Unable to import computer.reg  

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  1. Posts : 26
    10
       #1

    Unable to import computer.reg


    All folders and programs (except registry editor) are closed. Windows 10 Pro. version 1803
    I exported my entire registry, then tried to import it back. Result:
    Cannot import C:\Users\jon\Desktop\regedit\RegEditBU\Computer.reg: Not all data was successfully written to the registry. Some keys are open by the system or other processes, or you have insufficient privileges to perform this operation.
    (More in privileges later)
    So I then exported the five individual HKEY's, and only HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG was successfully imported back, "The keys and values contained in C:\Users\jon\Desktop\regedit\RegEditBU\HKCC.reg have been successfully added to the registry."
    I then started playing with HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG\Software\Fonts, changing LogPixels to 61 in the registry editor, exported it, and saw that the resulting .reg file reflected the change. Then in the .reg file I edited the 61 back to 60, and imported it back. The LogPixels was back to its original 60. So, I think I have proper privileges.
    I followed the suggestion to perform an in-place repair with the installation disk that I used for the original installation. It was not successful, the only option available was to save NOTHING. Reasoning that there is probably a mismatch between my current installed version and the media version (bootable DVD), I downloaded the current version from MS. Then the in-place repair was successful.
    I then exported the entire registry, but importing it back was still unsuccessful. So I exported the five KEYS individually, and only HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG was successfully imported. So I tried the individual directories in HKEY_CURRENT_USER, and here's the result:

    HKCUAppEvents.reg OK
    HKCUConsole.reg OK
    HKCUControlPanel.reg OK
    HKCUEnvironment.reg OK
    HKCUEUDC.reg OK
    HKCUKeyboardLayout.reg OK
    HKCUPrinters.reg OK
    HKCUSoftware.reg Cannot import Error accessing the registry, then later Cannot import C:\Users\jon\Desktop\regedit\RegEditBU\HKCUSoftware.reg: Not all data was successfully written to the registry. Some keys are open by the system or other processes, or you have insufficient privileges to perform this operation.
    HKCUSystem.reg OK
    HKCUVolatileEnvironment.reg OK

    I'm out of ideas.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 39,308
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #2

    You can't import a whole registry with Windows running like that.

    + warnings about inconsistencies such as this older post
    Full registry export performed, but how to import and adviseability. - Microsoft Community

    Why do you wish to do so? What are you trying to achieve?

    The nearest option you have normally is to use System Restore- to restore a previously created restore point- unfortunately restoring is notoriously unreliable- it won't do any harm if it fails, but it may fail.

    There are tools dedicated to registry backup and restoration, e.g. by Tweaking.com. But you would only use these in exceptional circumstances, with full knowledge of the possible repercussions.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 26
    10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    "You can't import a whole registry with Windows running like that." Windows running like what?
    I see that you're supposed to save your registry before making changes; export and import are not how to do it?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 56,582
    Multi-boot Windows 10/11 - RTM, RP, Beta, and Insider
       #4

    jona9 said:
    "You can't import a whole registry with Windows running like that." Windows running like what?
    I see that you're supposed to save your registry before making changes; export and import are not how to do it?
    No. Export/Import is the incorrect method for what you are trying to do. I think you're just trying to get a snapshot of the registry before you make changes and/or fiddle around. Making a Restore Point is the proper method. Making a Restore Point is done while the machine is up, live and running. Restoring a Restore Point is done during the re-boot phase so that nothing is interfering with the process or any open .reg keys.

    You can Export individual keys and their sub-keys, then import them back....like the size and color things you are doing. But not the entire machine. That would like doing a heart transplant with the patient awake and talking to you. Can't be done.

    Read and use this tutorial on Restore Points. It will explain further.

    Create System Restore Point in Windows 10 | Windows 10 Tutorials
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 39,308
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #5

    like that.
    i.e. in the way that you are trying to do it.

    You would first have to render the patient rather more than unconscious, then rip out and replace the vital bits.

    I.e. Windows would not be running. This could be done as this old tool did:
    Download RegBack - MajorGeeks

    Read the description and you'll find the heart transplant occurs without the patient breathing.

    Then there's this:
    Registry Backup

    Scan that and you'll find it's technically involved.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 145
    Windows 10 Home
       #6

    So basically, all my full registry exports are a waste of space and there is no use in saving them.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 20,503
    Win 10 Home ♦♦♦19045.3031 (x64) [22H2]
       #7

    Sapien 1 said:
    So basically, all my full registry exports are a waste of space and there is no use in saving them.


    As mentioned above... registry exports/imports are really only used for minor adjustments. For those times when you're making changes in the registry, that may damage/break Windows.

    For saving the whole registry we use System Restore, or even better... a full OS image backup.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 39,308
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #8

    N.B. Saving the registry alone and then restoring it after other system changes have been made can create inconsistencies. Think about it.


    Automatically Create System Restore Point on Schedule in Windows 10

    can be useful - I have one created daily on a schedule.

    As for importing whole registry hives- well, you could do that offline: example:
    Utilizing Offline Registry Editor to Repair the Registry

    There used to be a feature called Regback in Windows where up to 5 copies of the registry were automatically saved. This can be enabled again.
    Enable Automatic Backup of System Registry when Restart in Windows 10

    Regback has value in very limited cases - e.g. when a PC is unbootable because of registry corruption, such that even if you have a System Restore point you couldn't run System Restore.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 145
    Windows 10 Home
       #9

    Ghot said:
    As mentioned above... registry exports/imports are really only used for minor adjustments. For those times when you're making changes in the registry, that may damage/break Windows.

    For saving the whole registry we use System Restore, or even better... a full OS image backup.
    System Image doesnt work on Windows 10. I used both H1 and H2 and system image does not work.

    - - - Updated - - -

    dalchina said:
    N.B. Saving the registry alone and then restoring it after other system changes have been made can create inconsistencies. Think about it.


    Automatically Create System Restore Point on Schedule in Windows 10

    can be useful - I have one created daily on a schedule.

    As for importing whole registry hives- well, you could do that offline: example:
    Utilizing Offline Registry Editor to Repair the Registry

    There used to be a feature called Regback in Windows where up to 5 copies of the registry were automatically saved. This can be enabled again.
    Enable Automatic Backup of System Registry when Restart in Windows 10

    Regback has value in very limited cases - e.g. when a PC is unbootable because of registry corruption, such that even if you have a System Restore point you couldn't run System Restore.
    I created a restore point and exported the registry following each and every change I've made to Windows, so, when I back up I only go one step, losing the latest incorrect change only. This computer is offline and does not receive any updates at all unless I manually make the changes myself.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 20,503
    Win 10 Home ♦♦♦19045.3031 (x64) [22H2]
       #10

    Sapien 1 said:
    System Image doesnt work on Windows 10. I used both H1 and H2 and system image does not work.


    Yes. Microsoft has recommended the use of 3rd party backup software.
    A lot of us use Macrium Reflect (free/paid), as our backup software.


    Macrium Software | Reflect Free Edition


    Quickie Macrium picture guide...
    Macrium Reflect and Bootable Rescue Media, pictures...


    Macrium Reflect User Guide...
    https://updates.macrium.com/reflect/...user_guide.pdf

    Macrium Notes:
    1. A full OS image backup will be approx. 1/2 the size of the total "used space" on the C:\ drive.
    2. Backing up takes about 75 seconds for every 20GB of "used space" on the C:\ drive.


    Full tutorial...
    Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect
      My Computer


 

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