What is the Registry?
In the days of Windows 3.x programs used to put their critical data on .INI files. Every program had to create its own .INI file where it stores its relating data.
For example: A program can store its window’s dimension and screen’s location on the .INI file at exit. And it will retrieve that data on its next launching.
With the arrival of Windows 95 and higher, radical changes occured.
A new feature was created: The registry. It is a common place where all applications are invited to save their launching parameters and data. No more .INI files!
What is the idea behind the registry?
The registry was created to set a kind of convention for all the programmers around the world so they give up the .INI technology and adopt the Registry consensus.
The majority of programmers accepted the new technology as the “Designed for Windows 95” logo and such may attest. Others are still creating .INI files even if they changed the extension.
How does the registry work?
In fact, the registry is a compilation of two files: SYSTEM.DAT and USER.DAT Both are located under the Windows folder.
These files have three properties; they are: -System: that means they are essential for Windows to run. -Hidden: that means they are not visible from the Explorer. -Read Only: that means that you cannot edit them directly.
How can the registry be damaged?
Some software installation can deteriorate the registry by inserting new configuration parameters or deleting some vital entries of the Windows operating system. This can be easily noticed at the next Windows start up session after such an unfortunate installation process.
Also, some accidental changes or non ethical modifications may occur when users manipulate the registry with its special editor: Regedit.
This application is located on WINDOWSREGEDIT.EXE
Important:
It is NOT recommended to edit the registry because there is no undo function, no cancel possibility and no warning messages when vital entries deletions are performed.
Even a Windows start up failure (it’s rare) can cause registry loss.
How to backup the registry?
Method 1:
You can copy the registry files in a backup folder of your choice. As seen above, SYSTEM.DAT and USER.DAT are hidden files. So you cannot view them from the explorer.
We can do something about that:
1. Launch the Windows Explorer
2. Open the “Display” menu, click the “Option” command
3. From the dialog box, click on the “Display” tab
4. Check the “Display all files” radio button
>From this moment on, all the hidden files of the system are visible from the explorer.
5. Explore the WINDOWS folder and copy the SYSTEM.DAT and USER.DAT files into a new folder (e.g. C:REGISTRY)
Important: Do not forget to uncheck the step 4 option.
If Windows encounters a big registry failure, it will not load properly and you cannot even launch Windows.
In this case, follow these steps:
-Press F8 key at Windows start up to skip Windows launch
-Instead, MS-DOS interface is launched, then activate your WINDOWS folder
-Enter the following MS-DOS command:
attrib -r -s -h user.dat
then perform this one:
attrib -r -s -h system.dat
assume you saved the registry backup on C:REGISTRY folder, perform these commands:
copy C:REGISTRYuser.dat
copy C:REGISTRYsystem.dat
finally, you restore the files status with these commands:
attrib +r +s +h user.dat
attrib +r +s +h system.dat
That’s all!
Method 2:
You can use Regedit to create backup file of the registry.
1. Launch Regedit
2. Open “Registry” menu, click “export to file” command
3. From the dialog box, make sure the Export All check box
is activated
4. Save the file under a name (e.g. backup)
The .REG file will be created.
You can import this file using Regedit when Windows encounters little dysfunction. This method can be useful if performed just before a setup process.
But if Windows could not load, follow this simple procedure:
1. Skip the Windows startup as explained on method 1
2. From the MS-DOS, activate your WINDOWS folder
3. Launch the following MS-DOS command: regedit.exe /c BACKUP.REG
This assumes you saved the registry under: BACKUP.REG
Important: Now is the best time to create a Boot disk. This disk will allow you to perform crucial recovery operations when things turn bad.
Method 3: You can use a little utility called: CfgBack. This application can back up different registry configurations and restore the one you choose.
Important: This method is useless if Windows cannot load as CfgBack is exclusively a Windows application!
Finally, if all the methods above fail, ask for technical support. If nothing seems to go well, then consider seriously to reinstall Windows.
Never forget the Number 1 rule when dealing with computers: Always to make backups!
All the best!
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