How to make a backup of the operating system registry in Windows 8 and 8.1.

Follow this procedure to make a backup of the registry.

WARNING: There is a risk of software corruption and data loss. When editing the registry, there is the risk of corrupting installed software or the operating system, which may result in data loss.

1. Point to (but do not click) the lower-right or top-right corner of the screen, and then click to select the Search charm.
   

   NOTE:  The Windows Logo + Q key combination will also take you to the Search screen.

2. In the Search screen, type regedit, and then press the Enter key.

   NOTE: If a User Account Control prompt is displayed, click Yes.

3. In the Registry Editor window, on the menu bar, click File.
4. In the File menu, click Export.
5. In the Export Registry File window, under Export range, click the All radio button.
6. In the File name box, enter the name for the exported file and then click the Save button.
7. In the Registry Editor window, click the X button at the upper-right to close the window.