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General discussion

How can I backup registry w/o going into Reg and Export?

Mar 1, 2004 10:57PM PST

I want to do an unattended Registry backup using some commercial software, without having to go into the Registry Editor and manually exporting.

Where is the information stored and what search should I do?

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Re:How can I backup registry w/o going into Reg and Export?
Mar 1, 2004 11:11PM PST

If you have W9X (and possibly ME), these are the files that are your registry information files.

SYSTEM.DAT, SYSTEM.DA0, USER.DAT, USER.DA0

I believe that the .da0 files are backups, but I'm away from the W98 system right now and am not positive.

TONI

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What OS is this?
Mar 1, 2004 11:13PM PST

It makes a difference.

But in Windows 98, the REGEDIT /E in a batch file will export the registry or key as you see fit. Copying may fail as the file might be in use.

http://www.jsiinc.com/SUBC/tip1000/rh1087.htm

Noteable as well is that in 98/ME is the registry already has some 5 backups so most just need a suggestion to look at SCANREG /RESTORE

Bob

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Re:What OS is this?
Mar 2, 2004 12:24AM PST

I am sorry. I should have mentioned I am using Windows XP Home SP1. Where are the files located and what are the names? Should I backup System State files?

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Re:How can I backup registry w/o going into Reg and Export?
Mar 2, 2004 12:00AM PST

1. The registry is backed up daily for the last five days in Win9x (default set in the BackupDirectory key, SCANREG.INI).

2. The compressed x.CAB files (rb00x.cab, where "x" can be 0 to 5) are stored in the \SYSBCKUP folder by default. When the computer is booted each new day, the next number is created and after the default number (5) is reached, the older file is replaced.

Caveat: Setting the "Backup=" line to 0 (zero) in the SCANREG.INI file will circumvent Windows 98 from backing up the Registry totally. However, if the Registry isn't being backed up and this is not the cause, please read the Microsoft Knowledge Base article, subject "Registry Is Not Backed Up Automatically at Startup (Q198864)."

3. If the box labeled "ScanRegistry" is disabled in the "Startup" tab menu (System Configuration Utility (MSCONFIG)), the system registry will not be backed-up during boot.

4. From the MS-DOS prompt any of the backups can be restored, [Q184023]. Boot to the command prompt and type Scanreg /restore and then press enter. Follow the directions to select which backup you want based on date saved.

5. To perform a manual backup after a computer has booted, simply type scanreg on the Run line, and then press Enter.