Fix: ERROR_SYSTEM_HIVE_TOO_LARGE 653 (0x28D)

The ERROR_SYSTEM_HIVE_TOO_LARGE Windows system error, with code 653 (0x28D), appears when the system hive’s size goes past the set cap. This happens due to corrupted system files, issues with the Registry, and app-related issues.

The message for Error Code 653 reads, System hive size has exceeded its limit.

Before you proceed to the solutions, restart the computer, install all pending Windows updates, and disable any third-party performance optimization program on the PC!

How can I fix ERROR_SYSTEM_HIVE_TOO_LARGE in Windows?

1. Repair the system files

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt in the text field, and click on Run as administrator.
2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
3. Paste the following DISM commands individually and hit Enter after each: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Next, execute this command for the SFC scan: sfc /scannow
5. Once done, reboot the PC to apply the changes.

Since corrupted system files are the most common reason behind ERROR_SYSTEM_HIVE_TOO_LARGE in Windows, your primary approach should be to run the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) scans, which will replace all problematic files with their cached copies!

2. Use a Registry cleaner

For many users, running a top-rated Registry cleaner software fixed ERROR_SYSTEM_HIVE_TOO_LARGE 653 (0x28D) System hive size has exceeded its limit. This helps when the system error appears due to excess data being stored in the Registry.

Remember, before clearing any entries in the Registry Editor, make a backup or create a restore point since this is a critical process and any mistakes here can render the PC unusable.

3. Reinstall the affected app

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
2. Select the app that is throwing the error, and click on Uninstall.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process and then restart the computer.
4. Finally, download and install the app from an official source.

If a quick app removal doesn’t work, it may have left behind files and Registry entries that are conflicting with Windows. In this case, you can use an effective software uninstaller to wipe all traces of the app before moving to reinstallation!

4. Perform a system restore

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Create a restore point, and click the relevant result.
2. Click the System Restore button.
3. Select the Choose a different restore point option, if available, and click Next.
4. Pick the oldest restore point from the list and click Next.
5. Verify the details, click Finish, and confirm the change.
6. Wait for the restore to complete. It may take 15-45 minutes.

When a recently introduced misconfiguration is triggering Error Code 653 ERROR_SYSTEM_HIVE_TOO_LARGE, performing a system restore will work. Just make sure to choose a restore point created before you first encountered the Win32 system error!

5. Reinstall Windows

When nothing else works, the last option is to reinstall Windows from scratch. As for the critical files, move them to an external storage drive to prevent data loss.

To reinstall Windows, go to Microsoft’s official website > download the Media Creation Tool > use it to create a bootable Windows USB drive > access the system’s BIOS > change the boot order to the bootable USB > run the Windows setup > complete the installation.

Reinstalling Windows will certainly fix ERROR_SYSTEM_HIVE_TOO_LARGE because the error always arises due to software-based issues. In case the problem remains unresolved, contact Microsoft or the dedicated software support when getting Error Code 653 during backup.

Before you leave, discover expert tips to make Windows faster than ever and enjoy super-fast performance!

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