How to Fix Corrupted Registry Entries on Your Computer

Apr 1

Written By Chad .

How to Fix Corrupted Registry Entries on Your Computer

Your Windows registry is a crucial database that stores settings and configurations for your operating system and installed software. Over time, corrupted registry entries can lead to system crashes, slow performance, and software malfunctions. If your computer is acting up, fixing the registry might be the solution.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to identify, fix, and prevent corrupted registry issues to keep your system running smoothly.

What Causes Registry Corruption?

Registry errors can occur due to:

Improper software installations/uninstallations
Malware or virus infections
System crashes or power failures
Accumulated outdated or broken registry entries
Manual registry edits gone wrong

If you notice frequent error messages, slow performance, or system instability, corrupted registry entries might be to blame.

1. Use System Restore to Revert Changes

If your system recently started acting up, restoring it to an earlier state may fix the issue.

How to Use System Restore:

Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
Select a restore point from before the issue started.
Click Next > Finish and let Windows restore the system.

This will roll back any recent registry changes without affecting your files.

2. Run Windows Registry Cleanup Using System File Checker

Windows has built-in tools that can fix registry corruption.

Run System File Checker (SFC):

Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
Type the command:
```
sh
```
CopyEdit
sfc /scannow
Press Enter and wait for the scan to complete.

This checks for and repairs corrupt system files, including registry errors.

3. Use DISM to Fix Deeper Registry Corruption

If SFC doesn’t work, the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can repair registry-related issues.

Run DISM Command:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
```
sh
```
CopyEdit
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your computer after the process is complete.

4. Clean the Registry with a Trusted Tool

Using a third-party registry cleaner can remove outdated or broken entries, but be careful—some can cause more harm than good.

Trusted Registry Cleaners:

CCleaner (basic cleanup)
Wise Registry Cleaner (safe registry optimization)

How to Use a Registry Cleaner:

Download and install a reputable tool.
Run a registry scan and let it identify broken entries.
Back up the registry before making changes.
Fix the detected issues and restart your PC.

5. Prevent Future Registry Corruption

Avoid unnecessary registry edits unless you’re an advanced user.
Use reliable antivirus software to prevent malware from modifying the registry.
Uninstall programs properly using Add or Remove Programs, not by deleting files manually.
Back up the registry regularly by using regedit (Windows + R, type regedit, and export the current registry).

Need Expert Help? Contact ABQ Computer Pros!

If you're dealing with persistent registry corruption, system crashes, or PC slowdowns, let the experts at ABQ Computer Pros handle it. We specialize in registry repair, malware removal, and system optimization to get your computer running like new.

Call us today for fast and reliable computer support!

Chad .