Backup a registry file before you change it

Before you start experimenting and changing the registry settings, here is a way to backup before you do this. That way if you make a mistake you can always go back and restore your original settings.  I will show you how to Export and Import Registry Files before editing it.

To back up the whole registry in one shot is an easy task.

Here’s how to Export a copy of your registry:

1. Go to the Start Menu and choose Run from the menu
2. Type regedit in the box and press OK
3. The registry editor will appear. In the left column make my computer blue by clicking on it once.
4. Then choose file from the menu at the top.
5. Choose to Export

All you have to do is choose where to save it and give it a name.

To restore your file to your registry:

1. You can copy the file to your computer and then just double click on the file to restore.
2. Or you can open the registry again and instead of choosing Export, choose Import

That’s it

NOTES:

• This article presumes you are installing the registry back to the original computer that it came from, with that ID number.
• If you want to use your registry settings for another computer sometimes you need to edit the file before restoring it. See an Example here.