Can't open regedit

Can't open regedit

• Ricardo Redert

  The dutch version would be the same globally. I am wondering if you click start- then run- then type in regedit if you are using capital letters instead of lower case. For example Type in REGEDIT that's all, no exe or period.

  If it's still not working there are other ways to open regedit, especially if you are running XP pro. I need to know why you want to get into regedit. Is the reason because you are getting error messages when you try to install a new program If so, then I can show or tell you a way around that.

  So, What I need to know is why you need to get into regedit in the first place and for which reason.

  smokymtnstn

  p.s. I am also a layperson.

  
  

• Wendell Wang

  I was able to find some detailed info about the Windows registry on http://support.microsoft.com/kb/256986/. If this doesn't help you resolve the issue, please provide as much relevant detail as possible and we can ask an engineer.

  -brenda (ISV Buddy Team)

  
  
  

• Tom25

  I have exactly the same problem, do not know when it started. The information is not helpful. details: XP prof, version 2002, SP2. I can open the registry with an external tool: TuneUp Utilities.

  Help would be appreciated.

  
  

• ottogbg

  XP Profesional (5.1, Build 2600)
  

• chris bax

  First do a search to see if your copy even has it. Click search, type regedit.exe. If it shows up then click run, type in REGEDIT I had this same problem til one day I used caps. So, in the run box just type REGEDIT

  No period, no exe. Odd, but it worked for me.

  
  

• B.Huard

  Thank you for your suggestion. I tried it, but it did not work. I did see, however, that I have a copy of regedit in the directory C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386. When i doubleclick on this file (thus in this directory), than it works. When I run regedit using start - run - regedit, than it gives the error message again. It is annoying, I tried to install a program but got error messages. I am a layman, but it seems as if a program is using/blocking regedit in the C:\windows directory or something like that.

  Does it make a difference that I use a dutch version of Win XP prof

  thanks again,

  Wim

  
  

• orent

  I can't ope regedit everytime Itry it I get the same error message saying that the file is being used by another program
  

• fleo

  No, I wouldn't delete anything. There must be one of your programs that still needs the regedit. If you delete it, then it won't run. I would advise you to just leave it. Your SP2 disk should automatically be taking care of things. Maybe you have loaded a program requiring the NT, but still is not all that compatible with windows. It could now be obsolete. Something somewhere in there is holding on to NT. You can do a fresh install of XP over the copy you have in there now. Then load the SP2. Another thing to try would be to download SP2 from the microsoft website and see if that works.

  You can also click run, type in msconfig then start up menu and look for junk you don't need to start up every time you turn on your computer with XP. Look in task manager for junk under processes. Try and find the problem program. If you find the problem program delete it if you have still have the disk and re-install if you like after the SP2 get's in there.

  Ultimately what you really need is an xp disk with SP 1 and 2 already on it and do a fresh install. It will save all your stuff. You can borrow a disk like this from a friend for installation as long as you have you own registration code to enter. Before this be sure and not to forget to write down your 25 digit code, found under systems in control panel. hope this helps. Jill

  
  

• jtalbotfdr

  I canot open regedit,cmd.But when i typed in the run regedit.exe not just "regedit" it works and cmd too.
  

• mfdiqwer

  Hi, I'm not sure why that error message appears, but if you would like to open regedit manually, here's how.

  Click START,SEARCH, TYPE IN regedit. In the look in: search box,click the arrow tab, then browse. Find the windows folder. It will be under my computer, hard drive, then the windows folder. Click on the windows folder to select, then click OK.

  You are now back in search, click search, then when regedit folder shows up you may stop the search. Left click on regedit folder application icon, then click open. You are now in registry editor.

  Just a note: When you type in regedit on the top search box, be sure to type it just like this

  regedit

  That's all.

  
  

• Jay_Vora_b4843e

  I have this issue too. I when i search for regedit or cmd, i have 2 copies of each. One is being used by another application, yet the other one works when i right click - open.
  What is the work around you spoke about (mtn on 09-16-2006) I am trying to install SP2 and it gets some way through and then cannot access cmd as 'another app is using it'.
  
  thanks
  
  

• Leonard Lee

  Thanks for the quick response. I have tried this with no luck. Should i now try deleting the cmd.exe file contained within the System32 folder (i have another cmd.exe in windows\software distribution\download\<a folder name with letters and number>) What will this potentially do, and is there a way to 'reinstall' cmd.exe if it messes things up
  
  thanks
  
  

• user11

  Your SP2 installation should take prescedence over anything else, but since it is not, here is what I would do. If you can only get the SP2 to install it sould overwrite all that other stuff. I would not just simply delete the NT regedit or anything until you try this simple solution first.

  XP Pro has a built-in program for such incidences. It's called program compatibility (wizard). You will have to hunt it. it might be under accessories then under systems tools. I always have to hunt it down myself.

  It is made to install older programs built for wondows 95 and such on a newer version of windows. I realize this is completely opposite to what you are trying to accomplish. It is a wizard and will ask you questions. you answer them as though you were trying to install an older program and let it do the work. It will not hurt anything to try this.

  I think the cause of this trouble is remnants remaining of your old OS then XP Pro (installation) not properly over writing the new. That falls within your XP pro installlation disk. If this doesn't work please repost.I am glad to help if I can.

  
  

• Esp_99

  Which version of Windows are you running

  thanks,
  -brenda (ISV Buddy Team)

  
  
  
• Can't open regedit