Fix Registry Problem

Many problems due to virus corruption and application faults can be traced back to the Windows registry. While it is widely regarded as prudent to not manually edit this file, you can still fix registry problem by undoing changes. This article looks at Windows main utility for doing this.

The System Restore tool has been part of Microsoft operating systems since Windows XP but few people know what it does. The tool can fix PC errors by replacing system files with a snapshot from a previous date. These snapshots are saved as you work on the PC (i.e. as new applications are installed, Windows Update is run).

The snapshots only make copies of, and attempt to restore, the Windows registry, some OS programs and some third party tools. The ‘My Documents’ folder is not part of the snapshot so these files will remain intact (this makes it a good spot to save files if you are concerned they be rolled back with the snapshot).

The tool can however impact program customizations made since the snapshot if the registry settings and program files are out of sync. For this reason, it should only be used as a last resort after other avenues (virus scans, application removals) have been attempted.

Run the program as follows:

1. Go to Start > Search and enter System Restore. XP owners can locate the tool under Accessories > System Tools.
2. Choose to ‘Restore the computer to an earlier time’. Select Next.
3. Pick a date on the calendar, ideally a recent one from before the registry problem appeared. Select Next.
4. The PC will reboot with the system changes restored.

It is safer to fix registry problem by uninstalling faulty programs or using anti-virus software to detect and correct. However, the Window restore tool is ideal in emergency situations, for at least making a PC workable again.