Backing Up the Registry

Backing up the Windows XP registry

System Restore includes the registry in its backup, so there's little reason for the average user to back up the Windows XP registry separately. However it's quick and easy to do, and it's a good way to protect Windows against a failed program install or uninstall, serious user error, or malicious software.

It's essential to back up the registry if you're going to do any registry editing. It is possible to back up just the part you're editing. "The Elder Geek" gives a complete rundown on registry backup methods. It's a little more tedious to make drive images, but they also provide complete registry backup.

There's a fatal trap in all of Microsoft's methods for backing up the registry -- they all rely on Windows. However, Windows won't restart if it is damaged too severely. How are you going to restore the registry then: One way to avoid the trap is by using a special program to backup and restore the entire Windows XP registry independently of System Restore. You can get a great one from Lars Hederer in Denmark. [free]

Backing up the Windows 98 registry

Scanreg is part of Windows 98. Microsoft keeps this valuable tool pretty well hidden from the average user. It runs behind the scenes during boot and makes partial "system backups". They're stored as "cab" files (*.cab) in the C:\Windows\SYSBCKUP folder. These cab files contain the Registry files and a few other key system files in compressed form. See how to fix your Windows 98 registry.

You might want to make additional backups of the Registry before and after a major change, such as installing a new program.

image Click Start > Run > type scanreg in the Run dialog box > Click OK. When Scanreg finishes, you'll get the invitation like the one at the left (the backup includes the critical system files to boot).

A word to the wise

If your Windows 98 machine suddenly begins to operate strangely -- something doesn't work right any more -- do not just continue to use it. You should attempt to fix it immediately. First, reboot -- that often gets things straightened out. If rebooting doesn't work then fix the "Registry" before you do anything else (just use "System Restore" for Windows XP).

Why? Windows 98 drops your oldest, and perhaps most precious system backup the first time you reboot each day. In a few days, all you'll have left is bad backups. They won't help you a bit. All you can do then is use your restore disk or reinstall Windows. As Napoleon said, "Delay is like death."