The Windows Registry allows you to make changes to every aspect of your computer. Of course you have to be somewhat knowledgeable when edititing the registry, inherently the registry’s ability to change anything on your computer can also spell disaster if you mess up. Below you’ll find a description of what the registry is and some basics, as well as a guided tour that backs up your registry for you. If you have any comments/questions please let me know.

Description of the registry

The Microsoft Computer Dictionary, Fifth Edition, defines the registry as: A central hierarchical database used in Microsoft Windows 9x, Windows CE, Windows NT, and Windows 2000 used to store information necessary to configure the system for one or more users, applications and hardware devices.

The Registry contains information that Windows continually references during operation, such as profiles for each user, the applications installed on the computer and the types of documents that each can create, property sheet settings for folders and application icons, what hardware exists on the system, and the ports that are being used. 

Backup Your Registry 

There are several ways to back up your registry;

1. You can manually backup portions or the whole registry.

2. You can create a System Restore checkpoint.

3. You can use Microsoft’s Guided Tour, that will do it for you.

Option #3: Microsoft’s Guided Tour

A. Go to Microsoft to Download the tool and install.

B. Follow the instructions.

C. You’re done!

Check back as I’ll update this post to include the other two methods of backing up your registry!

Article posted on 06 16th, 2006

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