Backup & Restore IE Trusted Sites - Easy Guide

Transferring Trusted Sites Lists Between Computers

Many users on corporate networks encounter the need to add websites to their trusted sites list for proper functionality. Over time, this list can become quite extensive. But how can these settings be moved to a new computer without tedious re-entry? Fortunately, Windows provides a streamlined method using the registry, involving a simple key backup, which we will detail below.

Understanding Trusted Sites

The trusted sites zone within Internet Options allows users to designate specific websites as inherently safe. Accessing this zone is done through the Security tab in Internet Options, selecting the Trusted sites icon, and then clicking the Sites button. This opens a dialog box for managing the list of added or removed sites.

For demonstration, a clean computer was used with only howtogeek.com added. While this is a minimal example, the technique is most valuable for systems with a substantial number of entries.

Backing Up the Trusted Sites List via Regedit

Begin by opening the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) through the Start menu search or the Run dialog box. Navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains

Right-click on the Domains key and select Export. Assign a descriptive filename to the exported registry file. This file can then be transferred to the target computer.

Restoring the Backup

The restoration process is straightforward. Simply double-click the exported file on the computer where you wish to restore the trusted sites list.

It’s important to note that this action will overwrite any existing entries in the current list with the contents of the backup file. Therefore, consider the implications before proceeding.

As illustrated, a backup file created on a Vista machine was successfully restored onto an XP machine.

Practical Applications

This method is particularly beneficial for IT professionals. It offers a quick and efficient way to deploy a standardized trusted sites list, including all necessary corporate web applications, to multiple machines with minimal effort.