How to backup the Registry ?

In this post i would like to highlight two useful methods that we can use in order to backup our Windows XP or Windows Vista Registry. The first is suitable for periodic backups of the entire registry, that you should execute as a part of your system backup strategy. The second method is useful in cases you would like to modify a certain value in one of the registry subkeys using the Registry Editor.

Remember! If you use the registry editor incorrectly, you might cause serious problems that might require you to reinstall your operating system. Use the registry editor at your own risk.

1. Steps to backup the entire registry

You can use the built-in Microsoft Backup utility (accessible from Start || All Programs || Accesories || System Tools) to back up the system state. The system state includes the registry, the COM+ Class Registration Database, and your boot files. For more information about using the Backup utility to back up the system state, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article.

2. Steps to export registry subkeys

Use the following procedure to export a registry subkey before you edit it:
a. Click Start, and then click Run.
b. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
c. Locate and then click the subkey that contains the value that you want to edit.
d. On the File menu, click Export.
e. In the Save in box, select a location where you want to save the Registration Entries (.reg) file, type a file name in the File name box (i normally use the format subkey_name_date_hour), and then click Save. This is create a *.reg file containing your subkey backup.
f. In case you want to undo the changes you made to the registry after the backup, locate your *.reg file and double click it.
Source: Microsoft Support

[tags] Registry, Windows Hacks, PC Hacks [/tags]