete backup of the Registry.
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Find specific areas that may be causing a problem by clicking within the Registry Editor on "Edit, Find" and typing in the term you wish to locate in the "Find What" box. Alternatively pressing "Ctrl + F" will perform the same operation, and the F3 function key will find the next location.
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Click on "Help" in the Registry Editor to get specific directions on how to do such things as changing keys and values, adding new Registry keys or printing out the Registry.
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Tips & Warnings
If working with only one specific part of the Registry, make a backup by exporting that section instead of the entire Registry, which is a much larger file size.
Errors in the Registry can lead to an inoperable system. However, according to the book "Windows Vista: Inside Out": "With the proper knowledge and a little care, you can work in the Registry without worry." Still, editing the Registry should only be undertaken with the full understanding of how it functions and what the effect of changes may be.
