Back-Up Registry and Windows OS

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Before you make any changes to your registry it's recommended you create a back-up copy. That way if you accidentally delete something you need, you can restore your registry to its previous state. This safety feature allows you to make changes to your registry without having to worry about accidental deletions.

For extra protection, you can also create a back-up copy of Windows OS. A Windows OS back-up copy takes a snapshot of the registry and some key dynamic data stores, makes an entry into a restore point log, and saves the registry and datastore copies into an archive. If you encounter a problem, you can use your Windows OS back-up to go back to an earlier time.

**Please note, Windows OS back-up does not back-up user documents (such as Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, etc). It backs up programs and other functions of the operating system. Also, these back-ups are only kepy by Windows for 90 days**

Specifically with a Windows OS back-up, here is what can be restored:

• Registry
• Profiles (local only-roaming user profiles are not impacted by a system restore)
• COM+ Database
• WFP.dll cache
• WMI Database
• IIS Metabase
• General critical system and application files, such as .exe and .dll files
• Drivers
• Auto/Windows update installed bits
• Ntbackup recoveries (on monitored files)
• Any file downloaded from the Internet and stored in a location other than My Documents

Below is what is not restored:

• Any file types not monitored by System Restore like personal data files. For example, files with extensions .doc, .jpg, and .txt
• Passwords in the SAM hive (user passwords are not restored)
• WPA settings (Windows authentication information is not restored)
• Specific directories are excluded for example, "My Documents." Anything contained in this folder, regardless of file extension, will not be altered.
• User-created data stored in the user profile
• Changes made within another OS environment but on the same disk (in alternate partition-dual boot)
• Windows or Auto Update files stored in Windows Update download directory that have not yet been installed

To Back-Up your Registry and Windows OS, simply open Registry Power Cleaner and:

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1. Click on the Back-Up Registry and Windows OS button (on the left hand side of the screen).
2. Then press the green Back-Up Registry and Windows OS button in the middle of the screen.
3. After you press the Back-Up Registry button you will see this text "Creating Registry Back-Up File"
4. After your back-up copy is complete, you will see it has been added to your list of Previous Back-Ups.