How do I detect and fix registry errors?

Hi,

You can fix the issues caused by any error using many different methods. Most errors are not simply registry
errors. Do not buy into using Registry Cleaners or System Optimizers which are overly hyped and wil fix little
while causing many issues. Consider such programs as snake-oil.

If you have a system error come here and detail the issue and we can usually help you solve them. Specific
errors might need a particular corrective measure. Below are a lot of the general methods to help determine
and/or correct issues. In the next message will be a fairly complete general performance troubelshooter to
help if ever needed (of course it includes many of the below).

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Some general methods to correct a lot of System issues include :

System Restore - use if you can go back to before an issue occured - except for malware which most often
needs to be removed before using System Restore as that might help spread the infection.

How to Create a System Restore Point in Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/697-system-restore-point-create.html

How to Do a System Restore in Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html

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For correcting many problems caused by StartUp programs, drivers, and services.

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or
Windows 7
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

How to Change, Add, or Remove Startup Programs in Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1401-startup-programs-change.html

Autoruns - Free - See what programs are configured to startup automatically when your
system boots and you login. Autoruns also shows you the full list of Registry and file
locations where applications can configure auto-start settings.
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

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Try these to clear corruption and repair/replace damaged/missing system files.

Run DiskCleanup - Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Disk Cleanup

Start - type in Search box -  COMMAND   find at top of list -  RIGHT CLICK  -  RUN AS ADMIN

sfc /scannow

How to Repair Windows 7 System Files with System File Checker
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

Then run checkdisk (chkdsk).

How to Run Disk Check in Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html

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A Repair Installation allows you to keep the programs and data though redundant backups are
always a good idea.

How to Do a Repair Install to Fix Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

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Other helpful methods include StartUp Repair (best from a Windows Installation or Repair Disk.

StartUp Repair often works from a Windows 7 Installation Disk or Windows 7 Repair Disk
when it does not from Recovery or a Recovery Disk. If needed how to make a Windows 7
Repair Disk is below. A Repair Disk can be made on any computer with a CD burner running
XP, Vista, or Window 7 as it uses no files from the Host computer.

You can try some of these in Safe Mode - repeatedly tap F8 as you boot.

If you do not have a Windows 7 disk you can borrow a friends as they are not copy
protected. Your System maker will also sell the physical DVD cheap since you already
own Windows. Also you can make a repair disk on another computer.

Try Startup Repair - (If at ANY point you gain some but not full access to Windows come
back and try Startup Repair again.)

How to Boot to the System Recovery Options in Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/668-system-recovery-options.html

What are the system recovery options in Windows 7?
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/What-are-the-system-recovery-options-in-Windows-7

Try StartUp Repair from Recovery Options or Windows 7 disk.

How to Run a Startup Repair in Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/681-startup-repair.html

Also from the COMMAND PROMPT of Recovery Console (if possible) or a Windows 7 disk

Start - type in Search box -  COMMAND   find at top of list -  RIGHT CLICK  -  RUN AS ADMIN

sfc /scannow

How to Repair Windows 7 System Files with System File Checker
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

Then run checkdisk (chkdsk).

How to Run Disk Check in Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html

Retry Startup Repair after Chkdsk.

If needed after those you can try System Restore from Safe Mode or the Recovery or Windows 7
disk.

How to Do a System Restore in Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/700-system-restore.html

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If you need to make repair disks - these help repair Windows not re-install.
Often a Repair Disk will help when the Recovery Disk does not - Use OPTION 2 to
make the disk.

How to Create a Windows 7 System Repair Disc - Use OPTION 2 to
make the disk.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html

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If needed :

What to do if Windows won't start correctly
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/What-to-do-if-Windows-wont-start-correctly

How to Boot to the System Recovery Options in Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/668-system-recovery-options.html

What are the system recovery options in Windows 7?
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/What-are-the-system-recovery-options-in-Windows-7

How to Do a Repair Install to Fix Windows 7
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

Hope this helps.

Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Expert - Consumer : Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.