The Windows Registry is a critical database that stores information about applications, services, and hardware used to run Windows. Power users often tweak this to change operating system or application settings to make Windows work in a certain way that would not otherwise be possible. Well, you can even perform registry hacks in Windows 10 to customize how it works. However, what if the registry editor fails to import a registry file on your Windows PC? This error can be confusing.
What should help us resolve an error itself needs troubleshooting. Ironic. I hope you’ve rolled up your sleeves because these solutions will ensure your focus.
Disclaimer: We assume that you are knowledgeable about tampering with registry entries. If you don’t know the way to inspect .reg files, we don’t recommend downloading and using registry files from random locations without understanding what they are for – such files can crash your computer or make it unusable.
Here are all possible solutions to resolve when your registry editor is unable to import a file and throws an error.
1. Precautions
We recommend that you learn how to backup, restore, and edit registry files before continuing. It will also help you fix bugs and tweak settings to get the most out of the Windows operating system in the future. Note that these files are critical to the operation of not only third-party and system applications, but also the Windows operating system itself. Failure to take proper backups can cause many problems. You may have to reinstall the entire operating system and you don’t want that. Also, make a backup of your data in the cloud or on an external hard drive. And always use Safe Mode for such tasks.
2. File Format
Do not download and import registry files from unknown or unsafe sources. This means staying away from shareware sites, torrents, and new or unknown sites. We’re talking about system-level changes and you should definitely not take them lightly. Also make sure the file is in the correct format and ends with a .reg extension. Select the file, right-click on it and select Properties from the contextual menu to confirm its extension.
3. Blank Line
Displaying the ‘The specified file is not a registry script’ error when importing a registry file? Open the .reg file in Notepad or your favorite text editor and check if the first line in the file is blank.
Remove any blank line, save the file and try importing the file back into the registry editor. Try not to mess with any value of the code in that registry unless you are sure.
4. Administrator Rights
If you are using an office computer, you should ask your IT administrator or supervisor to grant administrative rights to your user account. Only then can you edit or make changes with the registry editor, which includes importing registry files.
Are you using a personal computer? Open the registry editor from the Search menu with administrator rights. Try importing this reg file again.
Note: The fix below is suitable for those using a multi-computer setup. The .reg file must be on the same computer as the computer you are trying to import through the registry editor.
5. Log File Location
Where does your computer save registry files? This is an important question. Because importing registry files requires administrator rights and access, the file must be saved on a drive to which the user account has full access. For a personal computer, it is sufficient to log in to Windows with an administrative user account. In case of an office/corporate computer, you may need to contact the administrator.
6. Allowing Registry
Standard user accounts do not have permission to edit registry entries. Only Administrator accounts have these privileges. To allow it, launch Registry Editor and navigate to the folder structure where you are trying to import the registry file.
As an example, I am using the Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SECURITY folder as I need to import a registry file from the Security folder as shown in the screenshots below.
After navigating to the relevant folder on your computer, click Edit from the menu and select Permissions.
Click on the Advanced button in the following popup.
You will see a list of entries for different types of users with different access levels. Find your username and make sure it has Full Control under the Access tab.
You can double click the entry to change the access control or click Add at the bottom to create a new entry under the Permissions tab.
Select the top-level folder to have full access to all folders and files (technically called keys and values) under it.
7. Take Ownership of the Record
Open Registry Editor again and click on Permissions under Edit.
You can select a folder or subfolder, right click and select Permissions there. The difference is that the changes will apply to that folder and only to everything in it. Otherwise, you are making top-down changes in the parent folder. The rest of the steps remain the same.
Click the Advanced button.
Click Change next to the Owner header, where you should see your Administrator account name.
Medicine managers (plural and not singular which will cause more errors) In the ‘Object name to select’ box and select Check Names to verify integrity.
You should now see the Administrator account username there.
Clicking OK will take you back to the previous screen. You should now see a new checkbox under Owner. Select the ‘Replace owner of subcontainers and objects’ box and click Apply and OK to save the changes.
Your user account should now be able to make changes to the folder. Check if you can import the files into the Registry Editor.
Note: Depending on your computer, system configuration, and user account access level, you may see a separate tab for Owner. In this case, the steps to take ownership will be slightly different.
Save All Changes
I hope you were able to import this registry file after trying one of the solutions mentioned above. The registry editor is a complex tool, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you shouldn’t try or mess with it. However, we recommend that you take all necessary precautions. I know I repeat this over and over, but I still can’t stress it enough. Also, I recommend using Safe Mode when making such changes.
Next: Can’t fix or fix an error on your computer? Did you mess with the registry key? Click on the link below to learn how to reset or restore your computer to a time when everything was fine.
