How to Back Up a Vista Registry

The registry has long been a component of the Microsoft Windows operating system. It holds the general information of programs and the drivers used to allow the software to interact with the hardware. Part of a complete backup is saving the registry in case of system failure.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Windows Vista

1. Make sure you are logged in as the administrator. Windows Vista has user levels, and only administrators can backup and restore a registry.

2. Click the "Start" menu at the bottom left of your screen. Choose "Run" from the start menu and type "systempropertiesprotection" (without quotes). This command brings up the Properties window.

3. Choose the "System Protection" tab. This shows a window listing your local hard drives.

4. Select the "Create" button. This step asks you for a location for the saved file. Choose a location for your saved file. This can be a CD, a floppy drive, or a location on your hard drive.

5. Click "OK." The computer will save your file at the given location. Keep this stored file in a safe location.

References

• Microsoft