What’s causing the ‘System Registry File is Missing’ error on Windows?
We investigated this particular issue by looking at various user reports and by testing out the various repair strategies that are recommended by other users that already managed to threat the symptoms of this issue. As it turns out, several different scenarios might lead to the apparition of this issue. Here’s a list of potential culprits that might be responsible for this problem:
Method 1: Booting to the last good configuration
If the issue only started occurring recently and you’re looking for a fix that doesn’t involve complicated troubleshooting strategies, you should start by seeing if your computer is capable of completing the startup procedure by using the last good configuration. Several affected users have reported that they finally managed to bypass the startup System Registry File Is Missing error by forcing the Startup options screen to appear and selecting the Last known good configuration from the list. Here’s a quick guide on booting from the last good configuration: If the same problem is still occurring, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 2: Fixing the booting sequence
As it turns out, one of the most common instances that will spawn the ‘System Registry File is Missing’ error during the startup sequence is an underlying booting problem. In these cases, the only effective way of getting to the bottom of the issue is to repair the entire booting sequence by using the Bootrec.exe. Bootrec.exe is a built-in Windows utility capable of fixing the entire master boot record, the whole booting sequence, and the boot configuration data. Keep in mind that any of these components might be responsible for the current error that you’re dealing with. Prerequisite: Keep in mind that to perform this installation procedure, you need a valid Windows installation media that is compatible with the operating system that you’re using. If you don’t have that already, you can create one by following the instructions outlined in one of the resources featured below:
Creating an Installation Media for Windows 7Creating an Installation Media for Windows 10
Note: Choose the article that applies to the operating system that you’re using. And in case you don’t have the installation media and no means of obtaining one, you can force the Startup Recovery menu to appear by forcing 3 consecutive startup interruptions (turning off the computer in the middle of the booting sequence). Once you have the prerequisite, follow the instructions below to run the Bootrec.exe utility to resolve the ‘System Registry File is Missing’ error: If you’re still encountering the same error during the booting procedure, move down to the next method below.
Method 3: Repairing System File Corruption
As it’s been confirmed by several affected, users the ‘System Registry File is Missing’ error can also be triggered by some degree of System File corruption that is interfering with the booting sequence. Keep in mind that under normal circumstances, you should open an elevated Command prompt to run the two utilities. But since you can’t get past the booting sequence, you will need to perform these scans before the booting sequence completes. To do this, you’ll need to open up an elevated CMD prompt using the Advanced Options menu. Here’s a quick guide that will guide you through the procedure of running SFC and DISM scans from a CMD opened from inside the Advanced Options menu: If the same ‘System Registry File is Missing’ error is still occurring during the startup sequence, move down to the next method below.
Method 4: Performing a repair install
If you’ve followed all the potential fixes above and you’re still encountering the same ‘System Registry File is Missing’ error, chances are you’re dealing with an underlying system file corruption issue that cannot be resolved conventionally. If this scenario is applicable, the only way of resolving the OS-related issues is to follow a procedure that will reset every Windows component. When it comes to achieving this state, you have two ways forward:
A clean installA repair install (in-place upgrade)
A clean install is a more straightforward option that doesn’t require any prerequisites, but the major downside is that you will experience serious data loss – Personal files, applications, user preferences and any other type of data will be lost unless you back it up in advance. If you want a more efficient approach, go for the repair install procedure. Although it’s a more tedious procedure and it requires you to have a valid Windows installation media, it will only reset your Windows components. But the major advantage is that you will be able to keep all your files (documents, pictures, music, etc.) applications, games, and even some user preferences.
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