How to create a registry backup

It’s important to make sure that before you make any changes to the registry that you make a registry backup because mistakes in the registry can lead to disaster.

To backup the registry:

In Windows XP

1. Click Start | Run

1. In the Run dialog box type regedit

1. Click OK

In Windows Vista

1. Click Start

1. Type regedit in the Search box

1. Click OK

Windows XP/Vista

1. From the registry editor click File | Export

1. Enter an appropriate filename

1. For the Export Range select the radio button next to All.

1. Click Save

To restore the registry from a registry backup:

1. From the registry editor click File | Import

1. Now select the appropriate backup file and click Open

You can make this job simpler by using registry repair software but make sure the software you choose has the option to backup the registry.