The COMPONENTS registry hive is an important part of the Windows Update infrastructure. Originally introduced in Windows Vista and tweaked several times over the years, the COMPONENTS hive holds a large amount of data associated with the Windows Update system and it's configuration.
Whilst the hive is not considered a boot-critical hive (meaning your computer will boot up and mostly function if the hive is corrupt), corruptions in the COMPONENTS hive will cause issues when it comes to updating Windows. This may result in the inability to install/uninstall updates or Windows Features and sometimes issues installing some programs.
Corruption in the COMPONENTS hive can also cause the following errors:
- ERROR_ILLEGAL_CHARACTER (0x80070246)
- ERROR_BADDB (0x800703f1)
- ERROR_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPT (0x80073712)
ComponentsScanner is a completely free tool created and maintained by Sysnative that is designed to quickly and easily scan your COMPONENTS hive for corruptions.
Note the tool is primarily a scanner - it will detect and report corruptions it finds but not repair them. ComponentsScanner can repair some very specific corruptions and will prompt if this is the case. The COMPONENTS hive is backed up before any repairs are performed.
If any corruptions are found by the tool, a report will be generated outlining where the corruptions were found.
If no corruptions are found, you may be asked to upload some data to Sysnative's servers for further analysis. This data contains no personally identifying information, only information about the Windows Update configuration of your system. It is completely optional, and if you do not agree then no data will be sent to Sysnative's servers. The data will only be used to assist with further research and development at Sysnative.
If you wish to attempt to repair the corruptions yourself, please ensure you know what you are doing and have a full backup of the hive file - Sysnative takes no responsibility for any damage caused if you attempt to repair corruptions yourself.
Our team of expert Windows Update analysts are trained in how to repair corruptions in the COMPONENTS hive and will be able to help repair any issues. We'll provide you specialist advice - written in simple language with easy to follow instructions. Follow the instructions here:
Windows Update Forum Posting Instructions and be sure to attach the log generated by ComponentsScanner in addition to the files requested by the posting instructions
ComponentsScanner - Usage
- Download the latest version of ComponentsScanner.
- Double-click ComponentsScanner.exe and click Yes on the UAC (User Account Control) prompt which appears. ComponentsScanner is digitally signed by Sysnative Forums Software Ltd.
- Follow the on-screen instructions
- Once complete, a report will be saved to your desktop called ComponentsScanner.txt. If you require further assistance, you should attach this log to your thread.
Author: Tekno Venus / Sysnative Forums Software Ltd
Compatibility:
- Windows 11, 10, Windows 8 / 8.1, Windows 7; 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64)
- Windows Server 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019 and 2022; 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64)
Latest Version: 1.4.1 - 20th August 2022
Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with the tool, please start a new thread describing your issues.
ComponentsScanner will report any errors or crashes to the developer automatically - no personal or sensitive data is collected as part of this process.
"api-ms-win-crt-string-l1-1-0.dll" Error
If you receive the following error when starting ComponentsScanner
Install the latest version of the Universal C Runtime for Windows from
here
Disclaimer
Whilst Sysnative Forums Software Ltd make every effort to deliver high quality software, we do not guarantee that our products are free from defects. Our software is provided “as is", without any warranty of any kind (either express or implied) and you use the software at your own risk and with agreement that you will be solely responsible for any damage to your computer system or loss of data that results from such activities.
You are solely responsible for adequate protection and backup of the data and equipment used in connection with any of our software, and we will not be liable for any damages that you may suffer in connection with using, modifying or distributing any of this software. No advice or information, whether oral or written, obtained by you from us or from Sysnative Forums shall create any warranty for the software.
