Most users never need to view or edit the registry. You can configure most system services by using the programs provided with Windows 2000, such as Computer Management, Control Panel and Group Policy, or the administrative tools installed with optional services, such as WINS Manager and Internet Service Manager.

If you wish to view the registry or need to change a value that can only be set directly in the registry, use a registry editor, such as Regedit.exe or Regedt32.exe, the registry editors installed with Windows 2000.

To start a registry editor, click Start , click Run , and then type the name of the editor in the Run box.

Caution

Do not edit the registry directly unless you have no alternative. The registry editors bypass standard safeguards, allowing settings that can degrade performance, damage your system, or even require you to reinstall Windows. You can safely alter most registry settings by using the programs in Control Panel or Microsoft Management Console (MMC). If you must edit the registry directly, back it up first. Read Backing up the Windows 2000 Registry or Registry Editor Help for more information.

Tip

To avoid making inadvertent changes when only viewing the registry, use Regedt32. From the Options menu, select Read Only Mode .

For information about the registry editors, see Help for Regedit.exe and Regedt32.exe.