Question about Registry bckp and rstre tutorial

Senteaf · 24 Nov 2011

Warning
Importing or merging the .reg file backup will only restore the keys and values that were in the backup. If you have added new keys and values since the .reg file backup was created, then these items will not be affected when you import or merge the backup to the registry. If you wanted to replace the registry completely with a backup, then System Restore (see Method One in OPTION ONE & TWO below) will allow you to do this instead.

I am not sure this is correct because it is not mentioned on windows official registry backup guide

Brink · 24 Nov 2011

Hello Senteaf,

It is correct, unless you do a system restore. Only doing a system restore will it replace the registry completely. If you just export a key from the registry, then it will only restore what was in that export. If you added another subkey later to say that key, then it will not be affected by restoring that older export.

Hope this helps to make it more clearer. :)

Shawn

Senteaf · 24 Nov 2011

Thank you,
but if I click export on Computer and not on specific key, will it delete keys which were added after the backup?
I mean will it have the same effect System Restore point has?

Brink · 24 Nov 2011

You're welcome.

No on both accounts.

Anything in use or does not have access permission, will not be changed or added when restored/imported. Only what was exported would be changed or added when restored/imported.

That's why I always strongly recommend creating a restore point instead to be able to completely restore the registry as it was with a system restore instead. :)

Senteaf · 24 Nov 2011

Okay I understand, thanks for your help.

Brink · 24 Nov 2011

You're most welcome. :)