Windows & BSOD · critical

How to fix REGISTRY_ERROR (0x00000051)

Windows & BSOD troubleshooting guide

What this error means

The REGISTRY_ERROR bug check has a value of 0x00000051. This BSOD indicates that an I/O error occurred while the registry was trying to read one of its files, or that the registry has become corrupted due to hardware or file system faults.

Updated

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Use instructions for your exact device and software version. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.

Work through these checks

0 of 4 complete
01Perform a system restore to a point before the registry error occurred
  1. Perform a system restore to a point before the registry error occurred
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

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02Check disk file system for integrity errors
  1. Check disk file system for integrity errors
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

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03Run SFC and DISM in Windows Recovery Environment
  1. Run SFC and DISM in Windows Recovery Environment
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

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04Check drive health status using SMART utilities
  1. Check drive health status using SMART utilities
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

Browse related errors

Possible causes

  • Corrupt registry hives due to power loss or crash
  • Failing storage drives (SSD/HDD) containing registry files
  • Corrupted file system structures