System Restore or Registry Backup Restore?

[mecanicogolf]

I am never sure about how to handle these two. I really don't know which is the best and what is their difference. When should I do one or the other and what happens if I do one or the other. This has always been a conflict with me and, of course I am NEVER sure which is the best.
Could someone please explain what exactly these two different programs do and what exactly happens one you do one or the other?

Thanks ahead of time.

[Boggin]

I think they do the same job but I would prefer restore points.

WR's option to create a restore point doesn't actually create a restore point, so it's best to manually create one before using WR and I always boot into Safe Mode before restoring from one.

[mecanicogolf]

Thanks Boggin! I figured that but could you tell me what is the purpose of doing a backup of the reg, if it's better to use Restore point?
It's all in the WR I know and I am assuming that all programs have a purpose, so just wondering.

 Also, the Reparse Points and Enviornment Variables states that this step is not a fix (Pre-scan) and can be skipped??? I think it is important and I run it every once in a while just to make sure everything is there where it should be.

I also believe you should add two other programs to WR:

Using Command Prompt (Adm) :
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /ScanHealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore
Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

Using DISM is important too to insure the PC is running tip-top.

[garioch7]

@mecanicogolf:

As Tom has stated, Restore Points are the preferred option.  A registry backup just backs up your registry, nothing more.  A System Restore Point includes a registry backup, important Windows files, as well as your program files, so if something borks your computer, you can restore it to a previous point in time.  A System Restore Point does not include your personal data files (documents, music, video, photos).  You might want to check out this link for more information: https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-a-restore-point-2625988.

I hope this helps.  Have a great day.

Regards,
-Phil

[Willy2]

- "Registry Backup" (as the name implies) only backs up the registry and nothing else. Where as System Restore also backup system files (if they are moved for the one or other reason). If you change any of the settings then some 90% (95% ???) are stored in the registry.

[Julian]

Thanks Boggin! I figured that but could you tell me what is the purpose of doing a backup of the reg, if it's better to use Restore point?
It's all in the WR I know and I am assuming that all programs have a purpose, so just wondering.

 Also, the Reparse Points and Enviornment Variables states that this step is not a fix (Pre-scan) and can be skipped??? I think it is important and I run it every once in a while just to make sure everything is there where it should be.

I also believe you should add two other programs to WR:

Using Command Prompt (Adm) :
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /ScanHealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore
Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

Using DISM is important too to insure the PC is running tip-top.

It should be in the repairs i believe number 28

Repair Windows 8/10 Component Store

The following commands are done.

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

The first command cleans up the component store (WinSxS Folder) in windows, reducing it size and removing old entries.

The 2nd command is used to repair corrupt files and corrupt entries in the component store.

Reasons for this repair:
Used to fix Windows component store corruption when a SFC /SCANNOW command is unable to repair corrupted system files because the store (source) is corrupted, then run the SFC command again.
Used to fix Windows component store corruption when the same Windows Updates continue to appear to be available to install even though they already show successfully installed in update history.

More information on these commands can be found here:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh824869.aspx
and
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/26512-dism-fixing-component-store-corruption-windows-8-a.html

[mecanicogolf]

This is all fine and good. Now tell me: What is the purpose of doing a registry backup if you aren't ever going to use it and Restore is better?

[williambell]

A damaged registry will not only prevent a system from booting but also has a good chance for Startup Repair to fail to find a Windows installation to use system restore on. System restore is the preferred option, but a registry backup can bring an unbootable system back to life. (Had a system once where the SYSTEM registry key was missing 90% of its entries, unfortunately no registry backups so a Windows reinstall was in order)

[Boggin]

If you have a machine that won't boot, then a Hiren's Boot Disk/USB will get you out of the mire.

This will negate the need for a reinstall.

The standard download is for a DVD but a Google will show you how to put it onto an USB.

[mecanicogolf]

Well explained. Now I understand a lot better. Thanks everyone.

I officially close this post.

[Boggin]

Glad you got sorted.