Using Regedit with Regedt32 to Search for Registry Values

ID: Q168646

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

Your Windows NT computer may not start due to an entry in the Registry. You will receive an error message, in certain instances, pointing to the registry value causing the problem. The Regedt32.exe program does not allow you to search for the actual registry values or data, only registry keys.


RESOLUTION

To overcome the problem, you can install a second copy of Windows NT in a temporary directory on your computer and follow the steps outlined below.

To successfully search a loaded registry hive:

  1. Install a parallel copy of Windows NT into another directory on the local hard drive.

    WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.


  2. Run Regedt32.exe from the newly installed version of Windows NT and open the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE key on the Local Machine subtree.


  3. Click Load Hive from the Registry menu. Browse to the following registry file on the original Windows NT installation:


    4. %SystemRoot%\System32\Config\System (or software depending on what area the problem is occurring).
  4. Type test in the dialog box.


  5. Start Regedit and open the Hkey_Local_Machine folder.


  6. Select the Test registry key.


  7. From the Edit menu, click Find.


  8. Type the appropriate registry entry that you are trying to locate, and then click Find Next.


  9. Repeat the process until you find the correct key.


  10. Write down the correct location (path) for the registry key.


  11. Exit Regedit.exe, and from within Regedt32 locate the path in step 8.


  12. Do any required modifications, and then select the newly loaded key. Click registry from the menu and Unload Hive Option will appear.


This is helpful when you are not certain of the location or error message that you are trying to fix. Be sure to close Regedit, and then to unload the hive from Regedt32 after making your changes.

Additional query words: regedit regedt32 values data keys 


Keywords          : kbenv nthowto ntregistry NTSrvWkst ntutil 
Version           : WinNT:4.0
Platform          : winnt 
Issue type        :

Last Reviewed: February 17, 1999