Every application running on Windows operating system will make use of Windows Registry. Windows Registry is a database which stores all the information regarding configuration settings and other options for Windows operating system and all other third party applications installed on it. If you are installing any new hardware or application on the computer, it will make changes to the Registry, it is advisable to have a back up of Windows Registry before you install any new program.

This post will explain you about how to backup Windows Registry in Windows 7 step by step.

1) Click Start button and click Run from the menu (or) press Windows key + ‘R’ key.

2) Now enter this command ”regedit” in the space provided and press enter.

3) In the Registry Editor window, right click on the computer on the left panel and select Export from the menu.

4) Alternatively you can also export it by clicking on the File –> Export.

5) Choose a location to save the .reg file on the computer.

You can also save the backup registry file on any removable disc or drive for future use.

Process of restoring Registry

If any of the hardware or application that you have installed on the computer causes your system to be unstable. You can use the backup.reg file to restore your registry.

1) Locate the backup.reg file and double click on it or

2) Go the Registry Windows and Click on File –> Import and select the backup.reg file and click OK.

The above process apply even to Windows Vista and XP operating systems.