Windows 7: How can I replace my W7 registry file without using regedit ?

Having an issue with my system and trying to restore to an earlier state...but both System Restore and Regedit - import are giving me errors ?



Here's a couple screen shots that show the main error messages attached

On the registry...I have a full backup of my registry prior to the changes I am trying to reversed
But using - run -regedit - import...I'm getting eh partial error message in the jpegs ?

Is there a way I can manually move/copy my reg files i8n my usb external drive to my main C: drove to replace the current ( I think ) buggy registry ?

Thanks...TR

If I understand correctly, that you have a backed up registry from the same system, and you want to overwrite the new with the old, that should work. You will find any programs you have changed between registries won't work. I would rename my current registry just in case I needed to access it again.

trinaz,

And I wager that you are going to be faced with performing a complete clean install which is strangely enough called a "custom" install by MS.

We can hope that I'm wrong.

You cant restore from a registry backup inside windows because some keys will be in use. See method 2 in this tutorial.

Registry - Backup and Restore

Thanks Bill...ran through a dry run and it looks fairly straight forward.

Two additional questions if I can:

1) How can I verify that the current registry file was indeed replaced by the backed up (backup.reg) file ? Is there a date or something I can check on after the replace opperation...and will the regedit /s command also automatically rename the backup file when in replaces the curretn windows reg file ?

2) Per my originall post...I also am unable to do a restore point operation as the jpg in initial question indicates. Can I use the same cmd command via the install dvd to try that process also ?

Thanks...TR

1) The only way I know of that you can compare 2 different registries is to use Windiff. Windiff has not been customized for Windows 7 so i dont know how well it'll work.

Download details: Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 32-bit Support Tools

Download WinDiff 5.1 Free - Easily view the similarities between two folders - Softpedia

How to Use the Windiff.exe Utility

Another thing you can try is to mark a minor key with some identifiable data, then check after restoring from the backup.

Regedit/ s only merges the backup reg silently (suppresses user prompts), I've never seen it renaming the file.

2) Yes, if you have a good restore point, the same tutorial tells you how. But system restore will restore not just the registry but the system files as well.

In Win 7 Pro where is the registry file kept and what is the name of the file...ie registry.reg ?? or something else

Thanks...TR

Sorry for what seems to me is a dumb question...but where is the original registry file kept and what is it's full name ?

I assume then my backup file of the registry has to have the same name as the current working registry file...?...and what would that be ?

Thanks..TR

If reimporting the registry file does not work, then run a Repair Install which reinstalls the OS (including Registry) while keeping all programs, files and settings in place. I don't think it will reimport bad registry edits.

If this is the result of tweaking, it is strongly advised not to do it in Windows 7 as it will always work against you in the long run. Windows 7 is a perfectly balanced OS trimmed as light as it can possibly be, requiring only normal settings.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Registry

trinaz,
Basicaly the rule is: DON'T MUCK AROUND WITH THE REGISTRY!

This isn't xp. Also the registry is actually several files but that's an in depth discussion. What you see is one file. Use only the MS tools for registry editing.

Now since System Restore did not function, your last resort before using Greg's excellent advice is to run the System File Checker.

System File Checker - SFC /SCANNOW Command