Windows 7: backup registry in command line

bob363 · 04 Dec 2012

Hello
I am trying to back up a registry key, I am using the command >reg export hkey_local_machine\software\microsoft\windows c:\windows\regbackup
and I keep getting the error message Unable to write to the file. There may be a disk or file system error. Not sure what I am doing wrong, any help would be appreciated

Night Hawk · 04 Dec 2012

You may be entering the command wrong?! A simple type error in the command will cause an immediate problem. One guide with a chart for all the commands available can be looked over at Managing the Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7 Registry from the Command Prompt with Reg.exe

If you still don't get anywhere using the command prompt method then refer to the SF guide for simply backing up the registry noting Method Two for seeing a backup exported. Registry - Backup and Restore

Ztruker · 05 Dec 2012

The problem may be that you are trying to create the file in the Windows directory. Try a different location, like

reg export hkey_local_machine\software\microsoft\windows %userprofile%\regbackup

worked for me.

BTW: It's also a good idea to enclose both parameters in double quotes like this:

reg export "hkey_local_machine\software\microsoft\windows" "%userprofile%\regbackup"

bob363 · 06 Dec 2012

thanks for responding i know the command is correct because I am not getting a syntax error, I have tried creating different folders in different locations and I get the same error every time

alan10 · 06 Dec 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by bob363

thanks for responding i know the command is correct because I am not getting a syntax error, I have tried creating different folders in different locations and I get the same error every time

Your knowledge may be incorrect - otherwise the command would work.

Perhaps your problem is that you do not have adequate authority.
If you are not allowed to create "different folders in different locations" then you are unlikely to create files.

Night Hawk · 06 Dec 2012

Are you logged in as adminstrator or need to elevate permissions at all? You still have the other option available by following the guide there if you continue to run into problems as far as seeing a backup made.

Ztruker · 07 Dec 2012

Did you try what I suggested?

bob363 · 07 Dec 2012

yes I posted above that I tried creating a folder in a different location and also tried using quotes but am still getting error, thanks for your help I appreciate it, I also tried running as administrator but that did not work either

Night Hawk · 07 Dec 2012

Have you tried following the guide at all just for having a backup? If you still have problems using a gui approach you could be looking at some other problem since this could registry related.

Ztruker · 08 Dec 2012

What happens if you try to create the file in the current directory?

reg export "hkey_local_machine\software\microsoft\windows" "regbackup"

Can you create a file from the Command Prompt at all? Try this:

echo "This is a test" > test.txt

Windows 7: backup registry in command line

backup registry in command line problems?