Member Avatar for ananthojrr

Hi guys,

I have a strange problem, my system's regedit doesnt function or open im using windows xp2, it gives me a stange message saying that its restricted by administrator, please help....

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by nagasreekrishna

Dani AI

Generated

This thread's symptom — Registry Editor reporting that it is "restricted by administrator" on Windows XP SP2 — most often traces to one of three causes: a local or domain Group Policy blocking access, malware that disables tools and Folder Options, or damaged system files/permissions. Several replies already cover system-file repair (), running an alternate regedit copy (), and malware suspicion (). The short, prioritized diagnostic path below complements those suggestions with safe, practical next steps.

Recommended diagnostic path (least disruptive to most):

  • Confirm account privileges and domain status via Control Panel -> User Accounts and System (domain-joined machines may be governed by a domain admin policy).
  • Test in Safe Mode (use the F8 boot menu). If Registry Editor opens in Safe Mode but not normally, a startup program or malware is likely blocking it.
  • Inspect local Group Policy (Pro): run gpedit.msc -> User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> "Prevent access to registry editing tools" and ensure it is Not Configured or Disabled.
  • If gpedit.msc is not available, check the registry values DisableRegistryTools at HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System (and the HKLM equivalent). When interactive editing is blocked, these entries can be corrected offline from Recovery Console/Windows PE or by importing a trusted .reg file created on a clean machine while booted into a recovery environment.
  • Treat the machine as potentially infected: run up-to-date antimalware scans from Safe Mode and, if a rootkit is suspected, perform an offline rescue-media scan. Missing Folder Options (reported by ) is a common malware sign.

If the above steps fail, fallback options are System Restore to an earlier point or a Windows repair/repair-install — after backing up all personal data. Avoid merging untrusted registry files or downloading unknown "registry cleaners." For domain-joined systems, the safest route is escalation to the domain administrator. This checklist is intended to complement earlier tips in the thread and to provide a clear, low-risk troubleshooting sequence.

Recommended Answers

All 14 Replies

Member Avatar for binoj_daniel

how about running regedt32.exe

If not then check if you are a local admin on your box. Let me know.

Member Avatar for Agita

Are you restricted by a domain administrator? Or is this a personal computer

Member Avatar for builder50

I am having the same problem with XP Pro SP2. I type in regedit and it says can't find. I tried the regedit32.exe and same message. This is a personal computer and I am logged in as administer. Any ideas appreciated. I like to go in and clean up the registry on a regular basis but haven't been able to do that for awhile.
Ken

Member Avatar for binoj_daniel

Try this:

Run --> sfc /purgecache
and then run sfc /scannow

This will scan and fix all the system files.

Member Avatar for binoj_daniel

About SFC Command
Scans and replaces any Microsoft Windows file on the computer and replaces any changed file with the correct version. This is a great command to run when you are running into an issue that is difficult to troubleshoot.

Member Avatar for binoj_daniel

If the above solution does not fix the isse then follow this:

-> Extract and merge this reg key I have attached. You just have to double click on the .reg file.

FixRegedit.zip (0.38 KB)
Member Avatar for philetus

Run --> sfc /purgecache
and then run sfc /scannow
Will this work in W2k pro?

Member Avatar for binoj_daniel

Run --> sfc /purgecache
and then run sfc /scannow
Will this work in W2k pro?

Yes, this will work for Win2K Pro also.

Member Avatar for builder50

Thanks for the reply. I was able to run regedit by going into Windows\I386\regedit and running it from there. I then put a shortcut in my quick launch toolbar.

Member Avatar for nagasreekrishna

If the above solution does not fix the isse then follow this:

-> Extract and merge this reg key I have attached. You just have to double click on the .reg file.

hi everybody i have tried all the things that r mentioned in this thread regarding (iam not able to open my regedit from run ) but still iam not able to open it at the same time i have also lost my folder options too .plz help me

Member Avatar for purvansh

whats the run code for task manager?? you no when u go to start>run... What is the code for that in task manager?? ......exe??

Member Avatar for digitalocksmith

Malware is most likely the cause of these issues.

You should ask for help with cleaning procedures in the required forum.


Regards

Member Avatar for nagasreekrishna

runcode for taskmanager is ctrl+alt+del i dont understand y u need this

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