Get a Error Message " Invalid value of Registry " when I try to open a app of windows

Question

When I try to open a app like music or videos or a pdf file in windows 8 app screen, a error message appears that the value of registry is invalid ! But the photo app of windows 8 app works correctly. None of the other apps open which is in megascreen of windows 8 ! Please help me out .

Answer 1

Hi Ravi,

Thank you for posting your query on this forum.

I would like to ask few questions regarding this issue for a better understanding. Please answer these questions:

1. What are the recent changes that you have made to the computer prior to this issue?
2. Are you using any registry cleaner software on the computer?
3. Are you able to open the Windows Store without any issues?
4. Are you getting the same error message when the other apps (other than the Photo app) are opened on the computer? If not, then what exactly happens when you try to open them?

We have found many instances where the users get the same error message when trying to open a Windows 8/8.1 app after running a registry cleanup using a registry cleaner software.

Microsoft does not recommend using any registry cleaner software on the computer. This is because, such software are extremely powerful applications that can damage the registry by their aggressive cleaning routines. We have found many instances where these kind of software has deleted some important registry entries and thus leading to similar issues that you are currently facing.

If you had performed a registry cleanup prior to this issue and if a registry backup was taken before doing this, then may try restoring the registry and check if that helps.

If the Registry Cleanup was never performed on the computer, then try the following methods and check if that resolves the issue.

Method 1: Troubleshoot problems with Windows 8.1 Apps

In most cases, if there are any issues with the Windows 8.1 Modern Apps, the Windows Store will notify you about the same and try to fix the problem. If the Store doesn’t notify you or unable to fix the issue, then we’ll have to fix it manually. You may first try the App Troubleshooter, check the troubleshooting report and let us know the details. Also, try the suggestions given by the troubleshooter. Please refer to the article given below:

***Troubleshoot problems with an App***

If you are able to open the Windows Store, then you may also try updating and synchronizing the app license by following the instructions given in the above article and check if that helps. If required, please try uninstalling and reinstalling the apps and let’s know the results.

If that doesn’t help, then try the next method.

Method 2: Run an SFC Scan

The “sfc /scannow” command scans all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct Microsoft versions.

a) Press “Windows Logo” + “X” keys on the keyboard and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” from that menu.

b) On the command prompt window, type the following command, and then press “Enter”.

sfc /scannow

c) Follow the on-screen instructions and complete the scan.

Please get back to us with the troubleshooting results. If the issue persists, we’ll be glad to assist you further.

Answer 2

I am not using any " registry cleaner " apps ! And I don't think Norton Antivirus might be the cause. When I try to open other apps of Windows 8 nothing appears and screen returns back to the start screen , 

I tried sfc/scannow but this didn't helped me out

Answer 3

Hi Ravi,

Thank you for replying with the updates.

Which Norton program are you using on the computer? Is it Norton 360?

I asked this query because; the Norton 360 program has a PC Tuneup utility and I guess it should have a registry cleaner feature inbuilt. So, as of now, it would be better not to use this feature as we are not sure what exactly has caused this issue. But, this issue has normally caused by the “registry cleanup” software when they delete some important registry entries on the computer.

I would also like you to share the SFC Scan result with us in your reply. Did the SFC scan detect any corrupted system files or integrity issues on the computer?

Please get back to us with the updates. We’ll be glad to assist you further.

Answer 4

Hi Rajesh,

I'm in the exact same situation where-in all the apps if I try to open(Except Photos) are minimized to the taskbar and whatever apps I try to access, I get an error message "Invalid value for Registry".

The problem persists with the apps I downloaded using Store. For instance, I downloaded VLC media player to play .mkv files and whenever I try to open a .mkv file using VLC media player, I get the same message as "Invalid value for registry". When I try to open a .avi file using Windows Media Player, I am able to do so and do not face any issue.

I ran sfc /scannow command and got the following results:

"Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations."

However, I'm still facing the issue.

Answer 5

Hi Ravi,

I have this problem too.  It's with my PDF files.  I can't open them and get the same INVALID VALUE FOR REGISTRY message.  I ran the scan and it told me it was unable to repair a file.  It sent me to the following place for more information:  C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.Log - but when I tried to open that file it told me ACCESS DENIED.

Since running that scan, I am now unable to open any of my PDF files.  Please advise.  Thank you!