How to Create a Registry Backup
Just like a person keeps track of the things in his house and what goes in and out of it
, a computer registry keeps information about the hardware attached, memory allocations, startup applications and the system options. Installing or unistalling application programs also updates the registry.
When changes are made to the registry, it is not possible to revert it. The only method of undoing registry changes is to edit the registry. This is however, not an easy job. You may have to take the help of a computer repair technician, or remote pc support services to change the registry back to its original state.
It is therefore, better to take a backup of the registry before any modifications are made.
Methods to back up the registry
Windows provides certain inbuilt methods to back up the entire or part of the registry. Some of the common methods are:
System Restore
This works like the Undo command. The System Restore does not tamper with the user based data such as Word files, emails, and files made using various application programs. It merely takes snapshots of the registry whenever you make changes to it (called restore points) and creates a calendar of restore points. When you access System Restore from All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore, you can select the restore point you want the registry to be reverted back to.
Backing up the Entire Registry
There are many tools like NTBackup utility which help you to back up the registry as well as the boot files. You can take the help of remote computer support who have experts to help you to take the backup. Otherwise, you can do it using the Start Menu.
In the Run command box, type regedit and press Enter Key. A regedit window will appear.
Navigate to the top of the tree and select Computer.
From the File Menu select Export
Give a location and name for saving the file, preferably in the C drive itself, eg C:fullbackup_registry
Click the Save button.
A file with the name you have given and .reg extension will be created. (in the above case the file will be called fullbackup_registry.reg')
Whenever you want to rollback changes to the registry, you can restore the registry using this file.
Backing up specific Registry keys
Registry keys are like subfolders holding specific information. You can take backup of registry keys that have changed since the last full backup also.The procedure for selective backup is the same as above except that instead of selecting Computer in the Regedit Editor window, navigate to and select the registry key you want to take backup of. The rest of the procedure is the same. A file with the extension .reg is created in the location specified. To restore the registry to this condition, just double-click on the .reg file.
The registry is very important to an operating system. At times to improve performance of the computer, the registry values may be changed by home computer repair technicians. In case the results of these changes is not as desired, it is important that registry backup must be taken, so that the registry can be brought back to its original state. An online computer repair company such as fixit99.com also provides help and support to backup the registry.
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http://www.fixit99.com How to Create a Registry Backup
By: Fixit99.com
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