How to Modify the Windows Registry

MORE INFORMATION

Making a Backup

Back up by Exporting a Portion of the Registry

1. Click the Start button, click Run, and type REGEDIT. Click OK.
2. In the Registry Editor, select the key you want to back up.
3. From the Registry menu, choose Export Registry File.
4. In the Save In list, select the folder where you want to save the backup.
5. In the File Name box, type a name for your backup file, such as "Options" or "Backup."
6. In the Export Range box, be sure that "Selected branch" is selected.
7. Click Save. The file is saved with a .reg extension.

How to Modify Registry Entries

1. Start RegEdit and export the key you want to modify by following the steps in the "Backup By Exporting a Portion of the Registry" section above.
2. Select the entry you want to modify.
3. Right-click on the entry and select Modify.
4. In the "Value data" box, make the change.
   
   NOTE: if you are changing a path, verify that is correct before you change the Registry.
5. Click OK.
6. Exit Registry Editor.

To Remove a Registry Entry

1. Start RegEdit and export the key you want to modify by following the steps in the "Backup By Exporting a Portion of the Registry" section above.
2. Select the key you want to remove.
3. Press the delete key or click the right mouse button and click Delete.
4. Exit Registry Editor.

Locate All References to a Specific Word or Filename

1. Start RegEdit and export the key you want to modify by following the steps in the "Backup By Exporting a Portion of the Registry" section above.
2. On the Edit menu, click Find.
3. In the Find What box, type the word or filename you are looking for.
4. Click Find Next.
5. Registry Editor finds the first instance of this word. To find the next instance, press F3.