Sharon F wrote:
> I think there's always an "oops" with data backups.

Hi Logan and Sharon,

I understand and agree with what you say and do above. In fact, that's
why I re-use my shortcuts when I move from one system to another. All
that work is re-usable when you use the same file structure every time.

However, in the interests of full disclosure so others can learn
multiple methods of accomplishing a system restore or migration to a
new system, instead of backing up my registry, what I do is keep a log
of every change I make to the system.

It only takes a second to log each activity because I added an AppsPath
line to my Windows registry called "history" (actually it's history.exe
but that's a Microsofterism in that there is no history.exe on my
system). Whenever I change any registry setting or modify my system, I
log it simply by typing Start->Run->history->OK.

Typing "history" brings up my history.txt file to which I add a single
line (usually by cut and paste) for each action I perform to modify the
original system.

Then, when I go to the new system, I just re-read my history file (in
reverse order) so that I can quickly return the new system back to the
original.

There are advantages to your system (complete accuracy) and advantages
to mine (the new system starts cleaner), just as there are
disadvantages to your system (backup size) and disadvantages to mine
(incomplete accuracy).

I welcome other suggestions for more efficient system eimaging and
migration so we all learn from each other,

Susan