Windows 2000 provides two versions of Registry Editor: Regedt32.exe and Regedit.exe. Regedt32.exe is automatically installed in the systemroot\System32 folder. Regedit.exe is automatically installed in the systemroot folder.
You can modify the registry by using either of the Registry Editor utilities. However, if possible, you should use other utilities and tools provided with Windows 2000, such as those in Control Panel. When you modify the registry by using Registry Editor, Registry Editor does not check for syntax or other errors. In addition, one modification to the registry may cause a cascade of changes throughout the registry. The results of an incorrect edit made with Registry Editor are unpredictable and may impair or disable the Windows 2000 operating system. However, by using other tools and utilities, you can ensure that edits made to the registry are valid and manage any ensuing cascade of changes caused by an edit.
You can safely view the registry by using Regedt32.exe in read-only mode (on the Options menu, click Read Only Mode), so that you cannot inadvertently make changes.
Your ability to make changes to the registry by using Registry Editor depends on your access permissions. In general, you can make the same kinds of changes with Registry Editor as your permissions allow for other administrative tools. Users who belong to the Administrators group can view the registry of remote computers by using the Select Computer option on the Registry menu.
When you start Registry Editor, an associated icon appears on your taskbar. For information about starting Registry Editor, see Open Registry Editor
For detailed instructions about using Registry Editor, see How to
For recommendations about safely using the Windows 2000 registry and Registry Editor, see Best practices