Gain quick access to the registry keys you use most

In Windows 98 and up, you can use the Registry Editor’s Find dialog box to locate keys, subkeys, and values. Unfortunately, you’ll have to type the name correctly and may find multiple matches to skip through if you only type a partial name. With Windows 2000, XP, and Vista, you can make finding these deeply nested keys much easier — as easy as bringing up your most frequently browsed websites. All you need to do is bookmark them with the Favorites menu for accelerated access.

To access registry keys via Favorites:

1. Select Start | Run and type regedit in the Open text box and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the key you want to bookmark (e.g., HKEY_Current_User\Printers).
3. Select Favorites | Add To Favorites.
4. In the Add To Favorites dialog box, type the name of the for subkey shortcut.

Best practice: Use a naming scheme that helps you identify the key’s location, such as HKCU Printers. Click OK. The next time you need to edit this registry key, all you have to do is choose Favorites and select the bookmarked key from the menu.