We are now getting asked this question – of direct access to the Windows Registry – with increased frequency.   Gaining access to the Windows System Registry is a needed function if you are intending to make any specific changes to registry entries, DLLs, ActiveX Controls, etc.  It is easy to get into the registry; difficult to fix mistakes, so be careful.   In no case and under no circumstances should you ever initiate changes without first backing up your status or the registry itself. 

It is always easier to create a restore point so that you can restore your PC should your maintenance fail.  We will begin there and expand into the actual steps involved.  Finally, we will make sure that you have completed the job by running your system registry software to re-verify that all the records are present that should be, and that none are missing.

Go into your Programs Directory by accessing via Start and into All Programs.  You will be able to get to the next step via access to the Accessories folder.   Within that subdirectory you will be looking for the direct access utility that initiates a system restore.  You will normally be able to get to this utility under System Tools.   Click on the Set System Restore Point or Create System Restore Point selection.  

Once inside the utility subsystem you will see a dialogue box or system utility access screen that allows you to select the desired utility.  You are looking for System Restore/System Backup.   Some versions of Visa toggle from Restore State to Backup State.  The actual one that you need is the one that does – writes – the copies of all the necessary files that comprise a restore point. This is referred to in Windows as creating a Restore Point.  Actually what it is doing is making a copy of everything within and supporting the Operating System.  Thus it will support the execution of a Restore job if and when you may need to request one.  Choose ‘Create Restore Point’ and click Start or Yes.   This will cause the Backup/Restore Utility to execute.

Now you are ready to actually gain access to the Registry.  Go back to Start and Click ‘Run’.  A launch task bar will be presented, into which you can make an entry of what you want run.   You will be typing in ‘regedit’ minus the quotes.  This will give you privileged access to the interior of your Windows System Registry.  Unless you know what you are doing you should not even get this far.  If you know what you are doing, make the necessary changes/deletions that you came into it for and select Save at the end.

Recheck the status of your registry by tripping a manual execution of your system registry maintenance program.   You can purchase and download a top registry software package that does this and also performs the other registry fix functions that accomplish any needed Registry Repair as a part of your Registry maintenance procedures.