Windows Registry - Backup & Restore

The Windows Registry is a database that stores settings and options for Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains information and settings for hardware, operating system software, most non-operating system software, and per-user settings. Editing the Windows Registry in the wrong way can harm your computer. So, before editing the Windows Registry its better to backup your registry and then you can restore it if any thing goes wrong.


Steps to Backup/Restore your Windows Registry in Windows XP / Windows Vista / Windows 7

Back UP - Steps in Windows XP:


You can use the System Restore feature to back up the registry. To do this, just follow the below steps:

1. Click Start, click Control Panel

2. In the Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance (Note: This option is in the Category View)

3. Click System Restore option in the left side bar.

4. On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Create a restore point, and then click Next

5. On the Create a Restore Point page, type a name for the restore point and then click Create

6. After the restore point has been created, click Close.

Note: 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.

Back UP - Steps in Windows Vista / Windows 7:

1. Click Start, type systempropertiesprotection in the Start Search box, and then press Enter. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.

2. Wait for Windows to search for available disks and most recent restore points. In the System Properties dialog box, on the System Protection tab, click Create

3. Type a name for the restore point and then click Create.

4. After the restore point has been created successfully, click OK two times.

Note: If System Restore is turned off, click to select the local disk, click Apply and then click Create.

Restore - Steps in Windows XP:

1. Click Start, click Control Panel

2. In the Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance (Note: This option is in the Category View)

3. Click System Restore option in the left side bar.

4. 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

5. On the Select a Restore Point page, click the system checkpoint. In the On this list select the restore point area, click the name of your restore point and then click Next. If a System Restore message appears that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make, click OK.

6. On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, click Next. System Restore restores the previous Windows XP configuration and then restarts the computer.

7. Log on to the computer. When the System Restore confirmation page appears, click OK.


Restore - Steps in Windows Vista / Windows 7:

1. Click Start, type systempropertiesprotection in the Start Search box, and then press Enter. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.

2. In the System Properties dialog box, on the System Protection tab, click System Restore

3. In the System Restore dialog box select Choose a different restore point, and then click Next

4. Select the restore point that you want to use, and then click Next.

5. Confirm your restore point, and then click Finish. System restore restores the selected Windows Vista or Windows 7 configuration and then restarts the computer.

6. Log on to the computer. When the System Restore confirmation page appears, click OK.