How to Make and Restore a Backup of the Windows Registry

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The Registry is an essential part of Windows. It stores settings and other system information. If the Registry becomes corrupted, Windows may develop serious problems. It is a good idea to regularly back up your Registry, especially if....

Method 1 of 2:

Making a Backup

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    Open the Run dialog. Press ⊞ Win+R simultaneously on your keyboard.
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    Start Registry Editor. Type regedit into the Run dialog and click OK.
    1. Click Yes on the User Account Control dialog if it appears.
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    In the left pane of Registry Editor, click Computer.
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    Click File→Export in the menu bar of the Registry Editor window to open the Export Registry File window.
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    Export a backup of the Registry. In the Export Registry File window, type a name next to File name to choose a name for the backup and save it in a safe location by clicking Save.
Method 2 of 2:

Restoring a Backup

  1. images 1 of How to Make and Restore a Backup of the Windows Registry
    Open the Run dialog. Press ⊞ Win+R simultaneously on your keyboard.
  2. images 1 of How to Make and Restore a Backup of the Windows Registry
    Start Registry Editor. Type regedit into the Run dialog and click OK.
    1. Click Yes on the User Account Control dialog if it appears.
  3. images 1 of How to Make and Restore a Backup of the Windows Registry
    Select the entire Registry. In the left pane of Registry Editor, click Computer.
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    Click File→Import in the menu bar of the Registry Editor window to open the Import Registry File window.
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    Restore the backup of the Registry. In the Import Registry File window, select the backup and click Open.

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