Registry edit causing boot problems

Asoi817 · 06 Jun 2023

Hi. I recently added an M.2 SSD to my laptop. I wanted my OS and programs to be installed on the M.2 and my files to be stored on my sata SSD. So I tried going to the properties of one of my libraries (downloads) and changed the location to the sata SSD (D drive). I noticed it didn’t actually move the location of the library itself, only the files within in. But a direct linkage was created, as going to the downloads folder would no longer display the files, but the D drive. The downloads folder’s name also actually changed to D:/. It also made my windows/users/“user name” folder disappear, so I was unable to change the location back to the original location. I was able to use a command line to bring the users folder back, but the same error still occurred when trying to reset the downloads location. So I went into regedit and saw in current user/software/Microsoft/windows/currentversion/explorer/shell folders that in addition to the downloads value, a D:/ value was present (I believe it was string value). So I deleted that value in the hopes of resetting things. I then restarted the pc, and now it won’t boot. I get the “you’ll need to use recovery tools” blue screen. I’ve tried booting from a USB and choosing “repair this computer”, but “reset this pc” isn’t an option. I’ve tried running bootrec commands but that hasn’t worked. I know I could copy all of my files and reinstall Windows, but I have Adobe CS6 programs installed and don’t want to cause licensing problems. Any help on how to fix this would be greatly appreciated.

dalchina · 06 Jun 2023

Hi, repeatedly I have warned about the dangers of using the Location tab - if an error is made, recovery can be very difficult.

This is exactly why I asked that a recommendation be made in the tenforums tutorials to create a disk image before attempting such a change.

Further, again and again - endlessly- the routine and regular use of 3rd party disk imaging is advised by members.

So, if you have such a disk image, you can restore your previous configuration by restoring an appropriate disk image.

I have also repeatedly stated my view that it's far better to simply create your own folders e.g. My Documents, My Videos etc on a separate partition of drive - you can then add those to a library or create your own library should you wish.

There are some threads where mistakes in using Location have eventually been resolved. MS itself warns that some are not recoverable. One member spent some days experimenting with recovering one case repeatedly recreating it in a VM and attempting to correct it.

Asoi817 · 06 Jun 2023

Is there possibly a bootable registry repair software I could install on USB?

SIW2 · 07 Jun 2023

you could try replacing the hives from a backup if you have them. Not clear exactly what you did, but replacing %userprofile%\ntuser.dat as well might be worth a try.

You can have a look for shadow copies with shadowcopyview and copy the hives out using that, if you have any shadows.

ShadowCopyView - Shadow copy viewer for Windows 10/8/7/Vista

it runs in winpe.

dalchina · 07 Jun 2023

Thank you for your reply. I assume you don't have any disk images.

I have no idea as to whether System Restore might help in your particular situation.

As you know, that restores a previous version of the registry.

Asoi817 · 07 Jun 2023

I can’t run shadowcopyview or access system restore from where I am.

tomdsr · 07 Jun 2023

Asoi817 said:

I can’t run shadowcopyview or access system restore from where I am.

sounds like time for a repair install or clean install. hope you backed up your data

Asoi817 · 07 Jun 2023

I’m afraid so. I can plug the drive into another computer like a flash drive and access all of my files. My only concern is licensing for paid software.

ubuysa · 07 Jun 2023

I think that your problems go way deeper than the registry. The method you tried to use to make the original SATA system drive a data drive was never going to work. You would have been better asking for help in making that change. Now however, I suspect you have a completely screwed up system. I would reinstall on the M.2 drive. If you have a valid Adobe license that shouldn't be a problem.

tomdsr · 07 Jun 2023

Asoi817 said:

I’m afraid so. I can plug the drive into another computer like a flash drive and access all of my files. My only concern is licensing for paid software.

the paid software will allow a reinstall. if it doesnt without purchasing again, thats software you should never have bought