When you install Windows on your computer, Windows stores the blueprint of your installation as a registry file. If this file gets corrupted, it can cause different issues and display errors. If you think the Registry file is corrupted, here’s what you should do.
Backup:
If you have ever encountered a particularly irksome piece of malware or virus affecting your registry, you will always have a backup for rescue.
1. Press Windows + R. This will open the run box. Type regedit and then press Enter.
2. You must click on File and Export.
3. Enter the name of your choice and save it in a safe location.
Import:
Follow the same steps mentioned above. Select File > Import. Browse where you saved the backup file and hit Open.
1. Perform a System Restore
You need to create a restore point when Windows is working properly so that you can roll back your computer to the previous restore point, if needed.
1. Open System Restore from the Windows Search.
2. If you had created the backup for your system before, you would see that backup in the System Restore panel. Select it.
3. Click on the Scan for the affected programs button on the System Restore panel.
This will start scanning the restore point for affected programs; if no affected programs are found on the selected restore point, you can restore your computer to that point by clicking Next and then Finish.
2. Run the SFC Command
The SFC Command can fix a corrupted Windows registry and help you troubleshoot a buggy Windows system. Here’s how to run this command.
1. Open the Command Prompt with administrative rights.
2. You need to enter the run command sfc /scannow.
3. Wait for a few minutes until the command completes the scanning and repairing process.
4. If you find an error report ‘Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them’, restart your PC in safe mode and run the command.
3. Run the DISM Commands
Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a command-line utility for repairing Windows images. Here’s how to run it.
1. Open Command Prompt with admin rights.
2. Execute these three commands one at a time.
dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup
After executing the commands, type exit in the Command Prompt and restart your computer. This should find and repair the Windows registry errors.
4. Run the System Repair Utility
Windows also features a system repair utility that can fix many errors related to System 32 files, restore the Registry, and more. You need a working Windows bootable DVD to fix the Registry.
- Insert a Windows installation disk/USB and reboot the computer.
- You will be asked to press any key to boot from the DVD/USB. Press any key.
- You will see the Windows Installer menu. There, you need to click on Repair.
Follow the on-screen instructions to fix registry-related errors. The process might take time, but it will fix Windows Registry errors.
5. Reset Your PC
You also have the option to reset your PC to the previous restore point. If you haven’t created any restore points, this option will remove all user apps and settings. It will also remove files and folders. Make sure to create a proper backup before you reset your PC.
- Head to Settings > Update and Security.
- Under Update and Security, select ‘Recovery’ and click on Get Started.
- From there, select the option ‘Reset This PC’ and choose ‘Keep my Files’;
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the System Reset.
These are some simple ways to repair Windows Registry Errors. If you need more help resolving Windows Registry errors, let us know in the comments below.
