I have read and understand how to make a backup copy of the entire registry, or just a registry key.

I have also read how to restore the backup .reg file by simply double clicking on the backup file.

What I am unclear about is this:

Several articles say that double clicking RESTORES the registry to it's original data.

Other articles say it MERGES the file to the registry.

In my mind these are 2 different things.

If I added a key for instance, would the restore DELETE this key and set the registry back to original? Or would it ADD the backup reg file to the new key?

I hope my question makes sense. I have very limited experience with the registry, and I know how dangerous it can be.

Thanks...

What yor talking about is replacement. So whatever backup you have is what it will "know". Anything installed after won't exist in the registry. It can cause program registration problems

Sorry Dadof3, but I am not following you here.

If I backed up the entire registry (My Computer in the Registry Editor), and made some changes that didn't work. If I double clicked on the backup reg file, would it put everything back the way it was?

Is this a bad idea for some reason?

Is there a better way to back up the registry before messing with it?

Thanks...

I was just saying that any changes that took place after the back up file will not appear if you use the back up file but all software etc will still be in place. Its just there will be no enteries for it and that can cause major problems if you try to use it.

By all means if you intend to to any editing to it backing it up first is a must do.

Thank you.

Let me make sure I understand what you are saying.

The backup reg file will not ADD to changes in the registry, it will REPLACE changes in the registry, and set it back to the original.

When you say "there will be no entries for it", are you referring to registry changes from new software installations?

Yes. That is what Im referring to. Also it won't return it to original unless that is the one you saved. It will return it to the "saved file" point. So if everything is working good now and you have added things since and "save" that file then that is what it will return to. To me original means "like new". Where backing up and restore means "like it had been".

What is it your trying to do?

Right now, nothing.

I have made some changes to the registry in the past, based on articles I've read, such as how to speed up IE7. Since several articles said exactly the same thing, I was fairly confident that the changes were correct.

I created a system restore point first, just in case.

But I remembered someone on a Tech Support call years ago had me create a registry backup on my desktop so he could try something. When his change didn't work, he had me just double click the backup reg file, and it seemed to reset his changes.

So I am just trying to get clarification on my original question (post 1).

Does double clicking a reg backup file RESTORE the registry to it's original configuration, or does it MERGE (add to the registry changes) as some of the online articles indicate?

That's all. I am hoping this is a "one or the other" answer.

Thanks so much...

It takes over. It doesn't merge it replaces the one your using at that time.

All right!

Thanks for clearing that up...