HelpWindows7.com

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Having a back-up plan for your files is very important. You can never anticipate when you will lose a file, so prepare yourself beforehand with Windows 7 Backup and Restore utility and understanding Windows Registry.

Using Backup and Restore in Windows 7

1. Click the Start button.
2. Type Backup
3. Click Backup and Restore.
4. Click Set up backup.
5. Select a backup destination.
6. Click Next
7. Choose the files you would like to backup.
8. Choose how often you would like backup your files. (Windows will now begin the backing-up process.)

To retrieve your files simply launch Backup and Restore, click Restore Files, and you will be guided through the process to restore your documents.

Restoring the Registry in WIndows 7

Not taking the extra step to back up your registry can lead to more serious problems in the future, and your computer will not perform as efficiently. To back up and restore your registry, follow the steps below:

1. Press Start.
2. Type regedit.
3. Left-click Computer.
4. Go to File
5. Select Import.
6. Select your backup file.
7. Click open.

The Importance of a System Recovery Disc

This utility will prove to be a life-saver if you encounter any booting issues. If for some reason you don’t have your Windows 7 disc, you easily create a system recovery disc by following the steps below:

1. Press Start.
2. Type Backup.
3. Click Backup and Restore.
4. Click Create a system recovery disc.
5. Select the DVD drive.
6. Click Create disc. (Burning process will begin.)
7. Reboot your computer to test your disc.
8. Be sure to keep your recovery disc in a secure place.

Recovering Data

The first thing to do if you have lost data on computer is to not panic. If you lose your data, be sure to check the recycle bin. If your lost files aren’t there, the actual data may be there, you only need to know how to access it. Windows suggests using Recuva. This is a freeware utility that restores data and files that you may have lost. Recuva can recover files that have been permanently deleted and files lost due to viruses and crashes.

Windows 7 Registry

Knowing how to use the Windows Registry can be very beneficial for managing your files, settings and other vital information. It gives you a chance to create and manage your own registry files. To access the Windows Registry Editor, follow the steps below:

1. Press Start.
2. Type regedit.
3. Press Enter.
4. View the registry components: Keys, Subkeys, and Values.

Adding a New Key:

1. Right-click the parent key
2. Click New.
3. Click Key. (You will be instructed on key names)

Adding a New Value

1. Locate the key you would like to add a value to.
2. Right-click the blank space located in the right pane
3. Click New.
4. Click the value or number. (You will be instructed on values)

Group Policy Editor

This tool helps you with managing and monitoring the configuration of your computers. To open the Group Policy Editor, press Start, type gpedit.msc, and then hit Enter. To enable options, double-click on the option you would like, and change the setting to Enabled.

Keep In Mind

The Group Policy Editor is only included with Windows 7 Ultimate.

As anyone can see, data back up is very critical to your computing experience. Be sure to become familiar with your options, as your level of back up needed depends solely on your computer usage.