When Jacques opens the Visual Basic Editor and clicks Tools | References, he gets the following message: "Can't access the system registry." Jacques isn't sure why this occurs and he's wondering how to fix it.
The Registry is, of course, the place where all the configuration information for your installation of Windows is stored. In addition, many applications (such as Excel and VBA) store configuration information in the Registry. If something is out of kilter in the Registry, then you may have problems accessing whatever application is expecting to find information there. This is apparently what is happening in Jacques' case.
In this particular case, it seems that the problem may be related to account permissions to access certain Registry information. The solution to this is not a trivial one; it can require a number of rather detailed steps to fix. Rather that recreate those steps here, it is best to visit the following page:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/a-step-by-step-procedure-for-fixing-error/3c81197e-a237-4fb7-8c8a-d28145f7428e
I know that URL is very long, so you'll want to make sure that you get it all included when you go to visit the page.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (10151) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365.
Program Successfully in Excel! This guide will provide you with all the information you need to automate any task in Excel and save time and effort. Learn how to extend Excel's functionality with VBA to create solutions not possible with the standard features. Includes latest information for Excel 2024 and Microsoft 365. Check out Mastering Excel VBA Programming today!
While not technically an Excel-only tip, the shortcuts described in this tip will help you switch focus from your ...
Discover MoreExcel provides quite a bit of flexibility in displaying your data. You can have multiple windows visible for the same ...
Discover MoreWhen you use the mouse wheel, the normal behavior is to scroll vertically through your worksheet. If the mouse wheel ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments