Cure My Registry

How To Backup The Windows Registry

Backing up Windows registry is an important step to take before making changes to it since an incorrect change to the registry could harm your computer. There are several ways you can backup the registry, one of which is by using System Restore, a feature that enables you create restore points containing information about registry settings and other system information used by Windows.

In this article, I’ll show you two ways you can backup the registry. So let’s start with Method 1…

Method 1: Using System Restore to Backup The Entire Registry

System Restore is a feature that enables you to restore your computer’s system files to an earlier point in time. With it you can undo changes to your computer’s system files without affecting your personal files like music, videos, photos, e-mails, and other personal documents. In other words, with System Restore you can quickly perform a backup of your registry and easily restore it if an unexpected change to your computer (an installation and/or uninstallation of a program or a driver, for example) makes Windows behave erratically.

So let’s begin by creating a System Restore Point. The way to do this depends on what version of Windows you’re using.

How to Create a System Restore Point on Windows XP

1. Click Start on your Windows Taskbar, click Run and type %SystemRoot%\System32\Restore\Rstrui.exe in the Open box. Then click OK. Note: If System Restore is disabled, a message will ask you whether you want to enable System Restore now. Click Yes. Then, in the System Properties dialog box, clear the Turn Off System Restore check box and then click OK.
2. On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Create a restore point. Then click Next.
3. On the Create a Restore Point page, type a descriptive name like “Preinstallation of Game Box” or any suitable name for the restore point. Then click Create.
4. Click Close after the restore point has been created.

How to Create a System Restore Point on Windows Vista

1. Click Start on your Windows Taskbar, and in the Start Search box, type systempropertiesprotection. Then press Enter.Note: If you’re prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, enter the password in the field provided, or click Continue.
2. If no local disk is selected, then System Restore is turned off. Click to select the local disk you want to create a restore point for, click Apply and then click Create. But if the appropriate local disk is already selected, simply click Create.
3. Type a descriptive name for the restore point. Then click Create.
4. Click OK after the restore point has been created. Click OK again to close the System Properties dialog box.

Method 2: Using Registry Editor to Backup Registry Key or Subkey

If you only need to backup a registry key or subkey, then the Registry Editor is the tool to use. The Registry Editor is an advanced tool you can use to view registry folders, files, and the settings for each registry file. The step-by-step process below shows how to use the Registry Editor.

1. Open up the Registry Editor by clicking Start on your Windows taskbar. Then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit and then click OK. This will open up the Registry Editor. Note: If you’re prompted for an administrator confirmation, enter an administrator username and password in the fields provided and click OK
3. To backup a registry key, select the corresponding key in the list of keys on the left hand pane. If the key (or subkey) is not visible, locate its parent key in the list and click on the tiny triangle beside it to display its subkeys. If you found the registry key you want to backup, click on it, and on the File menu, select Export. Specify a name for the registry key backup and location where you want it saved. Then click Save.

Bravo! You have just performed a registry key (or subkey) backup. If you decide to edit the registry and something goes wrong afterwards, simply double-click on the registry key backup file and you’re back to where you began!

In summary, it is highly recommended that you backup the registry before making any changes to it. If you decide to make changes, be sure you know what you’re doing! The registry contains vital information about your computer, and making an incorrect change to it could lead to system instability. However, it might become necessary to edit the registry when registry files become corrupt. If you’re wondering how you can edit the registry, then read my tutorial on Windows Registry Repair: How A Non-Geek Can Do It!

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