How to: Back up the registry.
Solution:
Setup makes a backup copy of the Registry called System.1st in the root directory. Another copy (System.da0) is created in the 'Windows' folder. This backup is a copy of the Registry as it was before the last re-start. System.dat is copied to System.da0 each time Windows starts successfully.
1) To back up the Registry:
a) Click the 'Start' button to display the 'Start' menu.
b) Select 'Windows Explorer'.
Windows Explorer
c) Select the 'View' menu and select 'Options...'. (The 'Options' dialog box appears.)
d) Click the 'View' tab.
e) Select the 'Show all files' radio button, and clear the 'Hide MS-DOS file extensions for file types that are registered' check box.
f) Click 'OK'.
g) Double-click the 'Windows' folder.
h) In the right-hand pane of the 'Explorer' window, right-click the System.dat file, and select 'Copy'.
i) Right-click another folder (such as a backup folder), and select 'Paste'. (A copy of the System.dat file is placed in the folder.)
NOTE: If the Registry is damaged, various errors may occur or the computer may not start properly. Changes made while troubleshooting the problem may write the damaged System.dat file to the System.da0 file, causing both of them to be defective. The SYSTEM1ST file is written only the first time Windows 95 is installed, and so may be out of date if new hardware or software has been installed since Windows 95 was installed.
2) If the Registry is damaged, you can restore the backup copy of the System.dat file:
a) Right-click the backup System.dat file, and select 'Copy'.
b) Right-click the 'Windows' folder, and select 'Paste'.
c) Click 'Yes' when prompted to replace the existing file.
NOTE: These procedures can also be used to back up and restore other critical files, such as User.dat.
