Windows Registry is a database of Windows operating systems and serves the purpose of configuration of hardware devices. Device driver software, events and user profile related information is stored in the database. The main entities of the system reside in the Registry. This is a core component of Windows systems and alteration of the registry leads to failure of functioning the system as expected. 

Registry editor is a user interface of the database where an administrator has access to view and edit the registry keys. As stated earlier, altering registry keys may damage operating system library files and the user can face issues working with the system. It is recommended to make changes only if the administrator knows it right.

More on Registry (Causes)

Why are we focusing on the registry here? Answer to this question is - there are times when a new application or software is installed in your machine, something is broken. You cannot open your Word document, or Powerpoint slides or your video stopped working. Conflicts started arising after the new software installation. There might be alteration(s) done in the registry files during the installation process and it has led to broken registry items in Windows. Virus attacks can also be one of the reasons for getting the registry settings damaged. The .exe files from the Internet as freeware might have been downloaded.

Symptoms / Signs of Broken Registry Items

There are unknowns for getting the user to know that the registry keys are broken. But still we can figure out from the system’s behaviour.

• System restricts the user to do some actions on UI
• While working on any application, performance has gone down
• Frequent system shutdown
• Issues in installing and uninstalling or updating the software
• Blue screen error after system restart and the system doesn’t start

How to Fix Broken Registry Items in Windows

Always take a backup of the registry before going to fix or resolve the issue.

1. Use the recovery settings

1. Start the computer
2. Open settings component using the search bar.
3. Locate  the recovery section. 
4. The Get started  action you have to take. The “Reset this PC” pop up is shown.
5. Keep my files is what needs to be picked up.

NOTE: Picking the second option will erase the data.

1. Reset action button in the window which has come up after redirection.
2. Check if the issue is resolved post the completion of the process.

2) Use Troubleshooting option to fix the issue

The in-built system (Windows) tool is going to be used to fix the issue. Stay tuned.

1. Locate system settings.
2. From the Recovery setting, pick restart now option.
3. Pick Troubleshoot.

1. Pick the second option highlighted with the red arrow.

1. Pick the startup repair as highlighted with red arrow.

1. Enter the password of your system login. (This step is for the security purpose)
2. Continue to initiate the process.
3. Once completed, consider your issues are fixed.

Takeaway

There are other critical methods to fix the registry issues, but it is recommended not to take a chance with registries if the above methods are not useful. Use the registry repair tool or take the expert help for fixing your registry. As an administrator of the system, it is not necessary that you can do any type of troubleshooting and fix the error. If it seems out of your control, please use paid tools or an advice from expert who excel at system troubleshooting.