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Sometimes a registry problem causes a
computer not to boot or to prevent logon. If you can’t boot the
computer, or you don’t have any other means to restore the problem
registry file, you might be able to open the registry on another
computer, fix it, and restore it to the problem PC.

In order to fix the registry this way, you must
be able to boot the system through a diskette or dual-boot
configuration and gain access to the file system. You also need to
be able to copy the registry file to a removable media with
sufficient space to accommodate it or be able to copy the file
across the network.

Here’s how to modify a remote registry locally
on your computer if you can’t connect to it across the network:

  1. Boot the
    other computer with a boot diskette or dual-boot OS and then copy
    the problem hive file to a removable media or directly across the
    network to your system.
  2. Log in as
    administrator on your system and run REGEDIT.EXE.
  3. In the
    Registry Editor, select either the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE or HKEY_USERS
    window, and then choose Registry | Load Hive.
  4. Locate the
    file copied to the system in step 1, select the file, and click
    Open. This loads the hive into the local registry as a subkey of
    the selected key.
  5. Make the
    necessary changes to the damaged hive and then choose Registry |
    Unload Hive.
  6. Copy the
    hive file back to its original location on the problem computer.
    Restart to test the system.

Note: Editing the registry is risky, so
make sure you have a verified backup before making any changes.