Backing up the Windows registry, before you make any changes, could be a super-smart thing to try to to. The settings in the registry management much of what goes on in Windows, therefore having it working properly at all times is important.
It’s too bad Microsoft did not design registry Editor to prompt you to back up before you make changes – they really should have.
Fortunately, it’s very simple to manually export either the complete registry at once or perhaps simply a selected registry key if you are only creating changes to a couple of values or keys.
You just have to follow the easy steps below to back up the Windows Registry:
Time Required: Backing up the entire Windows register at once typically takes simply one or two minutes, whereas backing up a selected registry key might take a bit longer counting on how fast you can find it
How to backup the Windows registry
- Execute regedit to start registry Editor. To do so press Windows key and R at the same time and there enter Regedit command.
- See how to Open Registry Editor if you need additional help.
- Now that registry Editor is open, work your way to the area of the registry that you simply wish to back up.
- To duplicate the complete registry: locate the computer by scrolling to the very top of the left side of the registry (where all the “folders” are).
- To back up a selected registry key: Drill down through the folders till you discover the key you are when.
- Not sure what to back up? selecting to backup the entire register could be a safe bet. If you recognize that register hive you’ll be working in, backing up the complete hive is another good choice.
- When you found it click on it so it will be highlighted.
- From the registry editor menu, opt for File so Export…. you’ll be able to also right-click or tap-and-hold the key so opt for Export.
- In the Export registry File window that appears, assure that the chosen branch identified at rock bottom is, in fact, the registry key that you wish to duplicate.
- If you make a full backup of the registry, the All choice ought to be pre-selected for you. If you are backing up a specific key, like HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Environment\, you will see that path within the selected branch section.
- Once you are sure you will be backing up what you expected, opt for a location to save the registry backup file.
- Tip: I typically advocate selecting the Desktop or the Documents folder (called My Documents in XP). each area unit straightforward to search out if you run into issues later and wish to use this backup to undo your register changes.
- In the File name: text field, enter a name for the backup file. anything is okay. Here you have successfully backed up your registry