I am stuck on a windows restart loop and am entirely unable to fix it.

Hello,

A couple days ago I was opening grand theft auto V which is pretty routine for me when the PC crashed, giving me the message:

“Your PC has run into an error and needs to restart.” with the error code being “REGISTRY ERROR”.

Ever since, any time I start my computer it gives me this message followed by a restart and an attempt to run a diagnostic, which fails and sends me to the advanced options screen. I am on Windows 10.

I have been entirely unable to fix it with any of the options given in the Troubleshoot menu.

-Startup Repair starts the loop again at the beginning point, saying the diagnostic failed.

-Although I have multiple System Restore points saved, none of them work as whenever I try to undergo the process of installing them, they immediately finish and say “System Restore has run into an unexpected error 0x80071a91”. All fixes for the code require me to be in the OS.

-I have no system image files.

-Startup Settings never successfully brings me into safe mode, just starting the loop all over again.

-I can barely even enter the Reset PC menu without it saying “There was an error with resetting your PC.” and then kicking back to the options menu.

The following is what I have tried to do in Command Prompt:

-/sfc /scannow

The verification process for some reason does not allow me to continue or validate the process.

-all bootrec commands

bootrec /fixboot yields “access is denied”. When running bootsect /NT60 sys, it says my drive is write protected, and all further commands in the chain fail as a result.

-dsm online

The entire command yields an error essentially stating that it doesn’t recognize the “online” part. Yes, I have double checked it a THOUSAND times. I’ve shortened it for this forum post.

-reagentc /disable

Doesn’t recognize command

-ren system system.001

After doing the full command chain, ren software software.001 says it has failed because the process is being used by another program.

If ANYONE could help me i would be eternally grateful, literally anything would help.

Hi Caleb. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

Unplug power and battery, press and hold down power button for 30 seconds to release residual power in circuits. Plug back in power cord and try to start.

Use whichever method works in this link to get into Repair Mode so you can do the necessary repairs or do a Reset:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc...

Easiest is to force shutdown by holding in the power button. Do this twice. The third time you power on it should start into Repair Mode. Once in the Repair Mode try the numbered steps below.
It may be necessary to create bootable media on another PC to access Advanced Startup Options to try repairs, a Reset or do the Clean install. The bootable media has it's own set of files so that repairs or Reset might work better, doesn't require a password, and you'll have it to if necessary do the vastly superior Clean Install.

To create Windows 10 Installation Media on another PC install Media Creation Tool and follow the directions here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/software-downlo...

Insert media, boot it by powering up PC while pressing the BIOS Boot Menu Key given here: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutor...

If the media won't boot you may need to enter BIOS/UEFI Setup (pressing key given in chart in link above) to turn off Fast Boot or Fast Startup first.

Choose the boot device as a UEFI device if offered, on second screen choose Repair Your Computer, then Advanced Troubleshoot Options, then:
1) Try a System Restore, working backward.

2) If that fails try Uninstall Updates as far back as necessary to see if this was caused by an Update. If Steps 1 or 2 get it started then immediately check Windows Update for Updates and hide them using this tool: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/8280-hide-s...
3) Open the Command Prompt to:

a) run System File Checker: https://www.wintips.org/how-to-run-sfc-offline-...
and DISM: https://www.ubackup.com/windows-10/dism-offline...

b) run a full Disk Check: https://www.windowsdigitals.com/how-to-run-chkd...

c) trigger Safe Mode with Networking (for internet) or Safe Mode following Option 3 here: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf... to roll back Updates & Drivers in Windows Update History, update your drivers from the PC/Motherboard manufacturer's website and diagnose further with these steps: https://www.howtogeek.com/164876/how-to-use-saf....
You can also create a new Local Admin account to replace yours: https://www.isumsoft.com/windows-10/3-ways-to-c...

d) To replace the User account try to enable the built-in elevated Admin account from Option Five here:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2969-enable...
Boot into this emergency Admin account (leaving password box blank) to create a new Local Admin account:
https://www.isumsoft.com/windows-10/3-ways-to-c...
Sign into the new Account, make sure it works correctly, if so move your files over via C:\Users, when ready delete the old account and change the new one to your MS Account if desired in Settings > Accounts > Your Info > Sign in with a MS Account instead.
4) If those fail then go back to Troubleshoot Options to do a Reset. Make it a deep clean reset to set up a new account, with Cloud option to download fresh installation files so it doesn't use old onboard files that may be corrupted.

5) If that fails choose Install Now, then Custom Install, then at the drive selection screen delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, click Next to let it create needed partitions and start install - this makes it foolproof. Everything needed to Clean Install is here: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

6) If you have files that aren't backed up you can use the same bootable media to try to rescue your files using these methods: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...
Your files should be backed up at all times if you value them at all. In the Clean Install tutorial in Step 5 I give the best methods to back up.
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.
________________________________________________________
Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

____________________________
Retired 2023, thirteen year daily forums volunteer, Windows MVP 2010-2020

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Last updated April 22, 2024 Views 17,052 Applies to: