---
name: "RegOpenKeyExA"
section: "3w"
platform: "linux"
package: "libwine-dev"
version: "1.4.1-4"
release: "Debian 7 (Wheezy)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/RegOpenKeyExA"
---

# RegOpenKeyExA(3w)

## NAME

**RegOpenKeyExA** (ADVAPI32.@)

## SYNOPSIS

LSTATUS RegOpenKeyExA\
  (\
   HKEY   *hkey*,\
   LPCSTR *name*,\
   DWORD  *options*,\
   REGSAM *access*,\
   PHKEY  *retkey*\
  )

## DESCRIPTION

Open a registry key.

## PARAMS

*hkey* **\[In\]**  Handle of open key.

*name* **\[In\]**  Name of subkey to open.

*options* **\[In\]**  Open *options* (can be set to **REG\_OPTION\_OPEN\_LINK**).

*access* **\[In\]**  Security *access* mask.

*retkey* **\[Out\]**  Handle to open key.

## RETURNS

**Success:** **ERROR\_SUCCESS**

**Failure:** A standard Win32 error code. *retkey* is set to **0.**

## NOTES

Unlike **[RegCreateKeyExA(3w)](/RegCreateKeyExA/3w.md)**, this function will not create the key if it does not exist.

## IMPLEMENTATION

Declared in **"winreg.h"**.

Implemented in **"dlls/advapi32/registry.c"**.

Debug channel **"reg"**.