What does Windows error code 1015 (ERROR_REGISTRY_CORRUPT) mean?

 
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ERROR_REGISTRY_RECOVERED ERROR_REGISTRY_IO_FAILED

ERROR_REGISTRY_CORRUPT

Registry structures could not be recovered consistently

ERROR_REGISTRY_CORRUPT explicitly covers corruption in registry data structures, the in-memory image of registry data, or a recovery failure because alternate or log data is missing or damaged. That makes it materially different from a bad value type or an application writing an unexpected setting.

Identify the hive and preserve its files before attempting restore. Correlate the first occurrence with storage errors, abrupt power loss, system crashes, or low-level filter activity. If Windows can still boot, export or save critical application-owned configuration before further stress; if the affected hive is SYSTEM, boot and service configuration may also be involved. A registry cleaner or broad deletion of keys does not repair structural corruption and can remove evidence needed to determine which hive and recovery path failed.

What to inspect

  • Determine the exact hive implicated by the failing registry operation.
  • Preserve hive and supporting files before repair or replacement.
  • Check storage and crash history around the first corruption event.

References


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