Has anyone used the System.1st file to replace the registry - if so was it a success please Tks

You really don't want to do that. (I don't think) That's the registry just after Windows is installed. IE: Nothing else has been installed yet. Why were you thinking of doing this/

To start with it only replaces half of the registry. This, coupled with the changes that have come along since, makes it sound like a recipe for all manner of problems. Let us know the problem, perhaps we can suggest an alternative solution. PS. Nice to see you around WhitPhil - long time no see! DerekW

Sorry .... badly put. System.1st would become one of two registry files, but the majority in terms of size. DerekW

Thanks guys. I don't have a registry problem, I just do things for the experience. My thought was to change to the System.1st file to see what happens then reinstall one of my registry backup files and wondered if anyone had tried this get-out-of-jail. Guess I'll just have to do it to find out what happens. Thanks again V...

OK but you need a way to get things back together again if this experiment backfires (quite possibly). There are several ways. One is system /restore using DOS (select registry before you experimented). You can use Export/Import via regedit but be aware that when you Import it "merges" the registry back with what you already have there, rather than replacing it. Another way is to shut down or start in DOS and replace system.dat & user.dat (but it is sensible to replace win.ini & system.ini at the same time the way MS do). You will first have to unset the attribs for the two dat files. If you are interested I have produced two throroughly tested (W95/W98) batch files which automate the whole Save/Restore registry process. These come in a zip with notes. Shout back if you are interested. They are very useful for experimenters (your way back if you get too clever). DerekW

I'd be interested in taking a look at what you've come up with Derek. It's a good day when you learn something