How to Backup & Restore the Registry
The Windows Registry is a database that stores settings and options for Microsoft Windows operating systems. It contains information and settings for hardware, operating system software, most non-operating system software, and per-user settings.
The registry is the most important part of the OS, please be careful when modifying it 
Backup Entire Registry
1. Press the
WinKey+R to open up the
Run dialog box. Type in
regedit and click
OK
2. Make sure that
computer is highlighted, then go to
File >
Export.
3. Navigate to where you want to
save your registry & give it a
relevant, meaningful name.
Make sure that under Export range, the All radio button is checked. And click on
Save.
Backup Individual Branches of the Registry.
1. Press the
WinKey+R to open up the
Run dialog box. Type in
regedit and click
OK
2. This time, highlight the
branch you want to backup. (I'll be backing up the
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT Branch). And go to
File >
Export.
3. Navigate to where you want to
save your registry & give it a
relevant, meaningful name.
Make sure that under Export range, the Selected Branches radio button is checked. And click on
Save.
Restore the Registry - Option 1
1. Navigate to your
backed up registry file.
Right click it and select
merge.
2. You'll get a
warning pop telling you that adding information to the registry
can cause damage. So long as your happy and trust the source, click
Yes. Once it's finished importing, another pop will notify you that the entries have been sucessfully added, click
OK and you're done.
Restore the Registry - Option 2
1. Press the
WinKey+R to open up the
Run dialog box. Type in
regedit and click
OK
2. Navigate to
File >
Import
3. Find the
registry file you want to
restore and click
Open.
You'll get a popup that tells you it's completed successfully.
