Registry Is Not Backed Up Automatically at Startup (198864)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 98

This article was previously published under Q198864
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you start your computer, the registry may not be backed up automatically.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if either of the following conditions exists:

  • In the C:\Windows\Scanreg.ini file, the "Backup=" line is set to 0.
  • In the registry, the ScanRegistry value is missing from the Run key.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, use the appropriate method:

Modify the Scanreg.ini File

Modify the Scanreg.ini file to back up the registry automatically:

  1. Click Start, point to Find, and then click "Files or Folders."
  2. Type scanreg.ini in the Named box, and then click Find Now. Note that you should find one file located in the Windows folder.
  3. Double-click Scanreg.ini. The file should open in Notepad.
  4. Correct the "Backup=" line to "Backup=1" (without quotation marks).
  5. On the File menu, click Save, and then quit Notepad.
For additional information about how to configure the Registry Checker tool, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:


How to Customize Registry Checker Tool Settings

Add ScanRegistry to the Run Key in the Registry

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.


To add ScanRegistry to the Run key in the registry, use Registry Editor to add a new string value named ScanRegistry with a data value of C:\Windows\Scanregw.exe /autorun under the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

For additional information about command-line switches for the Registry Checker tool, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Command-Line Switches for the Registry Checker Tool

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about command-line switches for the Registry Checker tool, see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Description of the Windows Registry Checker Tool (Scanreg.exe)

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:12/16/2004
Keywords:kbenv kbprb KB198864