Registry Keys Not Properly Updated When Importing .reg File

ID: Q136783

The information in this article applies to:
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, you should first make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat). Both are hidden files in the Windows folder.

SYMPTOMS

When you attempt to update a registry key value by double-clicking a file with a .reg extension that contains registry entries, Windows may add the registry key value in the file to the registry as a new value, rather than updating the existing value.


CAUSE

The registry key value in the .reg file does not match the value in the registry exactly. In particular, if one of the values contains a trailing space, but the other value does not, Windows adds the registry key value from the file as a new value, rather than updating the existing value.


RESOLUTION

Modify the registry key values in the .reg file and the registry so that they match exactly. If one of the values contains a trailing space, remove the trailing space from that value so that it matches the other value exactly.

For information about how to edit the registry, view the Changing Keys And Values online Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe). Note that you should make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat) before you edit the registry.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows 95. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

Additional query words: 98 


Keywords          : kbenv win95 win98 
Version           : 95 98
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: January 21, 1999