In a computer, the registry is like the behind-the-scenes custodial staff that helps keep your computer and programs running smoothly, and stores information for your applications. If a member of the custodial staff were to quit, then your plans would not run as smoothly; just the same, if your registry files were to become corrupted or deleted, then you’d have some problems running your computer and the applications and programs installed on it. To recover from a corrupted registry, you can either use software to do it for you or boot into the registry yourself. I’m going to talk about how to recover the system on your own, and while this method doesn’t guarantee the full recovery of the system to its previous working state, you should be able to recover at least some files and information.

This method is typically used when all other methods have failed-if there’s an automatic system recovery, that is best, as manually booting into and editing your registry may result in many problems with your computer. But if you’re going to do it yourself, you can use two programs: Recovery Console, and System Restore. After the process, your computer should return to a state very near its state before the system error.

First, you need to start the Recovery Console, and then create a temporary folder. Then, you back up all of the current registry files to that new folder location and delete the current existing registry files (be SURE that you’ve backed them up first!) and copy the registry files from your repair folder to System32/Config. In this way, you’ve created a registry that your system can use at startup so that you can actually boot up your computer to complete the rest of the steps. Be sure that you are logged in as an administrator, because otherwise you won’t have access to the files and processes that you’ll need to access. Restart your computer in safe mode by pressing F8 as it is rebooting, and then make sure you unhide files and folders by selecting to Show Hidden Files and Folders, and also do not hide protected operating system files. Then, go to the System Volume Information folder located on your C drive that contains the system restore points on your computer (this is where you will need administrator access), and then you’ll need to copy the snapshots to the Windows/TMP directory.

Finally, you want to reboot the computer and restart Recovery Console yet again, and then replace the repair files with your now-current backup of the computer’s registry. Then, again, restart Windows in the normal (not safe) mode, and then use System Restore to find a good system backup point to return to. You can do this by going to Start, All Programs, and then clicking on Accessories, and System Tools. Under that, you’ll need to hit System Restore, and then Restore to previous Restore Point. This is correct, and then you should be done!

For more details on this process, go to support.microsoft.com/kb/307545.