The registry is a program Windows uses to store important program information. Registry errors can occur when a person messes with a registry, or a program does not uninstall itself correctly. Most registry errors do not affect the operation of a computer, despite the number of sites urging users to download software to fix their computer's registry. A user should only edit the Windows registry of his computer when the only other option is to reinstall his operating system.
Step 1
Do not download any software from the Internet that claims to fix registry errors. Many free registry error fixing programs download viruses or spy ware and do not fix any PC problems. If you want to try such programs, check the CNet website to see if the editors have recommended any software to fix registry errors. The CNet staff tests the programs for spy ware and viruses.
Step 2
Skip this step if you have not set a recent system restore point. Select the Start Menu. Go to all programs. Find system tools and select system restore. Select a date to restore the system to. This will roll back your system registry to the date selected. Choose a restore point with a date as close as possible to the last time you remember the system being stable.
Step 3
If using the system restore point did not fix the problem, you may need to use the recovery console included on the Windows installation CD. If you have the CD that came from your computer's manufacturer, you must use the OEM compact disk. Reboot your computer. Enter your system set up and check to see that the CD drive comes first in the boot order.
Step 4
Run automated system recovery. The program will ask you for the repair disk. Insert the disk disk into the drive when prompted to do so. The automated system recovery should fix any registry errors.
Step 5
If this still does not work, Microsoft's support web site contains detailed command line instructions that will fix registry errors. The instructions vary slightly for each version of Windows. Find and follow the instructions for Windows version.
