Error Message: Windows registry is damaged

Windows registry is damaged. Windows will restart and try to fix the problem.

When Windows starts, the Registry Checker tool may display the following message:

Windows registry is damaged.
Windows will restart and try to fix the problem.

When you click OK, you may receive the same message when Windows restarts.

Note that running the real-mode version of Registry Checker (Scanreg.exe) at a command prompt does not detect registry damage, and Windows Millennium Edition (Me) does support real mode Scanreg.exe.

Cause of this error

This problem can occur if there is defective memory in your computer. A defective memory chip may damage the registry in memory (See, Symptoms of registry problems). The Windows-based (or protected-mode) version of Registry Checker (Scanregw.exe) scans the registry in memory for damage (See, How to repair windows registry?).

When this issue occurs, Scanregw.exe detects that the registry is damaged in memory and marks the registry as damaged so that the real-mode Scanreg.exe is run the next time the computer starts. Scanreg.exe may not detect any damage if the defective memory is not used in real mode, and may allow Windows to start normally.

Solution

Method 1: Remove or replace memory chips in the computer to see if the problem is resolved.

Method 2: Try limiting the amount of memory that Windows uses. If limiting the amount of memory that Windows uses resolves the issue, the problem is a defective memory chip.

1. Restart Windows in Safe mode. To do so, restart your computer, press and hold down the CTRL key until the Windows 98 Startup menu appears, and then choose Safe Mode.
2. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Information.
3. On the Tools menu, click System Configuration Utility.
4. On the General tab, click Advanced.
5. Click to select the Limit Memory To <n> MB check box, and set the value to 16 megabytes (MB).
NOTE: Limiting memory to less than 16 MB may prevent Windows from loading. If you are unable to start Windows normally, start Windows in Safe mode and then disable this option by pressing and holding down the SHIFT key throughout startup.
6. Click OK, and then click OK.
7. Restart your computer normally.

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