RegMerge

RegMerge is a tiny and portable piece of software that gives you the possibility to compare two previously created registry backups. For example, you can use it to find out the changes made to the computer after installing a particular application. The tool has advanced settings dedicated to PC technicians and advanced power users.

You can save the program files anywhere on the hard disk or on a removable storage unit and simply click it to launch RegMerge on any PC to compare registry files.

As far as the interface is concerned, the utility adopts a classical window and neatly organized structure. Although it doesn't put emphasis on graphical elements, it's quite easy to navigate.

You can get started by loading the first REG file using the file browser, and then the second by following the same steps.

Once two files are selected, RegMerge automatically starts comparing their configurations and lists hives along with the compare result (e.g. missing, changed), key description, value name and type, REG file data, and current hive data.

The status bar reveals total matched, different and inexistent entries. A smart auto-selection can be made for all, none, changed or missing registry entries, and you can also invert the current selection, in order to merge only the selected entries into the registry.

The app records registry modifications and errors to history in text documents, and it provides you with a shortcut to their location on the hard drive for your inspection. Moreover, it can be set as the default handler for all REG-formatted files.

It carried out comparison tasks swiftly in our tests while remaining light on system resources consumption. No error dialogs popped up, and the app didn't hang or crash. Although it doesn't contain richer options and configuration parameters, RegMerge offers a simple solution for comparing and merging two registry backup files.