Backing+Up+the+XP+Registry+Two+Methods

Backing Up the XP Registry Two Methods

Method 1: Using System Restore One way to backup the registry is to create a system restore snapshot. System restore returns your computer to a previous snapshot without losing recent personal information, such as documents, history lists, favorites or e-mail. It monitors the computer and many applications for changes and creates restore points. You restore these snapshots when your configuration isn't working. Now, keep in mind that this method is unreliable in the event that you want to rollback the registry changes made a long time ago. In which case, the system restore might have purged that particular restore point, due to space constraints or a recent system restore point. There could have even been a restore point corruption. Please remember, system restore points get deleted for many reasons, which makes this method a bit unreliable, especially in the long run. If you still would like to try this method, here are some directions on creating a system restore point: 1. Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore. 2. For Classic Start Menu: Click Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore. 3. Click "Create a restore point" and then click Next. 4. In the restore point description box, type a name to identify this particular point. System restore automatically adds the date and time that this restore point was created to the name. 5. To finish creating this restore point, click Create. 6. You can also launch the system restore window by typing the command below in the Run box:- %SystemRoot%\System32\restore\rstrui.exe.

Method 2: Backing Up the Selected Branch of the Registry by Exporting: This method is more reliable and preferred if you're making changes to a specific key or area of the registry. To back up a selected branch/key in the Registry, try this:-

1. Click Start and then click Run.

2. In the Open box, type "regedit" and then click OK.

3. Locate and then click the key that contains the value you want to edit.

4. On the File menu, click Export.

5. In the Save In box, select a location where you want to save the Registration Entries (.reg). 6. In the File Name box, type a file name and then click Save.

Now that you've created a Registry backup for that particular key, save the .reg file in a safer location, in case you want to undo the Registry changes made some other time. You can restore the settings by just double clicking the .reg file. It will automatically merge the contents to the Registry. There is one more method of backing up the whole Registry (“System State”). For backing up the whole Registry, you can use the NT Backup Utility to back up the System State. The System State includes the registry, the COM+ Class Registration Database and your boot files.

Backing Up the Windows XP/2000/2003 Registry 1. Click on Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools and then click on Backup. If you do not see the Backup utility, you will need to install it using your XP or 2003 CD. 2. When the program launches, if you are not in the wizard, select the Backup Wizard Option. 3. When the Wizard opens, press the Next button. 4. Select Only back up the System State Data. Keep pressing the Next button until you see Finish. 5. Press the Finish button to start the Registry backup. 6. When it is completed, you will see a report of the backup. You can then press the Close button and exit the program.

Restoring the Windows XP/2000/2003 Registry Option 1: 1. Click on Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools and then click on Backup. If you do not see the Backup utility, you will need to install it using your XP or 2003 CD. 2. When the program launches, if you are not in the wizard, select the Backup Wizard Option. 3. When the Wizard opens, press the Next button. 4. This screen will list all the known backups that were done previously. Select the System State backup that you would like restored. 5. Press the Next button and then the Finish button. 6. When it is completed, you will see a report of the restore. You can then press the Close button and exit the program.

Option 2 (Only for XP and 2003): 1. Insert your Windows CD into your computer and reboot. 2. When it prompts you to "Press Any Key to Boot from CD," press any key. 3. When the screen appears that gives you the options to Setup, Repair or Quit, press R on your keyboard to enter repair mode. 4. At the next screen, select the installation of Windows you would like to work on. For most people, there will only be one option. 5. When prompted, enter your administrator password and press Enter on your keyboard. 6. When you get the prompt, type "cd repair" to enter the directory where a Registry backup is stored. 7. Type the following lines, pressing Enter on your keyboard AFTER each line:

copy default c:\windows\system32\config copy sam c:\windows\system32\config copy security c:\windows\system32\config copy software c:\windows\system32\config copy system c:\windows\system32\config

NOTE: If it prompts you to overwrite the existing files, select Y for yes. 8. When you are finished, type "exit" and press Enter. 9. Remove your Windows CD and reboot. And there you have it. With these guidelines, you can keep your registry safe and secure

 