File extension REG
| File type | Windows Registry Data Format |
| Developer | Microsoft |
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What is a REG file?
REG is a system file responsible for adding registry keys or changing register values in Microsoft Windows operating system. REG file syntax contains information about version of registry editor, file path, data element name, type of added values and corresponding data, typically in binary format
REG files are handled regedit.exe tool. Before applying any changes to the registry it is strongly adviced to create system backup copy or registry copy by using ‘Export’ command available in the ‘File’ submenu.
Program(s) that can open the .REG file
Windows
Microsoft Registry Editor 
NotePad++ 
Microsoft Windows NotePad 
Registrar Registry Manager - RegAlyzer
- RegmagiK Registry Editor
- Ryll Registry Editor
- Advanced Regedit
- Registry Workshop
- Reg Organizer
RegistryBooster - Registry Mechanic
- Eusing Free Registry Cleaner
- Windows Registry Recovery
- Aiseesoft Registry Optimizer
- WinASO Registry Optimizer
- Advanced Registry Care
- Registry First Aid
- Wise Registry Cleaner Professional
- Smart Registry Cleaner
Microsoft Windows - Free Registry Defrag
How to open REG files
If you cannot open the REG file on your computer - there may be several reasons. The first and most important reason (the most common) is the lack of a suitable software that supports REG among those that are installed on your device.
A very simple way to solve this problem is to find and download the appropriate application. The first part of the task has already been done – the software supporting the REG file can be found in the table. Now just download and install the appropriate application.
Possible problems with the REG format files
The inability to open and operate the REG file does not necessarily mean that you do not have an appropriate software installed on your computer. There may be other problems that also block our ability to operate the Windows Registry Data Format file. Below is a list of possible problems.
- Corruption of a REG file which is being opened
- Incorrect links to the REG file in registry entries.
- Accidental deletion of the description of the REG from the Windows registry
- Incomplete installation of an application that supports the REG format
- The REG file which is being opened is infected with an undesirable malware.
- The computer does not have enough hardware resources to cope with the opening of the REG file.
- Drivers of equipment used by the computer to open a REG file are out of date.
If you are sure that all of these reasons do not exist in your case (or have already been eliminated), the REG file should operate with your programs without any problem. If the problem with the REG file has not been solved, it may be due to the fact that in this case there is also another rare problem with the REG file. In this case, the only you can do is to ask for assistance of a professional staff.
Similar extensions
| .adm | Administrator Policy Template Format |
| .adml | Microsoft Administrative Language-specific XML Template Format |
| .admx | Microsoft Administrative XML Template Format |
| .aml | Microsoft Assistance Markup Language |
| .ani | Animated Cursor |
| .ann | Microsoft Windows Help Annotation Format |
| .aos | Archos Signed Encrypted Data Format |
| .asec | Google Android Encrypted Application Package Format |
How to associate the file with an installed software?
If you want to associate a file with a new program (e.g. my-file.REG) you have two ways to do it. The first and the easiest one is to right-click on the selected REG file. From the drop-down menu select "Choose default program", then click "Browse" and find the desired program. The whole operation must be confirmed by clicking OK. The second and more difficult to do is associate the REG file extension to the corresponding software in the Windows Registry.
Is there one way to open unknown files?
Many files contain only simple text data. It is possible that while opening unknown files (e.g. REG) with a simple text editor like Windows Notepad will allow us to see some of the data encoded in the file. This method allows you to preview the contents of many files, but probably not in such a structure as a program dedicated to support them.