Registry Error Tips
Deciphering a registry error should not be considered a daunting task. This article looks at the right way to research the root of the Windows error and how to set about repairing the fault.
As with any PC related problems the resolution should consist of 90% contemplation and 10% perspiration. Or to put it another way, you should spend 90% of your time researching the right solution before attempting any repairs.
The starting point for any research should always be the Microsoft Support site (formerly known as the Microsoft Knowledge Base). If you have an error code, perhaps if a blue screen error was displayed, then search the support site for this code or registry error message.
If you are in luck then the registry error is quite common, so other users will have reported it and Microsoft will have developed a work-around/fix for it.
If you do not have a code, or are unable to find any advice online then the following may help:
- Check for virus damage: Run an anti-virus scan to see if any trojan viruses have infected your computer. The worst case scenario is when viruses are run from email attachments as these install and embed themselves in the registry. The anti-virus software will at least isolate the files from running.
- Hardware related faults: A registry error can often appear after new hardware has been installed. This can be due to incompatibility between the hardware and OS version or even due to the device driver not been apt for your OS. Uninstall the hardware and start afresh. Check the hardware manufacturers site for the latest device drivers.
Finally, two options to use as a last resort for rolling back on changes to the registry are as follows:
- Resort to using the Last Known Good Configuration during boot up (it should be one of the options displayed). This should only be considered if all other avenues have been tried and failed.
- Roll back to an earlier copy of the Windows registry. This obviously only works if you keep back up copies of the file. Again, the Microsoft support site has the best advice specific to your operating system for backing up and re-importing the registry (just search for the term ‘registry backup’).
The final (commercial) option is to use registry repair tools. Two prime examples are Reimage. They provide free scans (so at least you could use the scan to give your PC a free health check) but completing repairs require purchasing a Reimage repair key.
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