Windows registry files can be saved with REG extension. It is a plain text file that can be opened using any text editor or web browser after changing its extension to TXT. Registry File is created when registry keys are exported to files for backup purposes before making any changed to the registry. REG files can be used with dedicated tools to load or import registry keys to restore settings.
REG file format - information storing
Windows registry is a relational, hierarchical database that store various system and application settings, as well as hardware settings. REG files can hold such information as:
first line: name and version of registry editor,
RegistryPathx - registry entry path with the following syntax: [<Hive name><Key name><Subkey name>]
Key name followed by equality sign: "Value name"=
data type and its value followed by a colon: <Value type>:<Value data>
Each new value used a new line.
How are Windows REG files used?
REG can be used to import or export registry data. REG files use INI file syntax and can be used as executable files to make changes in the registry provided the user has sufficient administrative privileges on the target system. Depending on what changed are made to the registry, it might be necessary toe restart the system. It is advised that users should backup registry before making any changes in case any problems occur, for recovery purposes.
Programs which support REG file extension
Below is a table that list programs that support REG files. Files with REG suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.
Problems with accessing REG may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with REG extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with REG files.
Step 1. Download and install Microsoft Registry Editor
The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening REG files is that no program that can handle REG files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Registry Editor or one of the recommended programs (for example, Windows Notepad, NotePad++ text editor, Registrar Registry Manager) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Microsoft Registry Editor installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.
Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Microsoft Registry Editor
You still cannot access REG files although Microsoft Registry Editor is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why REG files are not compatible with Microsoft Registry Editor. The latest version of Microsoft Registry Editor should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.
Step 3. Assign Microsoft Registry Editor to REG files
If you have the latest version of Microsoft Registry Editor installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage REG on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.
Change the default application in Windows
Right-click the REG file and choose Open with option
Select Choose another app → More apps
The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Registry Editor is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open REG files and clicking OK.
Change the default application in Mac OS
From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with REG extension, select Information
Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with REG extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.
Step 4. Ensure that the REG file is complete and free of errors
You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper REG file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.
1. Verify that the REG in question is not infected with a computer virus
Should it happed that the REG is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the REG file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. REG file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.
2. Ensure the file with REG extension is complete and error-free
Did you receive the REG file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the REG file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.
3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.
Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.
4. Check whether your system can handle Microsoft Registry Editor
If the systems has insufficient resources to open REG files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.
5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date
Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Registry Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle REG files.
Do you want to help?
If you have additional information about the REG file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on REG file.
Windows 
The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening REG files is that no program that can handle REG files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Registry Editor or one of the recommended programs (for example, Windows Notepad, NotePad++ text editor, Registrar Registry Manager) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Microsoft Registry Editor installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.
You still cannot access REG files although Microsoft Registry Editor is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why REG files are not compatible with Microsoft Registry Editor. The latest version of Microsoft Registry Editor should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.
