Windows 7 - Backup User and System Data Files - Enable or Disable

**Brink**

How to Enable or Disable to Backup Data Files in Windows 7

Information

This will allow you to enable or disable the ability of all users on the computer to Backup User and System Data Files in Windows 7. This is enabled by default in Windows 7.

EXAMPLE: When Backup is Disabled Messages

OPTION ONE

Through a Download

1. To Enable Backup Data Files -
A) Click on the Download button below to download the
Enable_Backup_Data_Files.zip file below.

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Disable Backup Data Files -
A) Click on the Download button below to download the
Disable_Backup_Data_Files.zip file below.

3. Click on Save, and save the .zip file to the desktop.

4. Open the .zip file and extract the .reg file to the desktop.

5. Right click the .reg file (On Desktop) and click on Merge.

6. Click on Run, Yes, Yes, and OK when prompted.

7. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg and .zip files on the desktop if you like.

OPTION TWO

Through the Local Group Policy Editor

1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor.

2. In the left pane, click on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Backup, and Client. (See screenshot below)

3. In the right pane, right click on Turn off the ability to back up data files and click on Edit. (See screenshot above)

4. To Enable Backup Data Files -
A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled. (See screenshot below step 6)

B) Go to step 6.

5. To Disable Backup Data Files -
A) Select (dot) Enabled. (See screenshot below step 6)

6. Click on OK. (See screenshot below)

7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

**swarfega** · 03-19-2009

Does this backup save all your user and program settings? Atm I rely on copying my appdata folder to another location to back up the program/user settings.

**Brink** · 03-19-2009

Hi Swarfega,

Yes, sure it can if selected. The backup files feature has been updated in the 7057 build to be a lot better in selecting what you want backed up. See the screenshot under step 9 here to see the new selection options.

Backup User and System Files

**swarfega** · 03-20-2009

Yeah gave it a go shortly after I posted. It has improved so I think Ill take advantage of this feature to make clean installs easier.

**Brink** · 03-20-2009

I can't wait to see what improvements they make in the next build to. This was a nice one.