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        How To Recover From A Corrupt Registry Branch

Section(s): Active Directory , Administrator, Active Directory , Admin , Active Directory, Admin
Published on Dec 29, 2010.
Last Modified on Oct 31, 2009.
Last Modified by Nirmal Sharma.
Rating: Not Rated

This article explains how you can recover from a corrupted registry branch.

A registry entry or branch may be corrupted because of mis-configuration or virus attack. There are various to recover from this. However, the easiest way I have found is mentioned below:

Let's say a registry key on domain controller; HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services has been corrupted. Its not opening or contains mis-configured values. You can use the below mentioned methods to recover from this:

Method 1 - Use NTBackup in DSRM Mode to restore System State Backup on problematic domain controller.

Method 2 - Copy the registry branch from a working Domain Controller of the same domain.

Steps:

Open Registry Editor on a working domain controller of that domain.
Navigate the above registry location > Right Click on Services and export and save it as Services.REG.
Go to probalematic Domain Controller.
Copy Services.REG to C:\ or Desktop of Domain Controller.
Finally, double click on it.
Restart problematic Domain Controller.

About Nirmal Sharma

Nirmal is a Microsoft MVP in Directory Services and working as a Technical Architect/Consultant. He has been involved in Microsoft Technologies since 1994 and followed the progression of Microsoft Operating Systems and software. He is specialized in Directory Services, Microsoft Clustering, SQL, MOM, Exchange and Citrix. In his spare time, he likes to help others and write "internal" technical articles, white papers and tips on various Microsoft technologies. You can contact him at nirmal_sharma@mvps.org.