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I want to use a method to reset all windows settings.

  • Install Windows
  • Install all the softwares I need
  • Backup registry
  • After some time I like, Restore the registry backup to reset windows settings.

Is it good? If no, which method you recommend, I want to manage many computers this way.

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2 Answers

up vote 2 down vote accepted

Just backing up the registry or using the Windows System Restore is not enough. System Restore backs up system files of certain extensions (.exe, .dll, etc.). You need to take a full snapshot of your PC using an imaging/cloning program like Norton Ghost. There are some free alternatives to Norton's Ghost:

  • Clonezilla: Clonezilla is an open source solution to computer backup, restoration and "ghosting". It is based on partition imaging and allows you to backup and recover your system should it be taken out by a virus or a hard drive crash.

  • FOG: FOG is a Linux-based, free and open source computer imaging solution for Windows XP, Vista and 7 that ties together a few open-source tools with a php-based web interface.

Using one of these programs, you can take the full snapshot (incl. all files, programs, settings, registry) of your PC and go back to that moment anytime you want.

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Hi! Thanks, I used Macrium Reflect FREE Edition, but it takes time, I didn't try others, but I think they are very time consuming. – Hossein Margani Nov 20 '10 at 11:13
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up vote 1 down vote

Use system restore points

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Can I restore to a point in Safe Mode? – Hossein Margani Nov 20 '10 at 11:10
Yes – RedGrittyBrick Nov 20 '10 at 11:24
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