Cannot Open HKEY_DYN_DATA Key with Regedit.exe

• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you are using Regedit.exe, clicking the HKEY_DYN_DATA key yields the following error message:

   Cannot open HKEY_DYN_DATA: Error while opening key.

CAUSE

You are using the Windows 95 version of Registry Editor.

Note that this key is not currently used in Windows NT.

RESOLUTION

Use Regedt32.exe instead of Regedit.exe when searching is not required.

MORE INFORMATION

Windows NT Setup installs two versions of Registry Editor. Regedt32.exe is the Windows NT version of Registry Editor; Regedit.exe is either the Windows 3.x or Windows 95 version.

The Windows 95 version of Registry Editor contains all the features and limitations of the Windows NT version. It is primarily included in Windows NT 4.0 for its ability to search for keys and values. You can use the Windows 95 version to make changes in the Windows NT 4.0 registry, but not all functions and types are available.

You should use Regedit.exe only for its search capabilities. Use Regedt32.exe to edit the registry.

For more information about the registry editors included with Windows NT 4.0, please see the NT 4.0 Readme.wri file.