How to Edit the Registry on a Separate HDD

Registry files on a separate hard disk drive can be edited by importing them into the Windows XP's Registry Editor. The files to be imported can be anything from a backup copy of the system Registry to the Registry files of third-party software applications that you can use for a number of purposes, including for copying settings. System Registry contains sensitive software configuration settings that are used by the operating system for running different software programs. Avoid importing the Registry files of unknown software applications, as they may corrupt the system Registry.

Instructions

1. Click on "Start" and then click on "Run."

2. Type "regedit" in the run dialog box and then press "Enter."

3. Click on the "File" menu in the Registry Editor window and then click on "Import."

4. Double-click on the Registry file on the other hard disk drive that you want to import. The selected Registry file will be opened in the Registry Editor.

Tips & Warnings

• Making indiscriminate changes in the system Registry may crash your computer.

References

• "Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out, Second Edition;" Ed Bott, Carl Siechert, and Craig Stinson; 2004

Resources

• Microsoft.com: Add, Modify, or Delete Reg Subkeys and Values