When trying to resolve computer errors, we usually use Windows Registry to configure computer settings. But sometimes, you might receive an error message: Unable to delete all specified values. Why this error occurs? How to fix it? This MiniTool post will show you several methods to resolve it.

Windows Registry is a huge database that stores information about computer firmware, software, settings, and installed applications. Therefore, you should understand that editing registry keys should be careful. To avoid irrecoverable damage to your computer, you’d better back up registry keys before you change them. However, the unable to delete all specified values error might occur to you to prevent you from deleting registry keys.

Why you can’t delete a key from REGEDIT? In most cases, this error is caused by insufficient permissions. Besides, the key you want to delete might contain null characters so you can’t delete it with the standard Registry Editor.

The following content will show you how to fix unable to delete all specified values error.

Way 1: Run Registry Editor as Administrator

Firstly, you can try to run Windows Registry as administrator to give it more permissions to modify subkeys.

Step 1: Press Win + S and type Registry Editor into the search box.

Step 2: Choose Run as administrator from the right pane to open the Registry Editor window.

run Registry Editor as administrator

Then, you can try to delete the key.

How to Fix: Error While Deleting Key on Windows 10/11/8/7
How to Fix: Error While Deleting Key on Windows 10/11/8/7

If you cannot delete a key in Registry Editor due to error while deleting key, you can read this post to get the possible reasons and effective solutions.

Read More

Way 2: Change Permission for the Key

If the unable to delete all specified values in REGEDIT error occurs when you trying to delete a subkey, you can consider the insufficient permission as a reason. Follow the next steps to change permission for the key to finish your operation.

Step 1: Run Registry Editor as administrator as the first method shows.

Step 2: Navigate to the key you want to delete and right-click on it.

Step 3: Select Permissions from the context menu.

Step 4: Click on the Advanced button at the bottom of the Permissions for Accounts window.

Step 5: Click Change next to the Owner name.

change the owner

Step 6: Type the name of your account into the box, then click on Check Names > OK.

confirm the account information

Step 7: Back to the Advanced Security Settings for Accounts window, click on Apply, and then OK to save changes.

Step 8: Return to the Permission for Accounts window, make sure that the Full Control is checked under the Permissions for RESTRICTED section, then click Apply > OK to confirm your change.

take full control of the key

Afterward, try to delete the key again to see if you get rid of the error message successfully.

How to Access the User Folder on an Old Hard Drive? Detail Guide
How to Access the User Folder on an Old Hard Drive? Detail Guide

Do you know how to access the user folder on an old hard drive? This post shows you detailed steps to open the folder.

Read More

Way 3: Delete the Key with Systernals RegDelNull tool

If you can’t delete a key from REGEDIT caused by the embedded null character, you can try the Systernals RegDelNull tool to remove this key.

Step 1: Download this tool from the Microsoft page.

Step 2: Extract the files and double-click on the main exe file to run it.

Step 3: Type regdelnull <key path> -s and hit Enter. You should replace <key path> with the path of the registry key you want to delete.

For example, the path of the key I want to remove is HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\OneDrive\Accounts, I should type the command line like this: regdelnull HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\OneDrive\Accounts -s.

Bottom Line

Hope this post can help you solve the unable to delete all specified values error. If your files are lost after deleting registry keys and you want to restore them, you need to get them back with professional data recovery software.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery is a free file recovery software that is devoted to recovering deleted files under various situations, including lost data due to deleted registry keys. Furthermore, this software works well in recovering files from corrupted CF card, unrecognized external hard drive, formatted USB drive, etc.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery FreeClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

You can try this tool if needed. Should you have any problems with MiniTool software, feel free to let us know via [email protected].

  • linkedin
  • reddit