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Josh.biz Technical Note 1 - added May 2009

Back up Dreamweaver site definitions quickly using the registry

How to quickly and easily backup (and transfer) Dreamweaver site definitions using the Windows registry.

This method appears to be compatible with:

• Adobe Dreamweaver CS4
• Adobe Dreamweaver CS3
• Macromedia Dreamweaver 8
• Macromedia Dreamweaver MX2004

in both:

• Windows XP
• Windows Vista

This method is ideal for backing up multiple Dreamweaver site definitions in the event of a recovery being required. It can also be used to transfer Dreamweaver site definitions from one PC to another.

Dreamweaver site definitions can be backed up from within the Dreamweaver software using the 'Export' option in the Manage Sites dialog box. But this will only permit you to do one at a time - tedious if you store high numbers.

Keywords

dreamweaver, site definitions, registry, multiple

Important Notes

1. This method has not been thoroughly trialed. Your (successful or not) would be appreciated and will help others.
2. The method poses little scope for damage. The usual warnings over registry changes apply. If concerned, for ease of mind, why not build a Windows System Restore point before you begin?
3. Usernames and passwords are not stored or transferred (probably for security reasons)

Solution

1. Access the Windows registry
2. Depending on your version of Windows find the following branch in the left pane:
   • Adobe Dreamweaver CS 4 - HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Adobe\Common\10\Sites
   • Adobe Dreamweaver CS 3 - HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Adobe\Common\9\Sites
   • Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 - HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Macromedia\Common\8\Sites
   • Macromedia Dreamweaver MX 2004 - HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Macromedia\Common\2004\Sites
3. Right click the 'Sites' key (left hand pane) and choose 'Export'
4. Save the key with a sensible name in an appropriate location. Adding the date in the filename may prove useful.
5. The resulting key file can be double clicked (don't do this unless you need to!) which will write a new key to the same registry location. This could be on the same computer (if recovering) or a different PC (if transferring).

Note that this action will usually delete any existing keys. In the circumstances of use this should not ordinarily pose a problem.

The file should be stored safely elsewhere if intended as a back up.

Remember, your (successful or not) would be appreciated and will assist others.

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