Understanding and Editing the Windows Registry - #3 - Precautions for using the Windows Registry editor

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Understanding and Editing the Windows Registry

#3 / July 22, 2009 / 3:33 min.

Precautions for using the Windows Registry editor

Editing the Windows Registry

is good way to

tweak your Windows PC

... if you do it right. However, blithely

changing Windows Registry entries

is a recipe for disaster. Michael "Doctor File Finder" Callahan offers some common sense tips that will ensure your Registry changes are tweaks and improvements as opposed to train wrecks and a disappointment. First and foremost:

make a full backup of the Registry

before editing. Here's how.

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- The

Windows Registry editor

has a few quirks you need to be aware of.

- 1. When

editing the Registry

the changes you make are saved immediately. If you've made a mistake you can open a fresh copy and start over.

- 2. The

Windows Registry editor

does not have an "undo" function. When you delete something it's gone!

- 3. The

Windows Registry editor

does not pop up dialogs warning that what you're doing may be wrong. No warnings, no cautions. You can delete a string that will disable the computer and the Registry will let you do it without a peep.

- Backup your Registry before you go into edit, especially during your first attempts.

- Click File and then Export.

- You can backup just a branch of the Registry.

- Initially at least I suggest you select All and backup the complete Registry.

- Give the backup a name that means something to you and then click Save.

- The hourglass will spin and when it stops your Registry is backed up.