How Do I Get to My Registry Editor in Vista?

The Registry Editor allows Windows Vista to store vital system data and settings. The changes users make to the system, for example, are saved to the Windows Registry. Moreover, after a program is installed, Windows relies on the Registry to manage it properly. As a result, modifying Registry items could potentially cause a program or the operating system itself to stop responding. Nevertheless, accessing the Windows Vista Registry Editor may be necessary for troubleshooting purposes.

Instructions

1. Go to the "Start" menu and point your mouse cursor to the "Search" option.

2. Type "Regedit" (without quotes) and press "Enter" to launch the Windows Registry Editor.

3. Go to the Windows directory as an alternate method to launch the Registry Editor. Open the "Computer" shortcut from the "Start" menu. Go to the local drive where Windows Vista resides and click the "Windows" directory. Launch "Regedit.exe" from the list of available programs.

Tips & Warnings

• Back up your Registry settings before making any changes that could potentially damage your computer system. From the Registry Editor, go to "File" and select "Export."

References

• Computer Performance: Editing the Windows Vista Registry

Resources

• Microsoft: Windows Registry Information for Advanced Users