In order to correct a problem with the system files, registry, or Windows XP boot failure, you must restore the registry. You may also have to restore the System State files (which includes the registry) to make the system operational again. To start the restoration process, install Windows XP to the same folder that it was installed in originally. When you are prompted to format the hard drive volume or leave it, select the Leave the current file system intact option. Use the Backup utility to restore the System State and/or the registry (All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Backup). Click on the Restore tab and select the device that holds the backed up files.

Let's perform an exercise to help you understand the registry. Make sure you ask your instructor before performing this exercise. The goal of this exercise is to familiarize you with the REG EDIT registry editing utility. You will need a computer with Windows XP installed and a formatted 3.5" floppy disk. REG EDIT is a utility used for editing the Windows registry. With REGEDIT, you can view existing registry settings, modify registry settings values, or create new registry entries to change or enhance the way Windows operates. In this lab, you will use REG EDIT to view the System BIOS and Video BIOS information on your computer.

1. From the Start menu. choose Run, type REGEDIT. and click OK. The REGEDIT utility opens.

2. In the left window. expand HKE LOCAL MACHINE. HARDWARE. and DESCRIPTION by c;licking on the + (plus) symbol located to the left of the name. Click on the System option located under DESCRIPTION. The system BIOS and video BIOS information display in the right window.

4. REGEDIT can be used to back up and restore part or all of the registry. To illustrate this point. a portion of the registry will be exported to disk and then imported into the registry. Ensure the following option is still selected in the Registry window HEKY LOCAL MACHINE\Hardware\D escri ptio n\Syste m

4.Click on the F-ile menu option and select Export. The Export Registry File window opens.

5 . Insert a blank formatted disk into the A: drive. Click on the Save in down arrow and select the 3" Floppy (A) option.

6 . In the File name text box. type Registry System Section and click on the Save button. The specific registry key is saved to disk.

7.To restore the registry (or a portion of it as in this exercise). click on the File menu option and select Import. The screen should list the file located on the A: drive. but if it does not. select the 3"Floppy option from the Look in drop-down menu.

8 . Click on the Registry System Section file name and click on the Open button. A message appears when the section is successfully inserted into the registry. Show this message to the instructor or lab assistant.

9 . Close the REGEDIT utility and properly power off the system.