Before editing the system registry the sections you are going to modify should be exported or the whole registry should be backed up. It allows if necessary to restore the system registry to its initial state.
To backup Windows XP and Windows 2003 system registry, do the following:
Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Backup
In the Backup or Restore Wizard window click the Advanced Mode link
In the Backup Utility window go to the Backup tab
In the upper menu select Job > New
In the left part of the window check System State
Check the folders and disks you want to backup
In the bottom left corner click Browse next to the Backup media or file name field
Select the folder into which the archive will be saved and give the archive name
Click Save
In the Backup options section click the Start Backup button
In the Backup Job information window see the backup options