Before modifying any setting of the Windows Registry it is highly recommended to make a backup. You can make the backup as follows:
Copy System.dat and User.dat or Export a single portion of the Registry using REGDIT. Entire Registry backup can be done in this way.
Creating Backup by Exporting a Portion of the Registry
1. Go to START, then click RUN and type REGEDIT and hit OK
2. Next in the Registry Editor, select the key you want to back up.
3. Next select EXPORT REGISTRY FILE in the Registry menu.
4. It requires you to Save in list, choose the folder where you like to keep the backup.
5. Punch in the name for your backup file, in the File name box, choose a name that is easy to remember or recall such as “Copy” or “Backup.
6. Remember to select “Selected branch” option in the Export Range box.
7. Then press Save. The file will be saved with a.reg extension.
Modifying Registry Entries
For modifying Word-related Registry entries it is highly recommended to use the RegOptions macro, given that you are modifying settings for Word for Windows 95. For modification in any other program, you need to make changes in the Registry itself. Let’s learn how to do it.
1. Start RegEdit and export the key you need to modify by following the steps in the “Backup By Exporting a Portion of the Registry” section above.
2. Chose the option you are interested to change.
3. Choose Modify after right clicking on it.
4. Make the modification on the “Value data box.
5. Important: Before changing the Registry just make sure that the path is correct, i.e. if you are changing a path.
6. Press OK afterwards.
7. Click Exit and you are out of the Registry Editor.
Removing a Registry Entry
1. During the RegEdit export the key you want to modify as the instructions in the “backup By Exporting a Portion of the Registry” section suggests.
2. Chose the key that you want to delete.
3. Press the delete key or right click mouse and press Delete.
4. Press Exit in the Registry Editor.
Look up all References to a Specific Word or File Name.
1. Start RegEdit and export the key you want to modify by following the steps in the “Backup By Exporting a Portion of the Registry” section above.
2. Export the key you need to modify by starting RegEdit, and following the steps in “Backup By Exporting a Portion of the Registry” section from there.
3. Press Find on the Edit menu.
4. Type the word or filename in the Find What box.
5. Click on Find Next option.
6. The first instance of this word will be displayed by the Registry Editor. By pressing F3 you can find the next instance.