How to back up and restore the registry in Windows

Registry is a centralised database where Windows stores information about how it is configured. It contains information and settings for all the hardware, operating system software, most non-operating system software, users, preferences of the PC, etc.

If your Registry gets damaged your system may be rendered unusable. Even minor Registry errors can cause programs to crash or behave erratically. So I will tell you How can you backup and restore your Registry easily.

Follow the steps below:

Back up the Windows registry

1.  Click Start  > Run (Winkey+R) and type regedit , and then click OK

2.  On the File menu, click Export.

3.  In the Save in box, select a location where you want to save the Registration Entries (.reg)

4.  Give a file name, and then click Save.

Restore the Windows registry

1.  Click Start  > Run (Winkey+R) and type regedit , and then click OK

2.  On the File menu, click Import

3.  Choose the backup file you created.

4.  You have restored your Registry.

This method works both for Vista and XP. You must be logged in as Administrator.

Also see the official  method suggested by Microsoft.