Tutorials How to Remove Registry Keys

How to Remove Registry Keys

By Domesticus in Tutorials

The Windows operating system has a registry that it uses for a central hierarchy for all software applications installed on the hard drive. The Windows registry is used in all versions of Windows including Windows 9x, Windows CE, Windows Millennium, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista. It is vital that registry entries are present to ensure applications and the operating system are able to operate correctly.

Modifications to the Windows registry allow computer users to change general settings in addition to system policies and file associates.

Remove Registry Keys or Entries Manually

Manually editing the system registry can be very dangerous. If the wrong registry key is edited or deleted, then you could lose important data and damage your computer. Setting a System Restore point allows you to revert back to recover lost files. To set a System Restore point, go to Start menu > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. Follow the instructions on-screen to complete the process. You may also run a spyware scan on your system to automatically detect harmful registry keys and entries.

  1. Open the Registry Editor by selecting the "Start" menu > click "Run" > type in regedit > click "OK."
    Run regedit
    Registry Editor
  2. Once the Registry Editor is open, then you will notice two panes. The left is for navigation and the right is to view and edit values of selected keys.
  3. Navigate to the location of the registry key that you wish to delete using the left pane.
    Registry Editor Navigation
  4. Locate the registry key in the right pane that you wish to delete.
  5. Right-click the registry key and select "Delete." If you wish to edit the registry key, then you can right-click the key and select "Modify." If you are deleting the registry key, then you will get a message that asks, "Are you sure you want to delete this value." Click Yes.
    Delete Registry Key
  6. Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

If you experience issues after attempting to delete a registry entry, then you may download SpyHunter's spyware scanner to automatically detect the a malicious registry key.

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