Backing Up Your Windows Registry

It may not be easily obvious but the registry is an important component of your Windows operating system. The registry needs to be maintained and protected because your whole system may crash if it gets damaged. Unwanted data files and vacant registry keys contribute to an unnecessary overflow of the registry. This is where a reliable registry cleaner comes in handy. Windows Vista does not allow an automatic process to backup your registry. The good news is there are ways to do this like getting a manual backup tool, among others. Here are some steps that you should fallow:

Step 1: Registry Editor Tool

The Registry Editor function could be applied to carry out manual edits to your Windows vista registry. It effectively creates a backup for either a specific portion or your entire registry. To start using this tool, apply the following steps:

• In the Run command in your Start menu, type regedit then press Enter.
• From the File menu, click Export. The File name box will be displayed.
• Type the name of the backup file in the File name box.
• In the Export Range portion, click All if you wish to back up the entire registry. If you are targeting only a part of the registry, choose Selected Branch then in the next field, type the name of the branch you wish to create a back up for.
• Finally, click Save and the backup file is created.

Step 2: System Restore Tool

The System Restore function is also another effective way to secure your Windows Vista registry. The tool enables the restoration of your PC system to how it was in a specific period of time, much similar to a time machine. Try this in case your computer crashes.

System Restore is available by default in Windows Vista. It works by taking snapshots of different system settings inside your registry so that when you opt to restore your system, relevant information is restored with the help of the snapshots. However, the tool cannot be used to back up the registry.

Step 3: Registry Cleaners

Registry cleaner tools are effective means to back up your registry. An advanced registry cleaner performs quickly in doing partial or complete backup. All it would take is a few clicks of the mouse to perform the task. Most computer owners heavily rely on registry cleaners.

Step 4: Windows Complete PC Backup and Restore Tool

The Windows Complete PC Backup and Restore Tool is highly effective in retrieving your Windows Vista system. It comes available with the Ultimate, Business, and Enterprise editions of Vista. You could also opt to create a full or a partial backup using this tool.

If you opt for a complete backup, your whole operating system, all your installed applications, your registry, data files, and user configuration will all be preserved. You also have the option to just make a complete registry backup with the Windows Complete PC Backup and Restore Tool.

Now that you are equipped with the knowledge about the importance of securing your Windows Vista registry, be reminded that it is also necessary to regularly perform registry backups. Using the given tools, you could be assured of the safety of your system. It is also advisable to save your files in external divices, like CDs and DVDs, as extra precaution.