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I use Windows 7 backup and am about to reformat my PC. After I run Windows 7 backup which backs up my files to another hard drive, I am going to reformat the main drive and reinstall Windows 7. I have a complicated mapping of folders that I do and do not want Windows to back up and I don't feel like redoing it after the reinstall. If at all possible, I'd like to back up the backup settings so that I can apply them to the new installation. Is this possible?

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Use Windows Easy Transfer to back up your settings, not sure if this backs up those particular settings or not. Great question. – Moab Feb 19 '12 at 23:48
I just used it to save my Windows settings. I will come back in a few days to let you know if backup settings were saved with everything else. If it works, I'll have you post that as the answer so I can mark it. – oscilatingcretin Feb 20 '12 at 1:26
This does not work. I guess I will have to wait until the next reformat to find out if a solution truly does exist. – oscilatingcretin Feb 22 '12 at 22:27

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I found the registry key where backup settings are stored. I think the sub key you want to backup is "ScheduleParams", possibly others, you may have to experiment.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsBackup

Source

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This is exactly the key that stores the backup settings. I tested this by first setting up all my folders. I then exported that registry key to a .reg file. After that, I modified the backup settings by selecting different folders. I refreshed the registry editor and saw the ScheduleParams keys change accordingly. I opened Windows Backup again just to make sure my previous changes took. After that, I imported the .reg file I previously exported, opened Windows Backup again, and everything was restored! This will be a great piece of information to know on the next reinstall. Thanks! – oscilatingcretin Mar 12 '12 at 0:35

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