While trying to install SlickEdit 2008 on my new Windows 7 computer, I got the following error popup message: "Could not write value to key \Software\Classes\.sca." I opened the Registry Editor (tried both RegEdit.exe and RegEdt32.exe). I navigated to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes and created a new key. It displayed as "New Key #1". When I tried to rename it to ".sca", I got the following message: "The Registry Editor cannot rename New Key #1. Error while renaming key." I am logged in with Administrator rights. On previous Windows operating systems, I never had any problems creating or modifying Registry entries. Strangely enough, Registry Editor allowed me to delete "New Key #1", but would not allow me to rename it.How do I get back control of the Registry.

Hi Nick, I suggest you try to modify the regisrty in Safe Mode since this issue should be caused by one program lock the key or permission issue. If it is a permission issue, you can try to assign permission to this key. Hope it helps.

You need to take ownership of the key. As RegHakr mentioned. Use caution. In regedit... Right click the registry key in the left pane and select Permissions. Click the advanced button. Goto the Owner tab and select Administrators. Check the box Replace owner on subcontainers and objects. Click Apply. Goto the Permissions tab. Select Administrators and check the box 'Replace all child object permissions with inheritible permissions from this object'. Click the Edit button and for the 'apply to' drop down select: This key and subkeys. Check Full Control (if its not already). Click Ok followed by Apply. You should now be back at the original permissions dialog... Select Administrators and check the Full control box (if its not already checked). or modify registry in safe mode

I tried this procedure and when I clicked apply on the owner tab, the response was "Registry Editor could not set owner on the key currently selected, or some of its subkeys." I was running regedit in adminstrator mode. Any suggestions as to what would cause that?