How to Open Up Registry Values on a Computer

The Windows registry editor allows you to view, edit and delete registry values on your computer. The registry editor is available on each Windows computer, and you can also use it to back up and restore your registry. Registry values contain settings for your Windows computer. For instance, when you double-click a file, a registry value tells Windows what program to load. When you change this value, the program that loads changes. To open registry values, you must navigate to the key you want to view and double-click the key to view its value.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" button and type "regedit" in the search text box. This command is the shortcut to open the registry editor. Press "Enter" to open your editor.

2. Double-click the top-level directory you want to view. Double-click each key to navigate to the value you want to view. If you are unsure where your key is located, press "Ctrl+F" and type a value or key name in the search text box. Press "Enter." The editor brings you to the registry key.

3. Double-click the registry key to open the value. If you want to edit the value, type a new one in the text box. After you view or edit your changes, click "OK" to close the dialog window.

Tips & Warnings

• You must reboot your computer after making changes to the registry.

• Registry changes do not take effect until you reboot.

References

• Windows Maven: How to Use the Windows Registry Editor