1. Run Automatic Startup Repair
- Boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
- Navigate to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair
- Allow Windows to automatically detect and fix registry and startup issues
2. Restore Registry Backup
- In WinRE, open Command Prompt (Admin)
- Navigate to:
- C:\Windows\System32\Config\RegBack
- Copy backup registry hives to the main Config folder
- Restart the system
3. Repair System and Registry Files
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) in WinRE
- Run:
sfc /scannow
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
- These commands repair corrupted system and registry dependencies
4. Check Disk for Errors
- In Command Prompt, run:
- chkdsk C: /f /r
- Replace C: with your system drive if different
- Reboot after the scan completes
5. Scan for Malware or Rootkits
- Use Windows Security → Full Scan and Offline Scan
- Use advanced tools like Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit for deeper scanning
6. Remove Recent Updates or Software
- Open Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features
- Uninstall any updates or applications installed just before the BSOD appeared
- Restart and observe system performance
7. Perform System Restore
- Access WinRE → Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → System Restore
- Select a restore point created before the error occurred
- Follow prompts to complete the rollback
8. Clean Install Windows
- Backup all critical files
- Perform a clean Windows installation to rebuild the registry and system files from scratch
The 0x00000072 (REGISTRY_INITIALIZATION_FAILED) BSOD indicates a critical failure in initialising the Windows registry, often caused by corrupted system files, storage issues, failed updates, or malware.
To resolve it:
- Use Startup Repair and restore registry backups
- Run SFC, DISM, and CHKDSK scans
- Check disk and storage health
- Scan for malware and remove conflicting software
If the problem persists, performing a clean Windows installation or replacing faulty hardware ensures system stability, prevents repeated crashes, and protects data integrity.