Windows Registry

When considering which computer files you absolutely couldn't live without, what comes to mind? The photos of your baby's first birthday? Your tax returns for the last three years? The resume you just spent hours updating? Actually, it's none of those things. It's the Windows Registry.

The Windows Registry, sometimes simply called "the Registry," has been described as the DNA for Windows. It stores much of the information and settings for software programs, hardware devices, user preferences, operating system configurations and more.

Windows and other programs continually reference the Registry so that when you make a change to almost any setting--from the wallpaper on your desktop to installing new software or hardware--that change is also recorded in the appropriate areas of the Registry. Without the Registry, Windows cannot run. It is the Registry that tells Windows which drivers to load, the settings to apply and what resources need to be allocated for everything to work properly.

While editing the Registry is not recommended except for expert users -- modifying it incorrectly can cause your operating system to malfunction -- knowing how to restore the Registry is essential for all users because viruses, spyware and malware can corrupt and damage it.

Creating a System Restore snapshot is one way to backup the Windows Registry so you can return your computer to a previous snapshot without losing recent personal information, such as documents, history lists, favorites or e-mail. Do note that System Restore takes multiple snapshots or backups of the Windows Registry by default at least every 24 calendar days, but you may want to do it more frequently. Why? If a failure occurs, you can boot into restore mode and select which "backup" from which to restore. Manually running System Restore once a week or before installing new software is ideal.

How to restore the Windows XP Registry:
1. Click Start, then Run, then type "%SystemRoot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe" in the pop-up box. Click OK.
2. On the Welcome to System Restore page, click "Create a restore point" and then click Next.
3. On the Create a Restore Point page, type a name for the restore point and then click Create.
4. After the restore point has been created, click Close.
NOTE: If System Restore is turned off, you'll receive a message that asks whether you want to turn on System Restore now. Click Yes. In the System Properties dialog box, click to clear the Turn Off System Restore check box, click OK.

How to restore the Windows 7.0 Registry:
1. Click Start. Type "systempropertiesprotection" in the Start Search box, and then press Enter.
NOTE: Administrator permission is required. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation or click Allow.
2. On the System Protection tab, click Create to create a restore point.
3. Type a name for the restore point and then click Create.
4. After the restore point has been created successfully, click Close and then click OK.
NOTE: If System Restore is turned off, click to select the local disk, click Apply and then click Create.

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