Vista - Pressing problem: STOP: c0000218 {Registry File Failure}

Hi there, I just want to say that I've been quite impressed with the quality of responses I've seen on this forum so that gives me some hope in finding a resolution to difficult problem I ran into here at work.

I apologize for the length, but I wanted to put down as much information as possible. I also wanted to document various solutions I've sought out to save others from retracing my steps.

That being said, heres some background: We wanted to take full advantage of the hardware available in building a production-level computer. It was built 08-Nov-07 and ran fine until about a week ago (18-Jan-08). Then, upon reboot, I received a BSOD with the following error:

Here is the hardware/config:
CPU: Intel Q6700 (8M 1066FSB)
MB: ABIT IP35 PRO
RAM: 4x OCZ DDR2 800Mhz 2gb/stick (Total 8gb)
HDD: 2x WD Raptor x 150GB 10k (Mirror 1 Config)
2x Seagate 1TB SATAII (Mirror 1 Config)
VCD: PNY 8800GTS 320M PCI-E
ACC: PROMISE TX4310 4-Port SATA PCI RAID
OS: Vista Ultimate 64Bit

Initially I figured the problem had something to do with an improper shutdown, but nothing seems to be stabilizing the system. The only way I can get the machine to boot properly was to bring it down to 1 stick (2 GB) of ram as per this thread:
TOP: C0000218 {Registry File Failure): how to fix it in Vista Ulti - Setup and Install

In searching online for the error I came across numerous websites point to this reference page in MS (Which is not helpful for Vista Users):
How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting

Today I found this link: Vista 64 bit and 8 gb RAM - SLI Zone Forums where someone posted:

Seeing as how I am using both in this system doesn't seem to bode well.

Now, in the troubleshooting department, what I have left to explore is to see if using Visual Studio 2008 to recompile some old code managed to bugger up the works.

I also got it to successfully boot with all 4 sticks (8GB) when I pulled it from the domain. This was to fix a secondary problem:

As soon as I tried to re-attach it to the domain, I received the c0000218 BSOD again.

All MS Supplied updates have been applied. Is there a known bug with any of them?

So, in short, I'm starting to run out of ideas.

Here's a list of what I've tried:
Using the Auto-Repair via the Vista Disk: No Luck
Using the Restore feature: No Luck
Upgrading the BIOS: No Luck
Downgrading to 2gb: Works


Has anyone else run across this problem yet? Is there any point in calling Microsoft tech support? I'm going to run off and do some more tests on the RAM, wish me luck lol.

With Many Thanks in Advance,
Toby Kliem
IT/IS

You can try to boot with "last known good configuration", this will load a backup of the registry file when the computer last sucseffuly booted into windows.

Hi Toby

May I ask are you running any third party defragmentation software program such as Diskeeper or PerfectDisk? Please advise.

Kind Regards

Neil (Mr Smiley)

No I`m not. I defrag about every two months and vistas defrag is good enough for me.

No problem Toby.

It's just if my memory serves me correctly I had the same error appear when one of my third party defragmentation programs performed an offline defrag of my registry files.

Hope it all works out for you.

Kind regards

Mr Smiley (Neil)

Update:

I've complete more testing, and unfortunately, because the primary user has returned from the field, the intervals between testing is further apart.

While I've done some ram testing, I haven't done a full blown scour of all 8GBs due to time constraints.

Mr. Smiley: I haven't run any defragmentation on the system let alone 3rd party defrag software.

The system boots reliably with 2GB of ram. I have it running right now with 4GBs and plan to bring it up to the full 8GBs in the next day or two.

This is where it gets weird... It seems to randomly boot fine with >2GB of ram, just not reliably.

Unfortunatly, there doesn't seem to be many people out there running Vista x64 with 8GBs of ram. I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and start a ticket with MS. Does anyone have any suggestions as to best way to contact them (Phone, Chat, or Email)?

Thanks,
Toby Kliem
IT/IS

This has been mentioned before on the forum. Do a search and you may be able to find out more. Microsoft may have a patch you can download.

I've done several searches but I have been unable to find anything. But all this means is I'm probably using the wrong search terms.

If anyone knows of it, could they post the link here?

And if there is a patch, it would be nice if MS made it easier to find.

Thanks

I did a search for 2gb and this is the first post I found.

TOP: C0000218 {Registry File Failure): how to fix it in Vista Ulti

No mention of the patch but if you read through the post it may be helpful in giving you ideas on what to try.

k i just had this error and i tried everything i could do (without re-installing) and nothing.
so i just had to re-install vista (i did not reformat i just installed it) and it seems to be ok now i just need to get all my files and settings back and remove the old install.
thats where i have a question.... could i just go into the windows.old folder and just delete that folder? or what is the best way of doing this?