What does it mean "backup" registry.?

Question

Will program "Registry Booster" remove all my files when I choose backup registry? What will happen then? Should I save programs and files on removable disk?

Answer 1

Backup registry simply means to save to registry file (.reg) as an backup before using softwares like Registry Booster.
These softwares scans your registry file for error or a entry from malacious software or entries from software you've already removed/uninstalled. Some times these software remove entries, they consider as garbage or unhealthy but you are still using, there comes the need of registry backup.

There is no need to backup files on any media because they have no concerns with file(s), but some of the software may stop functioning properly on funtioning at all.

All you need is to backup registry. (in case)

Answer 2

The term 'backup' means to copy something and store it somewhere (you choose the place). In your case, your program can back up the registry to a certain location (e.g. your hard drive, a CD disc, etc.). Registry Booster modifies your registry, so backing up the registry before using Registry Booster is a good idea.
If something happens to the registry, or a change to the registry does something bad to Windows, then you can simply restore the backed up registry copy.

The registry holds a lot of information, such as hardware set up information, your Windows preferences, program configurations, etc. Sometimes, one or more pieces of information in the registry gets damaged, so that's why it is a good idea to back it up once in awhile. (You can also use the Windows System Restore program to back up the registry.) Backing up the registry is also a good idea before you install software or make changes to the registry.

Answer 3

At the risk of sounding rude, you should not modify your registry unless you understand and can configure the registry. If you make a mistake you may end up re-installing your operating system.
I use ERUNT registry backup software once a week and after I install any software. I usually burn the backup to CD. If you use multisession mode you can burn 99 backups to one CD.
Unless you are repairing a damaged registry entry you are better off not tinkering with the registry.

Answer 4

Here are three excellent links which will fully explain the registry and how to deal with it. Please read it all carefully - it is most important to first backup your existing registry before modifying it.

How to back up, edit, and restore the registry in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003
Source: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/256986/
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/305097/

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Important This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure to back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: 256986 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/256986/) Description of the Microsoft Windows registry
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Description of MS Windows Registry:
A central hierarchical database used in Microsoft Windows 9x, Windows CE, Windows NT, and Windows 2000 used to store information necessary to configure the system for one or more users, applications and hardware devices.

The Registry contains information that Windows continually references during operation, such as profiles for each user, the applications installed on the computer and the types of documents that each can create, property sheet settings for folders and application icons, what hardware exists on the system, and the ports that are being used.

The Registry replaces most of the text-based .ini files used in Windows 3.x and MS-DOS configuration files, such as the Autoexec.bat and Config.sys. Although the Registry is common to several Windows operating systems, there are some differences among them.
Registry data is stored in binary files.

Much, much more information at the links above.