Import binary registry key

I exported a binary registry from my computer (IE setting). I need to re-import this into another computer (both Windows 7). When I try to import the registry file (same one that I exported), I get an error. After some general research, it seems I need to import binary data a special way, but I can't seem to make it work. This is the registry key:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\User Preferences]
"88D7D0879DAB32E14DE5B3A805A34F98AFF34F5977"=hex:01,00,00,00,d0,8c,9d,df,01,15,\
  d1,11,8c,7a,00,c0,4f,c2,97,eb,01,00,00,00,35,9a,4f,4f,a4,58,47,4b,b0,5d,78,\
  59,a6,1d,01,df,00,00,00,00,02,00,00,00,00,00,03,66,00,00,c0,00,00,00,10,00,\
  00,00,60,cf,a0,df,fc,ef,bc,e4,f4,71,a7,e8,ad,4c,3b,5f,00,00,00,00,04,80,00,\
  00,a0,00,00,00,10,00,00,00,80,30,65,dd,2e,3e,2e,45,c0,5b,09,8f,3e,f2,88,79,\
  50,00,00,00,24,c2,46,26,e7,85,28,9a,fd,e0,5f,78,ba,7d,04,c8,34,47,5c,ef,64,\
  bb,7a,be,f8,c4,dd,88,b5,b1,39,c1,19,9b,81,a3,92,ab,7a,70,8f,dd,19,0c,7f,af,\
  66,7d,66,e5,e9,16,6c,20,2b,fa,4a,dd,2b,24,de,df,0a,b2,83,84,29,a7,37,8e,33,\
  b7,56,53,f5,a0,34,0b,8c,42,14,00,00,00,50,5a,9f,29,4a,0f,e7,36,1d,27,f0,ab,\
  4b,4b,6c,7d,19,9b,ec,3b

How can I re-import this on to a new computer?

Jeff

Posted 2011-04-28T21:15:09.177

Reputation: 113

1What was the error??? – Rhys Gibson – 2011-04-28T21:47:00.583

When I double-click the .reg file I exported from regedit, I get this error: "Cannot import file.reg. not all data was successfully written to the registry. Some keys are open by the system or other processes". I'm logged on as a local admin, and even tried safe mode. – Jeff – 2011-04-29T12:35:32.213

Answers

The usual warnings about screwing with the registry apply...

Basically, Windows locks certain registry keys and values to prevent end users changing them (even administrators) - much like system files and folders.

You need to specifically take ownership and/or grant your user rights to the key/value you want to change via regedit.

Open regedit, navigate to the key, right click on it and select Permissions and then Advanced
In “Advanced Security Settings” dialog box, go to the Owner tab. If your user, or a group you're in isn't the owner, select the user/group you need from the "Change owner to:" section
Check the checkbox for "Replace owner on subcontainers and objects" option, and click OK.
Back in the Permissions dialog box change the settings for your user/group so that you have Full Control

This should now allow you to re-import the registry file.

Rhys Gibson

Posted 2011-04-28T21:15:09.177

Reputation: 4 218

I was getting the same error as listed above in Windows 7. I was able to log in as the local admin and import without issue.

Elvin

Posted 2011-04-28T21:15:09.177

Reputation: 1

This should be a comment as it does not answer the question. – Peachy – 2012-10-12T09:57:42.733