There are many different types of errors that can be attributed to the Windows registry. Some are minor, some can cause significant problems with Windows, and others can lock you out of the operating system completely. If you’re suffering from the severe errors that render Windows unusable, you’ll want to consider a solution that doesn’t involve the usual suggestions of downloading a registry cleaner.
A registry cleaner is great if you have access to Windows to run it! Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Microsoft reports several critical errors as listed below:
Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SYSTEM
Windows XP could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CONFIG\SOFTWARE
Stop: c0000218 {Registry File Failure} The registry cannot load the hive (file): \SystemRoot\System32\Config\SOFTWARE or its log or alternate
System error: Lsass.exe
When trying to update a password the return status indicates that the value provided as the current password is not correct.
Okay, we have one seriously damaged Windows registry and no access to Windows to fix the errors that are causing the lockdown. What do we do now? The best solution, other than to completely wipe Windows, is to isolate the registry files and replace only the critical system settings that are springing the errors.
You will need to insert your Windows XP start-up disk and reboot, making sure that your system is adjusted to search for a CD before attempting to load the default operating system.
Once you reach the “Welcome to Windows” screen, press R and you will be taken to the Recovery Console. From here, you will need to enter your system password. If you never setup a password, just press enter and you’ll be allowed automatic access.
Now exit the Recovery Console and restart the machine. You should now be able to log in to Windows XP, but be sure that you do so in Safe Mode as you will be making more changes to the registry.
You can now access your critical Windows files at:
C:\System Volume Information
You will notice subfolders that are attributed to restore points (assuming you have System Restore turned on). To fix the registry, you can copy the registry database files from your archived system restore point and paste them over the top of you damaged registry files. These can be found at:
C:\Windows\System32\Config
The process should work so that the archived version of the registry (which was working at the time) overwrites your current registry, thus repairing whatever settings were damaged and rolling your computer back to a functional state! Save your changes and reboot Widows, this time in normal running mode. You should be able to run Windows without the registry errors that were previously preventing you from using the computer properly.
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