The Windows Registry is a centralised
hierarchical database of information and configuration settings for installed
software, hardware devices, user preferences and system setup. Every new
program or device added to the system will contribute to the expansion of the
registry. This feature is unique to Windows, and does not have a parallel in
other operating systems.
Do All Apps Use The Registry?
No. For example, we’ve featured “Portable”
apps which are specifically designed not to leave a footprint and can simply be
deleted after use. Some apps may also store their configuration in a specific
file.
How Do We Edit The Registry?
Modifications to the registry are
achieved using Regedit, a free app which is installed on all Windows systems by
default.
Why Would We Want To Modify
The Registry?
Typically, we would modify the
registry in instances where we wish to make use of functionality which is not
readily accessible through the normal configuration mechanisms provided by the
Windows user interface, for example settings which do not feature in the
Settings app or Control Panel.
What Are The Dangers Of
Editing The Registry?
Given the central role played by
the registry and its constant reference by Windows and running software,
introducing errors can potentially destabilise the system, making it unusable
in extreme instances.
How Do We Mitigate These
Risks?
As with any computing project,
the best defence is a backup. Regedit provides a straightforward mechanism to
backup and restore the registry in full. Once this backup is secured, we can
undertake any amendments to the registry, safe in the knowledge that we can
revert back to the existing state simply by restoring the backup. Whilst we can
export specific keys, the instructions below deal with exporting the registry
in full.
The Process In Full
Part I – Backing Up The
Registry
1 )..Click the Start button or
press the Windows key.
2 )..The Start menu will appear.
3 )..Type Regedit.
4 )..Press Enter, or click on the
Registry Editor shortcut.
5 )..Depending on the system
setup, User Account Control may prompt a challenge. Click “Yes” to
continue.
6 )..The main Regedit window
appears. Click “File.”
7 )..The File menu appears. Click
“Export...”
8 )..The registry will export as
a single file. We need to select a location where that file will be saved. In
this instance, we have selected our “Documents” folder, although you
have an entirely free choice.
9 )..Provide a name for the file.
We opt for “Registry Backup,” but this is again a free choice.
10 )..Click “Save” to
begin the backup.
11 )..After a short pause, the
backup will be completed. We can now verify that the file has saved to our
chosen location. Open an Explorer window.
12 )..Navigate to the location
where the file was saved in step (8). In this example, the “Documents”
folder was used.
13 )..You should see a registry
backup file with the filename supplied in step (9). This file should be
archived safely, and can be used to restore the registry to its current state
should it be required.
Part II – Restoring The
Registry From The Backup
14 )..Return to Regedit and click
to open the “File” menu.
15 )..To restore a registry
backup, select “Import…”
16 )..Navigate to the location in
which your registry backup file is saved. In this example, we have used our “Documents”
folder. Select the registry backup file created in step (10).
17 )..Click “Open” to restore the
backup.
