Try a Registry Import, even if it’s only on data you just exported. reg file by altering the ‘Files of type’ dialog box. Alternatively, launch notepad first, and then open the. If you need to examine the file with Notepad, then right-click and choose ‘Open with’. reg file extension is that if you double click the file, then merge the settings with the registry of the current machine. If I am going to examine the file in Notepad I export just the subset, rather than exporting ‘All’ of the registry. Decide whether to save ‘All’ of the registry, or just the ‘Selected branch’. Once you have found your registry value, click on Regedit’s File menu and select Export. Once you have found a particular registry setting, and before you make any changes, pause, take a timeout – think, ‘I’ll Export Selected branch’.Įxporting is straightforward. The secret of editing the registry safely, is to practice with Regedit’s Export and Import until you achieve mastery.

Fittingly, this is my favorite Vista Registry tip. Tag the value by clicking on Regedit’s Favorites menu, and choose ‘Add to Favorites’. Regedit’s ‘Add to Favorites’ is ideal for that moment when you have taken ages to find a value, yet you know that you will have to return on another day to fine-tune the data. Best Practice for Editing the Vista RegistryĪdd to Favorites is a classic case of learning a technique in one area (IE7 or Mozilla) and applying the knowledge to another area – Regedit.

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