Registry Errors - How to Fix Manually?

You can fix your PC registry errors either by using the registry cleaning software or by manually repairing in the windows registry. While using the software is a simple and efficient way, manual repairing is a complicated process that requires thorough computer knowledge and clear instructions. Also, it is a very time consuming task. So, in order to manually fix registry errors you must know about registry, its function, its structure and then how to actually edit the registry.

Windows registry and its function:

Registry is the heart of the windows operating system. Windows registry holds information about everything that is necessary for the proper functioning of you are operating system. It also stores information on your every PC activity like installing, uninstalling, program accessing etc. So every time you install an application, it makes an entry or adds a key within the registry, also known as registry keys.

Structure of the windows registry:

The windows registry database is organized in a hierarchical structure. Each node in the structure is called a key and within each key contains sub keys. Each key can contain both sub keys and data entries called values. For example, a key can be regarded as a folder, sub key as a sub folder and value is a data within the key or sub key.

Within the registry, the keys are stored in their own hives which are predefined for specific objectives.


Here is a list of 5 common registry hives:

1. HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT - This hive stores all the information about applications that are installed in your PC.

2. HKEY_CURRENT_USER - This hive stores user-specific settings and configuration data.

3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE - This hive stores all the settings and configuration data that are general to all PC users.

4. HKEY_USERS - This hive stores individual settings and configuration data for each users of the computer in each sub keys.

5. HKEY_CURRENT_CONFIG - This hive temporarily stores the entire boot up information which is only gathered and generated at the system boot time.

Warning - Dangers of manually repairing the registry

Manually repairing the registry can be very risky especially for someone who does not have technical skills. Any mistakes while editing the registry will result in the operating system damage. If this happens, the only way there is to rectify this problem is to reinstall the operating system. So, caution must be taken while manually editing the registry.

Manually fixing the registry errors

1. Manual registry back up

Before manually fixing the registry errors, you must first back up your registry.

To back up, Click Start, Run and type ntbackup. The backup or restore wizard starts up. From there select which files or folders you want to backup.

2. Accessing and fixing the registry errors

You can access the windows registry by clicking the start, Run and type regedit into the search box and click ok. The Registry Editor starts up. From there you can manually look up the error or invalid entries and remove such entries. This is extremely time consuming task. Though caution must be taken to do because its irreversible and you will have to face the consequences if anything went wrong.

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