Creating Backup of Windows Registry

Creating backup of Windows Registry before making any changes to it is very critical to Windows normal operation. A corrupted Windows Registry means that Windows itself is damaged. Creating backup will help you restore your computer to the previous settings if you unknowingly make an error in editing it. Some of the backup methods that you could use are:

1. Through Registry Editor itself.
This method used the export menu in Registry Editor.
• Use the registry editor.
• Select the keys part folder (left part) which you want to backup. When you select a folder, all the sub-folder will also be backup. Select "my computer" if you want to backup the whole registry.
• Go to File – Export or using your mouse right-click and click export.
• Choose where to save your backup data which will be saved with the file extension “reg”.
• If you need to restore your backup, just double click or run the file you have created before.

This method is good and reliable because your backup data won't have any change unless you change it.

2. Through System Restore
This method used System Restore in Windows itself.
• Go to start menu - run.
• Type %SystemRoot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe
• Or goto start menu – All Programs – Accessories – System Tools – System Restore
• A System Restore window will appear.
• Click Create a Restore Point and then follow the instructions stated in that window.
• And to restore it just click on the first option, then follow the instructions again.

This method is not very effective because the backup data will be overwritten every time you make a new restore point.

3. Through Windows Backup Utility
• Goto start menu – All Programs – Accessories – System Tools – Backup
• A Backup window will appear and just follow the instruction.

For Windows XP Home Edition you need to install the utility first from your installation CD because by default Windows XP doesn't include it in the Windows installation. The installation instruction could be found at Microsoft web at http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=302894

4. Through Third Party Program.
A third party program could be use to backup your registry. You can try to do some research about these programs from the search engine. Please avoid downloading a program from an unfavorable site. It could give you more problems then you could imagine. Sacrificing your computer to a free or pirate program is not a wise thing to do. Having a reliable program means spending a few dollars but the benefits you get in the long run is justifiable. An excellent program will usually speed up, clean & repair your computer automatically.