Keeping the Windows Database safe is an integral part of keeping your whole computer safe.  Even though you don't use it, edit it or delete things in it, the Windows Database, sometimes called the Registry, is being used all the time.  The different programs you install and uninstall are placing changes in the registry every day, and every day your computer depends on the essential instructions that the Windows Database provides to keep track of all its internal functions.

By far the best way to protect the Windows Database is to do a System Restore Point.  This is a snapshot of your whole operating system in its current state.  Lots of people know about the System Restore, but many don't give it much thought.  After all, there are certain times when your computer makes a restore point automatically, most notably when its about to install updates.  The problem is, those people measure the usefulness of the System Restore by what they can see, and what it does is so much more vital.  By solidifying the thousands of internal commands in one, healthy state, the System Restore ensures not only that your programs will be in place after the restore, but that they'll work and interact correctly, something that is far more important than their just being there.

There's no need to lay out examples of why a system restore is important.  Given the option to turn on automatic restores or turn them off, most people leave them on.  A bad update, a poorly written program or a Virus or Trojan can rapidly give someone a reason they would want to restore Windows to a previous snapshot.  But sometimes automatic restore isn't good enough, not when you have the option to make and name snapshots as you see fit.  What's better is that this can be done on your scheudule. Any time you feel that a restore point may be a good idea, follow the directions below to make one.  This way you can secure the Windows Database, not to mention your applications against any harm you may or may not see coming.

System Restore on Windows XP

For those of you using the Windows XP Operating system, these are the steps to back up your system and protect the Windows Database

Backup

Getting to the backup dialog isn't that intuitive, but it isn't difficult either.

• First , select Start, then All Programs then Accessories then System Tools then finally System Restore

• From the Welcome to System Restore section, you’ll click on Create a Restore Point. Now you’ll click Next

• From the Create a Restore Point Page, you’ll need to type in a name for the restore point. Now click OK

• Now that you have created the restore point, click Close

Your System Restore may be turned off, so you’ll get a message asking you if you want to turn it on. Click Yes. From the System Properties box, clear the Turn off System Restore by clicking the check box, then click OK. Now repeat the steps above.

Managing Auto System Backup in XP

To control the amount of data reserved for system restore, as well as how often a restore point is automatically made, simply find the My Computer icon, either on your desktop or on the start menu.  Right-click it and then click on Properties.  Look for a tab that says System Restore. This dialog acts as a control panel where you can adjust how your computer treats restoring.

Restore

Now you’ll want to be able to restore the backed up files for Windows XP, and these are the steps to do so:

• First , select Start, then All Programs then Accessories then System Tools then finally System Restore

• From the Welcome to System Restore area, you’ll need to click on Restore my computer to an earlier time, and click Next

• From the Select a Restore Point area, click on the system check point. From the On this list select the Restore point page. Now click on an entry named “Guided Help (Registry Backup). Now click Next. You may receive a message from the System Restore that will list configuration changes that the System Restore makes. Click OK

• From the Confirm Restore Point Selection area, select Next. The System Restore will restore the previous configuration. Now it will restart your PC.

• Now log on to your PC. The System Restore Confirmation page will appear. Click on OK

System Restore in Windows Vista / Windows 7

Now we’ll go over a little how to for doing the same with the Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating system. There's no doubt that Microsoft set up this backup dialog to much more intuitive than that of XP. Backup

Backup

• Start by opening the Control Panel.

• Click on System and Security.
  

• Under the Heading, Backup and Restore. You'll see two options, one is Backup Your Computer
  

• Click that, and Windows will launch the Backup Wizard, which will guide you through the steps of making a snapshot

Restore

To restore a backup, simply follow the same commands but this time choose the other category under Backup and Restore

• Start by opening the Control Panel.

• Click on System and Security.
  

• Under the Heading, Backup and Restore, choose the second category, Restore Files from Backup
  

• Click that, and Windows will launch the Restore Wizard, a dialog that will let you browse restore points and choose the appropriate way to restore your system. 
  

Your files or folders will now be restored.

Restui.exe

In Vista and 7, the develoepers wanted to make the process of backing up and restoring your Windows Database easier than ever, so unlike XP, they built in a shortcut you can use to access the Restore Wizard:  Go to Start the Run or simply click WinKey + R.  This will open the Run Prompt.  Type Restui.exe and you'll automatically launch the Restore dialog without having to hunt for it.