I need to edit a corrupted system.dat file (windows registry), I have a copy of access to this file. How do I open and edit this file using regedit?

2

3 Answers

Yes.

You can open another "hive" with regedit.

1. Start regedit.
2. Select the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE root key.
3. Go to the menu "File->Load Hive..."
4. Choose the DAT file for the registry you wish to edit.
5. You will be prompted for a name to load the hive into. The name does not matter. It just loads the registry hive into a subfolder using the name you provide.
6. You can then edit the registry you just loaded in the same manner as any other registry. All changes are made in real time, just as normal.
7. When you're done, go to the menu "File->Unload Hive..."

However, this will only work on Win2k/Xp/Vista/7, there is no way to load the registry like his in Win9x/ME.

2

I wonder if a different tactic would be better? Restoring an old system.dat.

Do some operating systems keep system.old or system.something?

Booting into safe mode? Running regedit.

What I am thinking is even if you could edit it, could you repair it?

2

If you have a copy can you just overwrite the bad file? Otherwise you can use your favorite binary editor. I use Hex Edit Neo. They have a freeware version also.

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Sign up using Google Sign up using Facebook Sign up using Email and Password Submit

Post as a guest

Post Your Answer Discard

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy