Step-By-Step: Care and Feeding of the Windows Registry

A: Back Up the Registry

All versions of Windows automatically create a backup copy of the Registry each time you start your PC, but keeping an additional backup provides extra insurance. Of course, you can't restore changes you haven't backed up, which means you should make backups frequently. Fortunately, there are several ways to back up the Registry.

1. Use System Restore. Windows Me and XP users can create System Restore points, which back up all data (including the Registry) so you can restore your system to that precise state. You should run System Restore manually before you make major hardware or software changes or try to work with the Registry. Click Start, Programs ( All Programs, in XP), Accessories, System Tools, System Restore, choose Create a restore point, click Next, and follow the directions.

2. Use the Registry Editor. The export capability in Windows' Registry Editor can back up parts of the Registry, or create a full backup. In Windows 2000, this is your best option. Click Start, Run, type regedit, and press Enter. Select My Computer in the folder tree, select File, Export, and fill in a file name and destination. For added peace of mind, save the file on a CD-RW disc or other removable media.

3. Copy the Registry files manually. In Windows 95 and 98, the Registry resides in System.dat and User.dat in the \Windows directory. In Windows Me, copy Classes.dat too. To see hidden and system files, youll need to set Windows Explorer to show them. In Explorer, choose View (95 and 98) or Tools (Me and XP); then select Folder Options, open the View tab, and pick Show All Files (95 and 98) or Show hidden files and folders (Me and XP). Once you can see them, copy the files.

4. Use backup software. Check your backup utility for an option to back up the Registry along with the other files on your hard drive. Some backup utilities do this automatically; others require you to specify Registry backup.

5. Run Windows' Registry Checker. For Win 98 and Me only--see section B.