Cannot access regedit.

[ElliottGenocide]

I can't seem to access regedit, I get this error:

This version of this file is not compatible with the version of Windows you're running. Check your computer's system information to see whether you need an x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version of the program, and then contact the software publisher.

I am Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit SP1

I just used regedit the other day, not sure why this happened and I need to access the registry ASAP. And it appears as though it got put on windows 95 and not Windows 7.

 

[Layback Bear]

Please explain this Windows 7 and Windows 95 thing. It doesn't add up in my little pea brain. Also what are you trying to do in regedit that a ASAP is required.

 

[ElliottGenocide]

Ok, some how the compatibility changed from Windows 7 to Windows 95, it wont allow me to change it back to Windows 7 because regedit came with Windows 7, so the options are all greyed out.

 

[Layback Bear]

Try this. Start/search and type in regedit. You should get regedit.exe at the top. You don't have a check mark in compatible mode so their shouldn't be a problem their. Regedit should only be used by those that are very sure of what they are doing. Things done wrong there could make a door stop out your computer. You didn't answer my question. What are you trying to do using regedit???

 

[ElliottGenocide]

I'm aware of were regedit is, I'm not 10 and I know how to use it, the location of regedit isn't the issue, the issue is the compatability, as that's what the error message says. And I am trying to delete some unused registry keys that my cleaners can't seem to find, why I need to do that I don't think is important, I want to know how to get back into regedit, not whether or not I should be using it.

 

[Bill2]

Run a malware scan with malwarebytes. I've often seen malware disabling regedit.

 

[marsmimar]

It's also possible that system files may have become damaged or corrupt. You can run a System File Checker scan. It will check the integrity of all protected Windows 7 system files and replace incorrect, corrupted, changed, or damaged versions with the correct versions if possible.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

And just in case you need it, here's the link for Malwarebytes free.

Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a free download that removes viruses and malware from your computer

 

[xxxdannyxxx]

ElliottGenocide

If you have the windows cd just extract the regedit .exe from the files on the cd and replace your corrupt one on the computer if SFC /SCANNOW doesn't repair it for you

Danny

 

[Layback Bear]

I'm aware of were regedit is, I'm not 10 and I know how to use it, the location of regedit isn't the issue, the issue is the compatability, as that's what the error message says. And I am trying to delete some unused registry keys that my cleaners can't seem to find, why I need to do that I don't think is important, I want to know how to get back into regedit, not whether or not I should be using it.

I have no idea how old you are or what knowledge you do or do not have, that's why I suggested caution. Have a nice day.

 

[ElliottGenocide]

The mentioned suggestions above did not work either, the scan nor the malwarebytes. I bought this computer with this version of Windows, I did not get a disk. Has no one really ever seen this problem?

 

[seavixen32]

The mentioned suggestions above did not work either, the scan nor the malwarebytes. I bought this computer with this version of Windows, I did not get a disk. Has no one really ever seen this problem?

Obviously not and the tone of some of your comments leave me disinclined to offer any help, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

Navigate to Start>Run>Gpedit.msc>User Configuration>Administrative Templates>System>Prevent Access to Registry Editing Tools>Set this to Enabled

 

[xxxdannyxxx]

Seavixen32 unfortunately Gpedit is not available in Home Premium

I have uploaded the 2 versions of regedit.exe from my Home Premium x64 Sp1 Disk.

ElliottGenocide what you do with these is up 2 you.You can check the settings using right click properties and try to re-configure yours or replace them with these ones.You are running the same version of windows as me.
Im not 100% sure this will work so back up your copies first and make an image
The zips are labelled with the correct locations

 

[seavixen32]

Seavixen32 unfortunately Gpedit is not available in Home Premium

I have uploaded the 2 versions of regedit.exe from my Home Premium x64 Sp1 Disk.

ElliottGenocide what you do with these is up 2 you.You can check the settings using right click properties and try to re-configure yours or replace them with these ones.You are running the same version of windows as me.
Im not 100% sure this will work so back up your copies first and make an image
The zips are labelled with the correct locations

Thanks Danny, I didn't check what version of Windows he had 'til after I'd posted.

 

[Layback Bear]

The OP has started a new trend with the same question.

 

[ElliottGenocide]

My tone of voice is from every person and their mother (no offense meant) telling me to not mess with the registry when my question has nothing to do with using it, just getting it started; I meant no offense, but it's kinda irritating. Thank you for the suggestion and your upload of your own registry, but that sounds like it could do more damage than me just not screwing with it. It looks like I have no options.

 

[marsmimar]

My tone of voice is from every person and their mother (no offense meant) telling me to not mess with the registry when my question has nothing to do with using it, just getting it started; I meant no offense, but it's kinda irritating. Thank you for the suggestion and your upload of your own registry, but that sounds like it could do more damage than me just not screwing with it. It looks like I have no options.

Of course you have options. In no particular order of preference:

1. Repair Install

2. Clean Install

3. Restore to factory specs if hidden recovery partition is available

 

[ElliottGenocide]

I've got a ridiculous amount of data on this computer, I don't wanna' risk losing any of it if I don't have to; there should be something I can do without a new install.

 

[marsmimar]

As a last resort, and since you're knowledgeable about the registry, you might find this 3rd party registry editor to your liking:

Best Free Registry Editor

I realize it doesn't solve the original question of why you can't use the built-in regedit but at least you should be able to make the registry changes you want.

 

[seavixen32]

You won't risk your data if you back it up to an external hard drive before reinstalling Windows or repairing it.

If you have that much you should be backing it up on a regular basis anyway in case your hard drive fails - as it will in time.

 

[ElliottGenocide]

I have over 2 Terabytes of storage on here, with no portable drive big enough for even half of it, I have a back up of some kind that I did when I first got the computer, I'm going to attempt to use that but at the same time am still worried about losing some of it, and losing any of it at all is not an option. This computer is some what new, a new hard drive wont be for some time... and I don't have any money at the moment (spent it on the computer.) So I can't get an external drive at the moment.

Right now the biggest question I have is, does my error message appear for other programs, or is this a regedit issue and only regedit.