Every time you see any article which asks you to make changes to the Windows Registry, it is preceded with the obligatory, “backup your registry first” statement. Unfortunately, most sites do not provide instructions or a link on how to backup your registry. So as a public service, I’m going to post links to Microsoft articles which explain how to do this.

How to backup your Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 Registry

How to backup your Windows 2000 Registry

How to backup your Windows 9x/ME Registry

Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t have a Windows Vista article yet, but I’m guessing the tool under Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Backup Status and Configuration would do the trick.