Guide: Fix ‘Registry Editor Cannot Import File’ Issue in Windows 10
Windows Registry is an essential database that stores information about the apps, services and hardware used to run Windows. Power users often edit it to change OS or app settings to make Windows function in a certain way, which is otherwise not possible. Well, even you can run registry hacks on Windows 10 to tweak how it works. But what if the registry editor cannot import a registry file on your Windows PC? That mistake can be confusing. The thing that should help us fix a bug itself needs to be fixed. Ironic. I hope you are ready with your sleeves rolled up up because these solutions justify your focus. Disclaimer: We assume that you are well versed in tinkering with the registry entries. If you don’t know the way to inspect the .reg files, we don’t recommend downloading and using registry files from arbitrary locations without understanding what they are for – such files can crash or render your PC unusable. Here are all possible solutions to fix when your registry editor is unable to import a file and gives an error.
1. Precautions
We recommend that you learn how to back-up, restore and edit registry files before proceeding. It will also help you troubleshoot errors and adjust settings in the future to get the most out of Windows OS. Note that these files are essential for the functioning of not only third-party and system apps, but also the Windows operating system itself. Failure to make proper backups can cause many problems. You may need to reinstall the entire operating system, and you don’t want that. Also make a backupup 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. That means you stay away from shareware sites, torrents and new or unknown sites. We are talking about changes at the system level, and you should certainly not take it lightly. Also make sure that the file is in the correct format and ends with the extension .reg. Select the file, right-click on it and choose Properties from the context menu to confirm the extension.
3. Empty line
Are you viewing the error ‘The specified file is not a registry script’ while importing a registry file? Open the .reg file in Notepad or your favorite text editor and make sure the first line of the file is empty.
Delete the empty line if there is one, save the file and try importing the file into the registry editor again. Don’t try to tinker with the values of the code in that registry unless you are sure.
4. Administrator rights
If you are using an office computer, you must ask the IT administrator or your supervisor for administrator rights to your user account. Only then will you be able to edit or change the registry editor, which will also require importing registry files.
Are you using a personal computer? Open the registry editor from the Search menu with administrator rights. Try to import that reg file again. Note: The following solution is suitable for those using a multi-computer installation. The REG file must be on the same computer as the computer you are trying to import it from through the registry editor.
5. Location of registry file
Where does your computer store the registry files? That is an important question. Because importing registry files requires administrator rights and access, the file must be saved on a disk where the user account has full access. Logging in with an administrator account on Windows is sufficient for a PC. You may need to contact the administrator in the case of an office / company computer.
6. Granting permission to the registry
Standard user accounts are not allowed to edit registry entries. Only administrator accounts have these rights. To grant permission, start Registry Editor and go to the directory structure where you tried to import the registry file. As an example, I’m using the ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESECURITY folder because I need to import a registry file into the Security folder, as shown in the screenshots below. After navigating to the respective folder on your computer, click Edit in the menu and select Permissions.
Click on Advanced button on the dollup that follows.
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 in the Access tab.
You can double-click the item to change the access control or under the Permissions tab at the bottom, click Add to create a new item.
Select the top-level folder to give full access to all folders and files (technically called keys and values) below it.
7. Becoming owner of the register
Open the Registry Editor again and click on Permissions under Edit.
You can choose a folder or subfolder, right-click and select the Permissions option there as well. The difference is that the changes are only applied to that folder and everything in it. Otherwise, make changes to the parent folder from top to bottom. The rest of the steps remain the same. Click on Advanced button
Click Change next to the Owner heading where you should see the name of your administrator account.
Type administrators (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.
You will return to the previous screen when you click OK. You should now see a new check box under the owner. Select ‘Replace owner on subcontainers and objects’ and click Apply and OK to save the changes.
Your user account should now be able to make changes to the folder. Check whether you can import files in Registry Editor or not. Note: Depending on your computer, system configuration and user account access level, you may see a separate tab for Owner. The steps to take ownership will differ slightly in that case.
Record all changes
I hope you were able to import that registry file after trying any of the solutions mentioned above. The registry editor is a complex tool and you should not experiment with it or mess around with it unless you know what you are doing. Well, we still recommend that you take all necessary precautions. I know I keep repeating that, but I still can’t stress this enough. I also urge you to use safe mode when making such changes. The next up: Are you unable to fix or fix an error on your computer? Messed up up the registry key? Click on the link below to learn how to reset or restore your computer to a time when everything was fine.
Fix ‘Registry Editor Cannot Import File’ Issue in Windows 10: benefits
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Final note
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