How to Export Windows Registry Files

The Windows Registry can be exported to a text file, making it easy to edit or transport from one computer to another. This procedure describes the export function in Regedit, the Windows Registry editor found in Windows 95 and Windows 98.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Windows

1. Click the Start menu and click Run.

2. Type "regedit" and click OK.

3. Select My Computer to export the entire Registry, or click a folder to export only that folder.

4. Click Registry in the Registry Editor toolbar.

5. Click Export Registry File.

6. Select the directory for the exported file and type a file name. Use a specific name so that you can identify the file easily ("Registry 12/9/99," for example).

7. Click OK to export the Registry file.

Tips & Warnings

• You can export individual Registry files (also called "keys") to send your favorite tweaks to friends so that they can import or copy them.
• Back up the Registry file before running regedit, just in case you inadvertently change or corrupt the Registry. (See "How to Back Up the Windows Registry.")