How to Clean Up Broken Registry Items

 22 Nov, 2022

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How to Clean Up Broken Registry Items

In Windows, the registry items are useful for maintaining databases that contain codes/information of programs and software you may use on the computer. The registry keeps track of the app’s location, and configuration settings like what version it is and how to launch it. Your computer’s device drivers also use these entries to function smoothly. So, without registries, any Windows-powered OS cannot operate properly. 

However, registry items that are unnecessary can accumulate when you delete an app or duplicate files get saved which ultimately slows down the operations of your PC/laptop. These are called the “Broken registry items” that you may clean/delete to maintain smooth computer performance. Malware infection or sudden system crashes may also cause the issue of broken registry items in your device.

So, without further ado, let’s move on to the methods you may use to clean broken registry items.

fix windows registry

1- Use disk cleanup:

The Windows disk cleanup utility is pretty beneficial in removing junk and unwanted temporary files. Using this program will help you in cleaning broken registry items.

  1. Open disk cleanup via the Windows search bar.
  2. When you see a pop-up, select the drive on which the operating system is installed.
  3. Mark the boxes for files you want to delete and tap on “Clean up system files.”
  4. When the pop-up shows, select the chosen drive again and tap on “OK” to proceed.
  5. The process of broken registry removal will begin.

2-: Use system file checker:

Another way to clean up broken registry items is to repair them. So, when hit with the question, “how to fix broken registry items?”, you may use the system file checker.

  1. Thumb Windows + R key together to open the “Run” pop-up box.
  2. Type, “Cmd” and thumb Shift + Ctrl + Enter keys together which will give you the administrative rights.
  3. Enter “sfc /scannow” after the command prompt window opens up.

The process of scanning will start and the system will take its time to repair and replace the broken registry items with the cached copies. After the process finishes, you may restart the computer and check if the problem goes away.

Note: If you receive a 0x0 error code on your PC screen, know that this method can also help to eliminate this issue.

3- Run DISM Command:

The DISM command is also useful for fixing damaged registry files. You may use the same first-two steps mentioned in the above method to open the command interface. And when it opens, type, “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth” command to start the repair process.

4- Go for Automatic Repair:

Another way to fix broken registry items is to run an automatic repair. You may open your “Settings” and select “Update and Security.” Choose “Recovery” on the sidebar. In this section, there will be an “Advanced Startup” option, click on the “Restart now” button under it. As you wait a while, you’ll see more options. There’ll be a “Troubleshoot” option, so click on it.

As you’ll open the troubleshooting, click on “Advanced Options” and choose the Startup repair/automatic repair option. This process will fix broken registry files and your computer will start performing more efficiently.

5- Reset the Computer:

You can reset the computer by following the same first-three steps mentioned in the above method. After you get to the recovery window, click on the “Get started” button under the “Reset This PC” option. You’ll be asked to choose between keeping your files or removing them all. You may select, the “Keep my files” option as it will keep your data safe and only remove the installed applications and settings. This method may help in cleaning up the broken registries in Windows and make your operating system work smoothly.

Final Thoughts:

As you know now that the Windows registries are the essential component of the OS and the computer cannot perform well if the registry items get missing, broken, or corrupted; so, you may apply these methods to clean or repair them. However, always create backups before you troubleshoot your computer. Any important registry getting deleted by accident can ruin your PC’s system. That’s why backups are much-needed before you proceed.

Third-party software specialized for repairing registries can also be downloaded and used. But, if something goes wrong and you can’t handle it, contact a computer repair professional immediately for help.

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