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Using regedit I export a copy of my registry prior to installing a new app. What is the difference in going back to a Restore Point or using Norton's GoBACK if I need to? How does a backup copy of my registry differ from these. Thanks.
A restore point reinstalls the system files and the registry for that point. The registry import just reinstalls the registry for that point. I believe GoBack reinstalls the whole hdd.
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No, GoBack doesn't restore the whole HDD. It's similar to System Restore. I've heard a lot of bad things about GoBack. I would recommend System Restore.
Like Per said, they save a copy of the Registry just like you did. They also save copies of some critical system files. From my experience, most problems are caused by a corruped Registry.
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You can also use the XP backup. Start-programs-accesssories-system tools-backup. It give the option of a complete hdd backup or just system files which includes the registery.
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As already mentioned above, GoBack is a program that you want to keep well away from. If it becomes corrupted then the only option is to do a clean install of OS.
Imaging your disk is the besy way to ensure that you retrieve all your information, including your OS, if you experience a problem, a virus attack being one of them.
Imaging requires that you have another HD and relevant software. The latter you locate by googling "imaging disk".
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Use a program like ERUNT for registry backups (see address below). Using regedit to export/import does not replace your registry, it merges the backup instead so you're left with a mush of old and new entries. Also, you can't use regedit to backup anything in the SECURITY hive.
System Restore will replace the registy (not merge) so you will get rid of all new entries as well as regaining old ones. It will also restore exe's, dll's etc and remove any that have been added in most places whether they are system files or not, so it's a good way of getting rid of traces left behind. Google can give you a more complete list of file types covered.
System Restore can be unreliable, so it's best to maintain a separate registry backup as well just in case.
Never used goback, so can't comment.
ERUNT
http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/erunt/
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"Using regedit to export/import does not replace your registry, it merges the backup instead so you're left with a mush of old and new entries."
Excellent point by A Loony Tick!
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"Using regedit to export/import does not replace your registry, it merges the backup instead so you're left with a mush of old and new entries."
Have never heard that one. System Restore is VERY unreliable! Have never had any problem with Norton GoBack. Have never tried ERUNT. Thanks all.
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G'day all, I too have used Erunt for about 3 years now and reckon it's about the best you can get [although I haven't tried many I must admit]. It also can be handy in a dual boot system such as 98/XP and although it can't backup a 98 Registry it sure can restore an XP Registry from 98. This I did recently and it saved my bacon after an experiment gone bad.
Regedit exporting is best used for specific key backups, such as personal changes like extensions or display changes, internet settings and other specialised tweaking etc...
If it ain't broke, let me fix it anyway...I need the experience.
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