Troubleshooting Error Code 0xC000022E

Error code 0xC000022E is a frustrating issue that can prevent Windows from starting correctly. This error typically appears as a blue screen of death (BSOD) with the message "STOP: c0000225 {Registry File Failure}." It indicates a problem with accessing or reading critical registry files, which are essential for Windows to function properly.

What Causes Error Code 0xC000022E?

Several factors can contribute to this error code:

Corrupted Registry Files: Damaged or incomplete registry entries can prevent Windows from loading correctly.
Virus or Malware Infections: Malicious software can corrupt system files, including registry files.
Hardware Failures: Problems with the hard drive, RAM, or motherboard can lead to data corruption and trigger this error.
Improper System Shutdown: Unexpected power outages or forced shutdowns can damage file systems and result in registry errors.

Affected Operating Systems

Error code 0xC000022E has been reported on various Windows operating systems, including:

Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows 10

Programs Often Affected

While this error can affect any program requiring access to the registry, it commonly arises during system startup or when launching applications that rely heavily on registry entries.

How to Solve Errors

There are several steps you can take to resolve error code 0xC000022E:

You should try these solutions one by one until the problem is resolved. Remember to back up your important data before making any system changes.

Run Startup Repair

Insert your Windows installation media (DVD or USB drive).
Restart your computer and boot from the installation media.
Select Repair your computer from the installation menu.
Choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
Select Startup Repair and follow the on-screen instructions.

Perform a System Restore

Boot into Safe Mode. To do this, repeatedly press the F8 key while your computer is starting up.
Select Safe Mode from the boot menu.
Once in Safe Mode, open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows key + R.
Type rstrui.exe and press Enter.
Follow the instructions to select a restore point from before the error started occurring.

Check for Hard Drive Errors

Open File Explorer and right-click on your system drive (usually C:).
Select Properties, then click the Tools tab.
Click Check under Error checking.
Follow the prompts to scan your hard drive for errors.

Run System File Checker

Open Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, type cmd in the search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow
This will scan for corrupted system files and attempt to repair them.

Use Windows Memory Diagnostic

Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows key + R.
Type mdsched.exe and press Enter.
Select Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
This will restart your computer and run a memory test to identify any RAM issues.

Update Drivers

Open Device Manager by pressing Windows key + X and selecting Device Manager.
Expand the categories and right-click on any devices with yellow exclamation marks.
Select Update driver and follow the instructions to install the latest drivers for your hardware.

Perform a Clean Boot

Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows key + R.
Type msconfig and press Enter.
Go to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services.
Click Disable All.
Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
Disable all startup programs.
Restart your computer and see if the error persists.

If these solutions do not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to reinstall Windows or seek assistance from a qualified technician.