How can I import .reg files into a custom location?

Question

I have a .reg file which I wish to explore using the Registry Editor as part of a registry hive. For this, I have to import it. However, neither the Registry Editor nor reg.exe offer a way to specify an import location.

For example, I'd like to import my .reg file into HKLM\TempHive, so if it contains HKLM\System\Foobar, the new key would be under HKLM\TempHive\HKLM\System\Foobar.

Answer 1

You can either import a registry file directly or load a registry hive, but not vice-versa. While registry files are human-readable text files, registry hives are binary files, and are handled differently.

If you want to convert a .reg file to a registry hive, you have to import it first, and then export it as hive using either regedit or reg /save.

As a workaround, you could change the base path inside the registry file to e.g. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Temp, and then remember to delete the key when you're done.

Further reading

• About the Registry
• How to add, modify, or delete registry subkeys and values by using a .reg file
• reg - Command-Line Reference