Full Error Message

Windows cannot start new hardware devices because the system hive is too large (exceeds the Registry Size Limit). (Code 49)

Run the chkdsk /r /f  admin command-line command together on the disk that contains the registry hive files. This command helps verify that the area of the disk that contains the registry hive files is not involved in the problem.

Cause

The system hive has exceeded its maximum size and new devices cannot work until the size is reduced. The system hive is a permanent part of the registry associated with a set of files that contains information related to the configuration of the computer on which the operating system is installed. Configured items include applications, user preferences, devices, and so on. The problem might be specific devices that are no longer attached to the computer but are still listed in the system hive.

Recommended Resolution

Uninstall any hardware devices that you are no longer using.

1. Set Device Manager to show devices that are no longer connected to the computer.

   • From Start, click Run.

   • In the Open box, type cmd. The Command Prompt window opens.

   • At the prompt, type the following command, and then press Enter: set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1

2. In Device Manager, click View, and then click Show hidden devices. You will now be able to see devices that are not connected to the computer.

3. Select a non-present device. On the Driver tab, choose Uninstall.

4. Repeat step 3 for any non-present devices that you are no longer using. Then restart your computer.

5. Check the device Properties dialog box in Device Manager to see whether the error is resolved.

    

   The error that you’ve encountered can also be caused by files in the driver that are corrupted or missing.

   • Make sure that your computer has enough space for the update. The device requires at least 16 GB of free space to upgrade 29 GB for a 64-bit OS.
     
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   • Run Windows Update a few times. Try to download and install any available updates in Windows Update. You can use the Windows Update Troubleshooter tool if just in case you’ll encounter an error.
   • Unplug extra hardware. If there are external storage devices and drives that are connected, unplug them so it won’t cause any conflicts with the update process.
   • Check Device Manager for driver errors. Type Device Manager in the Search box on the taskbar, then select it from the results. In the window that will pop up, try to look for any device with a yellow exclamation mark beside it (you may have to select each category to switch to the list of devices). Right-click the device name and select either Update Driver Software or Uninstall it to correct these errors.
   • Remove or disable third-party security software. Make sure to least disable the third-party antivirus software that’s installed on your computer. Then, check for updates again.
   • Repair hard drive errors. In the Search box on the taskbar, type command prompt and right-click on the result, then select Run as administrator. And, type chkdsk/f C: in the Command Prompt window and press Enter. This will repair your hard drive automatically and you’ll be asked to restart your device.
   • Restore and repair system files. Run the System File Checker tool. Follow these steps:
   1. Type Command Prompt in the Search box from Start.
   2. Right-click on it, then select Run as administrator.
   3. Enter DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth (note the spaces before each "/").
   4. Enter sfc /scannow (note the space between "sfc" and "/").
   5. Once done, try to check if it resolved the concern.