Windows 10 Unable to write to registry

Since you know viruses have been present, I would start with a Windows 10 Repair Install. You need not lose anything starting with this.


Go to the Media Creation Link

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Click on Upgrade to Windows 10 (even if Windows 10 is running), click on the Download button, select Open (Run) but NOT Save. It is possible you may need to go to the download location and run the program - it depends on exactly what MCL does (it changes from time to time). Allow the program to run. Allow drivers to update. Then select Keep Everything.

If this does not work, back up the computer, start this procedure again and this time Keep Nothing. This is close to a fresh install.

One thing a Repair Install does not fix is a damaged user profile. If the User Profile has been damaged so that after Repair you have the same issues, then opt for the fresh install.

John,
So just to double check. My client won't lose any files or programs?
I didn't know Repair Install was available for W10. This is great. I missed it big time.
Thanks

John,
One more question. I have created a W 10 boot install repair flash drive from the MS site. Can I access repair install from that?
Thanks in advance.

You can also run this command to set permissions back to a known state

secedit /configure /cfg %windir%\inf\defltbase.inf /db defltbase.sdb /verbose

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I have used it without a problem (not on 1607 though). OP is planning to refresh OS

Yes, we can do many things that are not supported without problems, still, we need to mention that Microsoft warns that it "may even result in the operating system becoming unstable." So far, there has not been any action, no refresh has been discussed but rather a repair installation has been recommended. I would take simple steps before using the big steps.

John. I was just double checking. Thanks

McKnight
How do I check adjust the permissions in the branch?
Thanks

Right click the key - properties - move to the security tab.

McKnife  If I can't install Open Office and Panda what part of the registry should I be looking at in order to change the permissions?
Thanks

The branch that your error message suggests. You didn't give it to use, but just quoted "keep getting error messages about not being
able to write to the registry ("Software .... Run")."

Thanks people. Excellent help.

You are very welcome and I was happy to help.

For everybody's information.
As it turns out the problem was caused by not restarting the computer immediately after scanning for viruses with Hitman Pro.
I was working on a remote computer and tried to install Panda and OpenOffice before restarting the computer after
I had scanned and cleaned it with Hitman.
If I had restarted the computer when I should have then I wouldn't have had the problem of programs writing to the registry.