The Windows Registry is a configuration database that stores settings and options on Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains settings for low-level operating system components as well as the applications running on the platform: the kernel, device drivers, services, SAM, user interface and third party applications all make use of the Registry. The registry also provides a means to access counters for profiling system performance. The registry contains two basic elements: keys and values. Registry Keys are similar to folders - in addition to values, each key can contain subkeys, which may contain further subkeys, and so on. Keys are referenced with a syntax similar to Windows' path names, using backslashes to indicate levels of hierarchy. Simply put: The Registry contains information that Windows continually references during operation, such as profiles for each user, the applications installed on the computer and the types of documents that each can create, property sheet settings for folders and application icons, what hardware exists on the system, and the ports that are being used. Alright, now it is very important for Windows OS. It is vital to backup registry whenever you think you might gonna change it in some way. I will recommend you to take registry backup at regular periods in case it gets infected and you want to restore healthy copy of registry some time. This article will guide you about how to backup and restore registry in Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7.
Backup and Restore Windows XP Registry
Manual steps to back up the registry in Windows XP
- Click Start, click Run, type %SystemRoot%system32restorerstrui.exe, and then click OK.
- On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Create a restore point, and then click Next.
- On the Create a Restore Point page, type a name for the restore point and then click Create.
- After the restore point has been created, click Close.
If System Restore is turned off, you receive a message that asks whether you want to turn on System Restore now. Click Yes. Then, in the System Properties dialog box, click to clear the Turn off System Restore check box, click OK, and then repeat this step.
Manual steps to restore the registry in Windows XP
Use System Restore to undo registry changes in in Windows XP
- Click Start, click Run, type %SystemRoot%System32RestoreRstrui.exe, and then click OK.
- On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Restore my computer to an earlier time (if it is not already selected), and then click Next.
- On the Select a Restore Point page, click the system checkpoint. In the On this list select the restore point area, click an entry that is named "Guided Help (Registry Backup)," and then click Next. If a System Restore message appears that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make, click OK.
- On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, click Next. System Restore restores the previous Windows XP configuration and then restarts the computer.
- Log on to the computer. When the System Restore confirmation page appears, click OK.
Guided Help to Backup registry in Windows XP
Guided Help is available to export registry keys and to back up the registry. Guided Help can automatically perform the steps for you. The actions that this Guided Help performs cannot be undone after Guided Help is finished.
Requirements to install and to use this Guided Help:
- You must be logged on to Windows by using a computer administrator account to install and to use this Guided Help.
- You must be running an English version of Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Media Center Edition, or Windows XP Tablet PC Edition to install and to use this Guided Help.
You must first download Guided Help. To start, click the following link:
Download The Guided Help Registry Backup Utility (XP)
Download Guided Help Registry Backup Utility
Backup and Restore Windows Vista Registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps.
Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy of, the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.
- Open the Registry Editor by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, typing regedit into the Search box, and then pressing ENTER. Administrator permission required If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
- Locate and click the key or subkey that you want to back up.
- Click the File menu, and then click Export.
- In the Save in box, select the location where you want to save the backup copy, and then type a name for the backup file in the File name box.
- Click Save.
Backup and Restore Windows 7 Registry
You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps.
Before you make changes to a registry key or subkey, we recommend that you export, or make a backup copy, of the key or subkey. You can save the backup copy to a location you specify, such as a folder on your hard disk or a removable storage device. If you make changes that you want to undo, you can import the backup copy.
- Open the Registry Editor by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, typing regedit into the search box, and then pressing Enter. Administrator permission required If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
- Locate and click the key or subkey that you want to back up.
- Click the File menu, and then click Export.
- In the Save in box, select the location where you want to save the backup copy to, and then type a name for the backup file in the File name box.
- Click Save.
Windows Registry article at wikipedia
Windows Registry article at Microsoft
