I was installing/uninstalling some software and found some leftovers in the Registry, and thinking wow6432node was also a leftover, clicked delete. It said unable to delete and I Ignored it, but then the OS started acting strangely with messed up fonts. I can't use any software or log in, as I am dual-booting with Ubuntu and don't know how to get into Recovery.
1 Answer
Deleting registry keys like this is a major problem, compounded by the fact that the machine is used for dual booting.
To repair the computer in place, run a Windows Repair Install.
Go to the Media Creation Link:
Windows 10 is running, so click on the Download button (not Upgrade Button) and select Run. If the Repair will not run as per above, use the Download button to create a USB Windows Installation key, then run Setup on the USB Key.
This will launch the Repair and proceed normally. There are 3 ways to proceed, according to the severity of the error.
You can start with the first method but that may not work in this case.
(1) Keep Everything: Best if it works and your computer comes back just the way you had set it up except repaired. Always have a backup, but generally nothing will be lost.
(2) Keep Data: Necessary if the operating system damage is extensive. Keeps the User Profile and makes software install quite easy. Always have a backup, but data is not usually lost.
(3) Keep Nothing: Deletes the User Profile and all else and is essentially a fresh install, but still in place on the computer. Be certain you have backed up all your data. "Keep Nothing" is necessary if the User Profile is damaged, because broken User Profiles cannot be repaired and it is generally easier to back up and start over if the User Profile is damaged. It depends on the precise situation.
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