Manual Registry Repair Done Right
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Manually Fixing the registry is no easy task. Manual registry repair can often lead to more problems than there were originally. We recommend automating the error detection process. Try Regclean's free scan to perform this diagnosis. Check it out here .
Only follow these instructions if you are SURE you are technically capable.
Repairing Registry Errors
Here is what is involved in the manual repair of the registry on your machine.
1. Backing up of the entire registry to ensure that you have a working copy before you start making changes.
2. Identification of potential problematic registry keys and values - remember there are hundreds of thousands of entries on your machine. Some belong there and some do not. We will not attempt to go into the process here.
3. Research the problems: Now that we have identified the problems we need to research them! Lets plug each and every one into google in order to obtain the steps neccessary to repair them. Keep a log of all of these steps as we will need them in step 4.
4. Manually deleting registry keys and values - This process has taken EXPERT technicians many hours on some machines. Attempting to do this is usually inefficient and RISKY. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS APPROACH!
5. Undoing any potential mistakes made during the manual cleanup - If you made any mistakes during the process you will more than likely receive a few NEW error messages! Don't go blaming yourself for this as this is bound to happen from time to time while performing a manual cleanup. Repeat the first three steps and wipe out these extraneous errors. Let's go back and repair these and once we have repaired them all we can rest easy until the next registry cleanup needs to be done.
Using the registry editor:
Using the information obtained above you may now proceed to manually repairing your registry.
The following information about using the Registry Editor is provided as a general guide for those individuals who need to make one or two changes to the registry.
NOTE: You should only use the Registry Editor when instructed to do so by a credible source, following any instructions about deleting or modifying registry entries precisely. Otherwise, you run the risk of creating additional problems with your computer.
Starting the Registry Editor
Under normal circumstances, you can activate the Registry Editor by doing the following.
1. Click on the Start button
2. Choose Run
3. Type regedit in the Run window
4. Click the OK button (or hit the Enter or Return key on your keyboard) and the Registry Editor window should open
If the Registry Editor window opens, you can proceed to the next section, Backing Up the Registry. Otherwise, consult the notes below.
* If your computer is running Windows NT or Windows 2000, you may not have permission to run Registry Editor or to make changes to the registry. If this happens, contact your system administrator or your local technical support for assistance.
Isn't there an easier way?
Yes and No. There are two more options.
First there is the system restore option:
How to Restore the Registry in Windows Vista - Tutorial:
1. Click Start button, type systempropertiesprotection in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
User Access Control permission If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.
2. In the System Properties dialog box, on the System Protection tab, click System Restore,
3. In the System Restore dialog box select Choose a different restore point, and then click Next
4. Select the restore point that you want to use, and then click Next.
5. Confirm your restore point, and then click Finish System restore restores the selected Windows Vista configuration and then restarts the computer.
6. Log on to the computer. When the System Restore confirmation page appears, click OK..
How to Restore the Registry in Win2000, Win2003 & WinXP - Tutorial:
1. Click Start, click Run, type %SystemRoot%\System32\Restore\Rstrui.exe, and then click OK.
2. On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Restore my computer to an earlier time (if it is not already selected), and then click Next .
3. On the Select a Restore Point page, click the system checkpoint. In the On this list select the restore point area, click an entry that is named "Guided Help (Registry Backup)," and then click Next. If a System Restore message appears that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make, click OK.
4. On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, click Next. System Restore restores the previous Windows XP configuration and then restarts the computer.
5. Log on to the computer. When the System Restore confirmation page appears, click OK..
The safer and quicker method to do EVERYTHING listed on this page is to use a reputable Registry Repair product.
We honestly recommend RegCure for all of our registry maintenance needs. It fulfills all of the above requirements and is truly simple to use. Remember a free scan can often reveal unknown and often critical problems.
We have written many articles describing the steps involved in repairing the windows registry. Please click on the links below to access the appropriate article.
