Registry backup

[kelly]

I have a machine in here that 'Finds New Hardware' each time it boots. The new hardware is the USB-connected scanner and USB-connected printer. I believe this to be a registry problem. My plan is to us JV16 to check the registry, but I want to back it up first.

Any recommendations on backing up the registry on an XP machine?

- tony d

[dbarrow]

You can EXPORT the registry to make a backup of it but reloading it is another matter unless you are experienced with loading hives.

You can set a RESTORE POINT

Remember that your Windows/REPAIR folder contains a copy of each hive.
You can use the XP install cd to launch REPAIR CONSOLE and COPY the hives back from the REPAIR folder to \System32\config where the working reg resides

JV16 will make its own backups of any changes and restores quite well replacing anything it takes out.

A current IMAGE file, like Acronis, is always a good idea.

I have never had a problem with JV16 doing reg cleaning and trust it enough to run it monthly. It has never deleted anything I had to put back from backup.

If the scanner and printer have their own software,
and, if the hardware wizard insists on installing the drivers/software on each boot,
I suggest:
#1. Go into device manager and disable one of the devices, reboot, and determine which is the offending device.
#2. Once you figure out which one is causing it, UNINSTALL it, reboot, re-install it. That should clear up any registry issues with it.
#3. Check the mnfr site for each device for any new or updated software and use the most current version. It could be a flaw in their software.

[Tortanick]

Do you have a perfectly working scanner and printer? If so why bother digging around the most complex, badly designed, confusing, and one of the most dangerous parts of the OS to remove one mildly annoying speach bubble?

If they arn't working then best of luck to ya :)

[mylanta]

I would uninstall both then use jvc to remove any entry from them and reboot and reinstall...change ports you are plugged into as well.

[kelly]

Rich - that's the plan: backup registry, make a Restore Point, uninstall and see what Windows does when it restarts.

-td