Help Desk

How to backup and restore copies of your Windows Registry

Overview: The Windows Registry contains configuration information necessary for Windows to function. If it is corrupted or deleted, your computer may function more unpredictably than usual or Windows may not start at all.

To back up your Windows 95/98 Registry:

  1. Restart your computer in MS-DOS mode by clicking the Start Menu, choosing Shut Down, selecting "Restart in MS-DOS Mode", and pressing the "Ok" button.
  2. Verify that your command prompt reads "C:\WINDOWS>", if not, type "cd \windows".
  3. Type "attrib -h -r -s system.dat" and "attrib -h -r -s user.dat".
  4. Type "copy system.dat system.bak" and "copy user.dat user.bak"
  5. Type "attrib +h +r +s system.dat" and "attrib +h +r +s user.dat".
  6. Restart the computer by pressing CTRL+ALT+DELETE or the RESET switch.
To restore your Windows 95/98 Registry:

  1. Restart your computer in MS-DOS mode by clicking the Start Menu, choosing Shut Down, selecting "Restart in MS-DOS Mode", and pressing the "Ok" button.
  2. Verify that your command prompt reads "C:\WINDOWS>", if not, type "cd \windows".
  3. Type "attrib -h -r -s system.dat" and "attrib -h -r -s user.dat".
  4. Type "del system.dat" and "del user.dat"
  5. Type "copy system.bak system.dat" and "copy user.bak user.dat"
  6. Type "attrib +h +r +s system.dat" and "attrib +h +r +s user.dat".
  7. Restart the computer by pressing CTRL+ALT+DELETE or the RESET switch.
Restoring and backing up your registry via Windows 98's SCANREG:

Windows 98 provides a useful utility for backing up and restoring copies of the Windows Registry called Scanreg. To use it, simply restart into MS-DOS mode, type "scanreg" (without quotes) and follow the on screen instructions. You may find it much easier to use if you do not enjoy typing.

Return to the Help Desk












Prices, specifications, warranties, and availability subject to change without notice.
Please contact webmaster@tmacpc.com with any questions regarding this website.
All logos and trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
Copyright 2002 TMAC Computers, All rights reserved.
All prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.
TMAC is not responsible for typographical errors.
All typographical errors are subject to correction.