Error codes

0xc0000218

The registry file could not be loaded

What it means

Windows could not read one of the registry hives that has to be in memory before anything else starts, usually SYSTEM.

Common causes

• A corrupted hive after an unclean shutdown
• Bad sectors on the disk holding the hive
• A RAM fault that damages the file while it is read

How to fix it

1. Start the PC from the Windows install stick or recovery drive, then choose Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
2. In the recovery Command Prompt run chkdsk C: /f /r.
3. Copy a backup hive from C:\Windows\System32\config\RegBack over the damaged one, then reboot and check that it works.