Windows registry is one of the critical system components that stores system configuration options and settings. The device drivers, user interface, third-party programs, SAM, and even Windows kernel uses registry for performing its actions. In case of an unhealthy registry, you might encounter typical problems, counting from issues while launching an application to boot problems. Troubleshooting registry requires high understanding of Windows components, which sometimes is not possible for an amateur. In such situations, user opts for reinstalling Windows and loses its data, which further creates the need of file data recovery solutions.

Windows registry can get corrupt for several reasons such as, unexpected power outage, virus infection, Windows upgrade, etc. If this occurs, you can get several errors, one of them is mentioned underneath:

"ERROR_CANNOT_LOAD_REGISTRY_FILE"

Explanation

Windows registry is a hierarchical database that is divided into several logical sections, known as hives. The above error occurs when registry is unable to load the hive file, its alternate file, or its log. This specifically occurs when the file is corrupted, absent, or cannot be written.

User Action

For advanced users, a solution can be to copy registry files from the repair folder of Windows startup disk or and use them to replace registry files at System32\Config folder. To do so, you need to follow these steps:

Insert Windows startup disk or CD-ROM and boot your computer Press 'R' when welcome screen appears,which will start 'Recovery Console' Select the Windows installation you want to repair Type the administrator password, when prompted for At command prompt, copy the registry files from its repair folder and replace them at System32\Config folder Type 'exit' and quit Recovery Console

If the above procedure works, your Windows should boot properly. If it doesn't, the last resolution is to reinstall Windows and you fall in situations to restore the lost data from your previous backup, especially when the disk has not been partitioned or you are using dynamic disk. When backup falls short of restoring data, you need a data recovery tools to restore it back. A software can scan and restore all your lost files and folders to a safe location.