Restore Prefs files with batch file CS5

Question

I'm running PS CS5 under Windows XP and ran into a "Refine Edge" problem where I couldn't get a functioning cursor. Checking around I came up with the solution of deleting & resetting my prefs file, which solved the problem. However restoring my prefs was time consuming and I thought there should be a better way where I could keep a backup prefs file & perform the restore with a batch file.  So if anyone is interested here is the procedure and sample batch file I set up.
First in Win XP the prefs file(s) are buried in:
C:\ Documents and Settings\User Name\Application Data\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CS5\Adobe Photoshop CS5 Settings\
and there were three prefs files that were affected when I deleted with the startup Ctrl/Alt/Shift procedure.
They were:
Adobe Photoshop CS5 Prefs.psp
Palette.psp
Color Settings.csf
I made copies of each with an extension of .org (to signify original) - so there were three duplicate files in the directory.  There would be my backup files and are named:
Adobe Photoshop CS5 Prefs.org
Palette.org
Color Settings.org
Then I created a batch file named RestorePrefs.bat in the same directory as follows:
Copy C:\Documents" "and" "Settings\User" "Name\Application" "Data\Adobe\Adobe" "Photoshop" "CS5\Adobe" "Photoshop" "CS5" "Settings\Adobe" "Photoshop" "CS5" "Prefs.org *.psp
Copy C:\Documents" "and" "Settings\User" "Name\Application" "Data\Adobe\Adobe" "Photoshop" "CS5\Adobe" "Photoshop" "CS5" "Settings\Actions" "Palette.org *.psp
Copy C:\Documents" "and" "Settings\User" "Name\Application" "Data\Adobe\Adobe" "Photoshop" "CS5\Adobe" "Photoshop" "CS5" "Settings\Color" "Settings.org *.csf
The batch file copies the org (backup) files to the prefs files.
Note There are no spaces in batch file. These are linked with quotes. 
Then create an icon on the desktop that runs the batch file in the prefs directory.
To check if its working properly prior to and without changing the prefs files, edit the batch file from *.psp & *.csf to *.XXX - run it  - then check the directory for three new files with the XXX extension.  If running OK, delete the XXX files and change the batch file back as above & your set to go.
Burt Stuttman

Answer 1

There are more files then the three that you noted that can can become corrupt in your user id Photoshop Preferences. Some preference files are not static some files are updated when you make changes to you Photoshop environment like edit action make brushes, patterns, define shapes  etc. Some preference files are updated every time you close down Photoshop.   I find it best to back up your whole user id Adobe Applications version Preference tree when the application is working well as a backup in case thing go sour.   Its really not a complex or time consuming process. It actually a very simple easy process you can do in windows file explorer right panel.
Step one make your backup.   Highlight the preference folder right click click copy.  Then right click and click on paste "Folder name Copy" is the name of the copy and is your Backup.
Should Photoshop mess up. Close Photoshop.  In file explorer do step 2 recover.
Step 2 Highlight the preference folder right click  click on rename add a suffix Rotten "Folder name Rotten".   Highlight the preference folder "Folder name Copy" rename to "Folder name"
Do step one create a new backup.
Start Photoshop If all is well and you do not need to recover newer thing from  "Folder name Rotten" delete  "Folder name Rotten" after a few daye.   and your more sure everything is A OK.