Where Does ReactOS Store User Data?
ReactOS mirrors Windows paths with profiles under Documents and Settings, plus registry hives in system32 config.
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ReactOS clones the Windows layout on purpose. User profiles sit under Documents and Settings with My Documents inside each. Registry hives live as files in the system config folder.
Compatibility mode thinking applies throughout. Windows backup habits transfer directly, including the locked hive caveat. Copy profiles live but hives offline from another boot or medium. Confirm drive letters after restoring, since the clone assigns them its own way.
Where ReactOS stores this, by platform
C:\Documents and Settings\<user>
User profiles with documents and settings in the classic tree. Copy live with the system running. Pair with offline hive copies for complete moves.
C:\ReactOS\system32\config
Registry hives as extensionless files in the system config folder. Copy offline only. Match them with the profile generation they belong to.
Frequently asked questions
How do I back up ReactOS user data?
Copy the profile folder to the same path on the new install. Documents and settings travel together. Registry hives need offline copying from another boot, since live hives stay locked.
Where is the ReactOS registry stored?
In the config folder beside the system root, as hive files without extensions. Copy them offline only, never while booted. Pair hive copies with the matching profile folder.
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