Backing up the windows registry isn’t as crucial as backing up your data.  If Windows starts acting weird, restoring the registry to a point where it was working well my help.

There are two methods to back up your Windows registry.  The first method is using the built-in Windows semi-automated tool.  To access it:

Go to Start

Select All Programs

Then select Accessories

Then select System Tools

Then select System Restore

Follow the instructions to Create a Restore Point.  With the restore point, you can revert your entire machine back to a point in time.

The second method is a little more manual.  It uses the Window Registry editor.  To launch the editor:

Go To Start

Select Run

Type in "Regedit" into the text box and hit the Enter key

To create a backup, select File

Then select Export

Type a name for this file that will make it easy for you to remember what it is like today's date

For the export range, select all.

Then save it somewhere on your hard disk

To restore your registry to this backup, double click it and confirm that you want to change the registry.

Remember it's best to be proactive about backing up your data and your registry.  Do it now and do it regularly while everything is working well.  You will want to have backups when things go bad.

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