The registry is a database of startup commands and system specifications. It is like the INI files of older systems. It is used to keep track of hardware, software and memory. When Windows is started, the registry runs the commands needed to put the startup applications on the desktop.
There are two cases when you might want to enable or disable the Run commands from the registry:
Caution: Before you attempt to change the registry, please take a complete backup because the registry changes cannot be undone easily. Ask an expert computer repair technician for directions to do the same if necessary.
Case I
Disable Run Command from the Registry
Sometimes, you may need to startup the computer without launching a number of application programs that are specified in the registry like the Taskbar items (clock, antivirus, internet connections, messenger etc.).
There are four main keys in the registry dealing with the startup:
Run and RunOnce of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and
Run and RunOnce of HKEY_CURRENT_USER
Where HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE is the System key and HKEY_CURRENT_USER is the user key.
Locating the key
• Click on Start -> Run. Type regedit and hit the Enter key to open the Regedit window.
• Use the left window pane to navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE. By clicking on the + sign navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \
Policies\ Explorer.
• Check if the following value names are there:
o DisableLocalMachineRun
o DisableCurrentUserRun
o DisableLocalMachineRunOnce
o DisableCurrentUserRunOnce
• If not, create them by
o Right-clicking on the right pane of the regedit window
o Select New -> DWORD value
o Type these names one by one
• Double-click the value name you want to change. A small window will open where you can change the data value by putting 0 for disabled and 1 for enabled.
• Exit the registry window and reboot the system for the changes to take place.
Since this is a registry change, it is always better to take the help of computer repair services or remote pc support experts who will help to tweak your pc in a safe way.
Case II
Enable Run Command from the Registry
Sometimes, virus attacks can remove the Run command from the Start Menu or not allow certain files to execute. Then it is important to check if the Run has been disabled by the virus in the registry and enable the Run command.
First use antivirus software to remove the virus. You can use the services of online computer repair companies such as fixit99.com to help you do this. Then,
• Access the registry keys by navigating to c:\windows\system32\ regedt32.exe.
• Move own the tree to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ Software\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ Policies\ Explorer.
• On the right hand pane locate the NoRun item and double click on it. Change the data value to 0 (i.e. disable the NoRun thereby enabling the Run command).
• Exit the registry and reboot.
• The Run command may be displayed once again through the Taskbar Properties option.
Remote computer support staff can help to solve problems related to running of programs in the background thus slowing down your pc, or non execution of programs due to virus attacks. Please seek their guidance particularly when dealing with making changes in the registry of your computer.
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"Copyright 2010 Fixit99.com, Mike Scherenberg. For more information or to view this original article, please visit http://www.fixit99.com
