If some Windows functions aren't working or Windows crashes, use the System File Checker to scan Windows and restore your files. Though the steps below might look complicated at first glance, just follow them in order, step-by-step, and we’ll try to get you back on track. To do this, follow these steps: Open an elevated command prompt.

To access the code, you'll need a tool for reading MSI files—which is typically available to IT professionals. You'll find the product code in the property table of the MSI file. The troubleshooter helps fix problems that: Corrupt registry keys on 64-bit operating systems. Corrupt registry keys that control the update data.

Learn how to optimize system performance by managing startup applications in Windows.

Regsvr32 is a command-line utility to register and unregister OLE controls, such as DLLs and ActiveX controls in the Windows Registry. Regsvr32.exe is installed in the %systemroot%\System32 folder in Windows XP and later versions of Windows. The 64-bit version is %systemroot%\System32\regsvr32.exe.

When you run an .exe file on a Windows based computer, the file may start a different program. Resolve issues where you cannot start .EXE files on Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

Regedit.exe uses .reg files to import and export registry subkeys and values. You can use these .reg files to remotely distribute registry changes to several Windows-based computers. When you run a .reg file, the file contents merge into the local registry.

Learn how to update drivers in Windows using Device Manager to update or reinstall a driver.

To fix this problem automatically, run the "Fix problems that programs cannot be installed or uninstalled" troubleshooter to repair issues that block program installation or removal because of corrupted registry keys. Important To perform many of the methods and steps in this article, you must be logged on to your computer as an administrator.

When you start your computer successfully, the Windows Registry Checker tool (Scanreg.exe) creates a backup of system files and registry configuration information (including user account information, protocol bindings, software program settings, and user preferences) once daily.

Booting from a USB device doesn’t refresh or reset your Surface. Instead, it lets you start your Surface using Windows or another operating system that’s on your USB device. For info about how to create a bootable USB drive for your Surface, see Creating and using a USB recovery drive for Surface.