Importing a Portion of the Registry

by Barry Dysert
(last updated May 7, 2018)

If you have previously exported a portion of the Registry (covered under the tip titled "Exporting a Portion of the Registry"), you can later import it. This restores that portion of the Registry to the condition it was in at the time of export. Note, however, that much of the Registry is interdependent, so if it's been a while since you did the export you should exercise caution that you don't introduce an inconsistency with the import.

Be default, Registry exports are stored in .reg files. In addition to storing the actual keys and values, they also contain the information necessary to ensure that the import affects the correct portions of the Registry.

There are a few different ways you can import a .reg file. One way is to right-click the file and select Merge from the Context menu. Another way is to double-click the .reg file. With either of these methods you'll be presented with a cautionary message asking if you are sure you want to continue. Clicking "Yes" will cause the Registry to be updated with the information in the file.

The third way to import a .reg file is to do it from within the Registry Editor. All you need to do is choose the Import option from the File menu. Specify the name of the .reg file to be imported and click Open. You will then get a confirmation message that the Registry has been updated.

 This tip (12227) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Understanding User Account Control

User Account Control is a security mechanism that defends against malware or accidents from making system-level changes ...

Discover More

Adding and Deleting Fonts

Sometimes a document you're working on needs a font different from what comes with Windows. In such a case, a simple Web ...

Discover More

Getting Rid of Hidden Thumbs.db Files

A hidden file that the system uses to speed performance of your viewing folders containing pictures is called Thumbs.db. ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Editing the Windows Registry

The Registry is the central depository of configuration information used by Windows and by programs running on your ...

Discover More

Understanding Registry Value Data Types

Every key value in the registry has a data type. This tip explains the available data types supported in the registry.

Discover More

How the Registry is Organized

There may come a time when you need to view or even modify the registry. In such a case, it's good to know how the ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is seven more than 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.

Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR AUTHORS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2018 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.