The Windows Registry contains vital information for running the operating system. Given this fact, it is important that you are aware of how to repair the Registry.
Required Tools and Materials
Windows Registry Editor
How to Fix the Registry Keys
Step 1
Click the Start button and choose Run. Type “regedit” in the dialog box. This will launch the Registry Editor.
Step 2
In the Registry key tree, look for the value that has to be repaired.
Step 3
Select the key and right click it. Select "Export". Save the file.
Step 4
Double click the "NoRecentDocsMenu". Replace the "Value Data" from 0 to 1. Click OK.
Step 5
Restart Windows.
Step 6
Click Start and type "%SystemRoot%\System32\Restore\Rstrui.exe," in the run dialog box. Click OK.
Step 7
Click "Restore My Computer to an Earlier Time". On the "Welcome to System Restore" box, click “Next”. Click a checkpoint in the "Select a Restore Point".
Step 8
Select an entry in “Guided Help (Registry Backup),” Choose “Next”. Click OK. Click “Next” again and OK. The PC will restart and restore the original settings.
How to Fix Registry Keys That are Empty
Step 1
Click the Start button. Type "regedit" in the Run dialog box and click OK.
Step 2
To learn how to repair the Registry, click File and choose "Import Registry File”. Select “browse”. Go to the folder where your Registry backup is located.
Step 3
Click “Open”. This will put the text into the editor. Click "Import". All empty Windows Registry keys will be removed.
Step 4
Restart the PC for the changes to take effect.
About Registry Cleaners
There are many programs designed for cleaning the Registry. You can download many of these programs on the Web. Their configuration varies, but usually you just need to click “Clean Registry” or “Scan”. The program will scan the Registry and fix any errors. It will also remove any duplicate or unnecessary entries.
Tips and Warnings
Do not experiment with the Windows Registry unless you know exactly what you are doing. If you make an error Windows may freeze or even become inaccessible. Unless there is a specific problem, do not tamper with the Registry Editor.
Make sure the software you download is right for your Windows version. If you want to use the more advanced options, read the help file first.
As the information above shows, you don’t need a lot of technical knowledge to learn how to repair the Registry. However, you need to make sure the correct procedures are followed.
