This page explains how to create a .reg file.  The idea is that you can double-click a .reg file and thus merge its values with those in your Vista registry.  One advantage of a .reg file is that it is easy to apply; you don't need to drill down through endless keys, as you would with regedit.  Another advantage is because it's a text file you can open with Notepad and then edit the values easily.  An additional benefit is that .reg files provide their own built-in documentation for changes that you make to the registry.

    * Purpose of .Reg Files
    * How to Create .Reg Files with Registry Export
    * Open the .Reg File with Notepad
    * Dissecting the .Reg Files
    * How to Create a .Reg File with Notepad
    * Summary - Creating .reg files

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Purpose of .Reg Files

The main purpose of .Reg files is to modify the operating system's behaviour by changing values in your registry.  Perhaps you have seen such .reg files as part of a program's installation package?  It is deceptively easy to merge a .reg file with your registry, you simply double-click a text file with .reg extension.  An alternative method is to introduce the values held in the .reg file by using regedit's import facility.  Where you need to automate a registry change, you could script the command: regedit /s path to .reg file.

Whilst it is easy to import the contents of a .reg file into the registry, do make sure you know what you