A Tale of Two Regeds

Tech support tells me to type 'regedt32' as opposed to 'regedit' to access the registry from the command line (Start > Run). I question the use of 'regedt32,' but he says to do it anyway. Whenever I use the registry editor, I recall this incident and never look up the tale of the two regs... until now.

Regedt32.exe is an alternative registry editor available with Windows NT/2000 with features of its own. Regedt32.exe does not support importing and exporting registration entries (.reg) files. Regedit has limitations of its own as quoted here:

You cannot set the security for registry keys. You cannot view, edit, or search the value data types REG_EXPAND_SZ and REG_MULTI_SZ. If you try to view a REG_EXPAND_SZ value, Regedit.exe displays it as a binary data type. If you try to edit either of these data types, Regedit.exe saves it as REG_SZ, and the data type no longer performs its intended function. You cannot save or restore keys as hive files.

Research indicates regedit has:

  • a better search tool

  • bookmarking of subkeys

  • opens to last edited subtree, export and import capabilities

  • all keys are visible from a window similar to Windows Explorer

Regedt32 (pre-WinXP) can:

  • run in read-only mode

  • allows you to edit values longer than 256 characters (who wants to do that???)

  • displays subtrees in their own windows

  • modify access permissions to subtrees, keys, and subkeys

In WinXP and Server 2003, the two have been replaced by a new version of regedit that has features from both. Try typing 'regedit' and 'regedt32' to see what happens. They're the same. To prove it, while in 'regedit,' select 'edit' and you'll see 'permissions.' This is a feature that was only available in the old 'regedt32' and not 'regedit.'

Technically, regedt32 is a small program that runs regedit. So when typing 'regedt32,' it takes you to 'regedit.' The destination is the same either way. So type whichever is easier for you to remember. Regedit is easier for me - I had to play with the spelling of the other version until I got it right.

Now I remember that tech support was checking to see if the permissions were properly set and that was why we used 'regedt32.' However, someone forgot to update the script or tell him that it didn't matter anymore when a user had WinXP. Tech support always asks what operating system at the beginning of the call, so he knew.

More registry editor resources: Microsoft has a knowledgebase article on the differences between the two. Windows IT Library has a feature comparison chart dated 2000, so it's way old, but it will satisfy curiosity. Here's a list of registry editor alternatives for those who wish to try something different. For tweaks, tricks, and hacks, check out WinGuides' Registry Guide for Windows.

Meryl K. Evans is the Content Maven behind meryl's notes, eNewsletter Journal, and The Remediator Security Digest. She is also a PC Today columnist and a tour guide at InformIT. She is geared to tackle your editing, writing, content, and process needs. The native Texan resides in Plano, Texas, a heartbeat north of Dallas, and doesn't wear a 10-gallon hat or cowboy boots.

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Email Management

If you utilize a computer at home or work it... Read More

A Tale of Two Regeds

Tech support tells me to type 'regedt32' as opposed to... Read More

7 Reasons NOT to Take Your Laptop on Holiday!

Heading off on vacation soon?Then perhaps you're tempted to take... Read More

Enhanced Web Browsing With Toolbars

As the Web grows more crowded and just plain "noisy"... Read More

4 Easy Ways to Speed Up A Sluggish PC

Computers are supposed to speed up our productivity?to help us... Read More

Are You Well Protected?

Winter?the official start of the cold and flu season. Though,... Read More

Basic Problem in a PC

I have a p3 500MHz PC with 128MB RAM, 10.2... Read More

Why Build Your Own Gaming Computer?

The best way to get the gaming computer that you... Read More

Freezing - Time To Warm Up Your PC

Freezing is also known as crashing or hanging. It's frustrating.... Read More

Password Nightmares

Good Morning Mr. Sampson. Please type in you Personal Identification... Read More

Connect Your IPAQ to Linux

Choose Not To ConformPalm pilots and pdas are constantly growing... Read More

Make Windows XP Run Faster!

A friend told me: "My computer startup seems to be... Read More

Is Desktop Search Deserving?

Google, in their march to stay ahead of the pack... Read More

The Best MP3 Players Under $100

You don't have to fork out $250 for a super-diggy-whizbang... Read More

Nephrology and Dialysis For a PDA

Saving Lives With A Pocket PCFree medical downloads can be... Read More

Learn the Lost Art of Touch Typing

Computers have replaced typewriters, but two-finger, hunt-and-peck typing can never... Read More

Plasma TV vs LCD TV

For those seeking to buy their first flat panel TV... Read More

Basic Computer Thermodynamics

That desk in front of you and everything else around... Read More

JVCs First Three-Layer Combo-Disc Blu-Ray / DVD

JVC developed and used a high-performance reflective film to produce... Read More

What Exactly are Screensavers? - part I

After reading this good article you will know some important... Read More

How To Search Your PC With Google Desktop

In this era of Internet, most people are frequent users... Read More

COOKIES - What Are They!!

Cookies, not the kind that Mom makes, but the computer... Read More

5 Steps to Removing PC Clutter

It's hard enough as it is these days to get... Read More

Troubleshooting Computer Freeze (Lockup) Problems

How familiar does the following sound? Your computer was working... Read More

How To Have Two (Multiple) Copies Of Windows

Having two operating systems is not as difficult as many... Read More

Reliable File and Folder Sharing in Windows Xp

This tip is on sharing files and folders on a... Read More

How To Remove One Operating System from a Dual Boot Windows XP Computer

In Windows Xp, you can install two operating systems on... Read More

Setting File Permissions On A Unix Server

File permissions are one of the strengths that the Unix... Read More

5 Ways to Speed Up Your PC

No matter how fast your processor and regardless of how... Read More

Maintain Your Computer ? Keep Your Business Running

Maintaining your computer is extremely important ? especially if you... Read More

Web Standards

HTTP ProtocolThe web is run on port 80. You are... Read More

5 Steps to Remove Spyware for Free

Have you ever tried to remove Spyware off your PC... Read More

More Cool Web Tricks

If you ask most people what frustrates them most about... Read More