How to back up registry
Level of difficulty: Easy
Do you want to backup registry? Sadly there is no chance that you can backup registry files while the operating system is running in systems like Windows NT, 2000, XP, and Vista. The files cannot be accessed as the registry files remain locked when the Windows is running. However, an integrated Windows XP's System Restore feature can be used for registry backup. The registry editor (regedit.exe) can be successfully used to export either a part of the registry or the whole of it, and the exported files can then be backed up. In case you face problem with registry, the exported file can be imported. The exported file is a text file. It can be read easily and can be manipulated.
Materials Needed:- software needed to carry out the access method
- hi-speed internet service
- DSL and static IP address.
Step 1
Here are a few steps to help you with backup registry. First click on Start, then click Run. Type ‘regedit’ in the Open box. Now click OK. Try and locate and select the root subkey which contains all the child subkeys and values which you are willing to backup. Go to the File menu and click Export. Select the Save option, choose a location where you want to save the Registration Entries file. Type a file name in the File name box, and then Save.
Step 2
The size of the exported registry file is about 10-100 MB on a typical Windows 2000/XP/Vista installation. The registry exported files are text files. The files are well-compressed (by almost 75% or more). You can use some particular software backup which automatically compress them and save them in Zip archives. In order to restore registry subkeys which you exported, just double click on the Registration Entries file that you have saved.
Step 3
While the registry backup process is a little complicated for Windows NT, 2000, XP, and Vista, it is an easy method for Windows 95, 98, and ME users. The backup process of the latter group is completely automatic. The registry files can be backed up either manually, i.e. by hand or automatically with the help of software. The software will select the correct locations and backup all of your registry data automatically, quickly and safely.
Step 4
If you use registry editor, it will help you to check and make necessary changes of the registry. It also gives you information on how your system runs. Make sure you backup the registry before editing any part of it or else you may lose some important data.