How to Restore the Windows Registry From a Backup

If your Windows software does not start or run correctly, then your Registry may be corrupted (especially if you were just tweaking your Registry file, yes?). Before you reinstall Windows, and all of your programs, try restoring a previous version of the Windows Registry. The restore procedure differs for Windows 95 and Windows 98.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Windows

Windows 98

1. Start your system in DOS by holding the F8 key after turning on the computer.

2. Select Start in DOS from the Windows startup screen.

3. Type "scanreg/restore" at the C:\ prompt to run the Microsoft Registry Checker. The program displays the last five backup Registry files and the dates they were saved.

4. Select the most recent backup file that is dated prior to the time when the computer problems occurred.

5. Click Restore to restore the Registry. The Microsoft Registry Checker verifies the backup file before restoring it and prompts you to restart the computer.

Windows 95

6. Start your system in DOS by holding the F8 key after turning on the computer.

7. Select Start in DOS from the Windows startup screen.

8. Type "cfgback" at the C:\ prompt. The program displays Registry files previously backed up with this program and the dates they were saved.

9. Select the most recent backup file that is dated prior to the time when the computer problems occurred.

10. Click Restore and Yes to restore the Registry.