What to use to edit the registry

Question

I am trying to edit the relevant registry parameters but can not see the correct data types.

Answer

In general, you don’t want to use Regedit for modification of an NT registry:

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q155/2/67.asp

Quote:
The Windows 95 version of Regedit.exe is included in Windows NT 4.0 primarily for its search capability. You can use this version of Regedit.exe to make changes in the registry, but not all functions or data types can be viewed or edited properly.

The Windows 95 version of Regedit.exe does not provide the following functions or capabilities:

• You cannot set the security for registry keys. If you need this functionality, you must use Regedt32.exe.
• You cannot view or edit the value data types REG_EXPAND_SZ and REG_MULTI_SZ.

If you attempt to view a REG_EXPAND_SZ value, Regedit.exe displays it as a binary data type. If you attempt to edit either of these data types, Regedit.exe saves it as REG_SZ and the data type no longer perform its intended function. To view or edit these data types, you must use Regedt32.exe.

Microsoft recommends that you use the Windows 95 version of Regedit.exe solely for its search capabilities and that you use Regedt32.exe when it is necessary to edit the registry.

See Also:

• Where are the GMS variables stored in the registry?

Keywords:Registry, regedt32.exe, regedit.exe