How to Fix Windows Script Host Errors

Are you currently bogged down by a Windows Script Host error appearing when attempting to run a script or during system boot up? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. A typical error message may read something like “Windows Script Host access is disabled on this machine. Contact your administrator for details.” Such errors are a result of a series of system mishaps. All of which we will get into in this tutorial.

Windows Script Host is one of many built-in OS features that is designed solely for the management, automation and execution of scripts. Through this feature, end users are able to run scripts in a number of related programming languages. Windows Script Host will interpret and execute these files written in plant-text JavaScript (.JSE & .JS) and Visual Basic Script (.VBE & .VBS) files.

A Windows Script Host error typically indicates an inability for the tool to either read or interpret the script. In other, rarer circumstances, it could be the result of a poorly or incorrectly programmed script. However, in instances like this, the script is typically, at fault. So, for that reason, we’re going to assume the error is due to the feature (Windows Script Host) itself.

So, let’s take a look at the most common causes of these errors.

What Causes Windows Script Host Errors?

If you’ve been using Windows for any real length of time, then you’ve likely encountered a litany of issues and errors on it. Windows Script Host (WSH) errors are just one of many problems you may encounter while running a Windows 10 or 11 based system.

WSH tasks are an integral part of Windows, and thus, run in the background very frequently. However, errors can pop up, and when they do, they may be the result of the following:

• Windows system files have been erased or corrupted: Important system files required by the WSH component may be missing, thus making the running of scripts impossible.
• A malicious file has infiltrated the system: Malicious (Malware/Virus) files are capable of infiltrating and corrupting important files on your system. Thus, preventing certain Windows features from properly running.
• The Windows registry is corrupted: Registry corruption is often the result of installing and uninstalling apps on your system over a contracted period of time. A corrupted registry will not only causes errors but slow the system down in the process.
• The JScript or VBScript has been damaged: The corruption could have occurred at any time, during or prior to the execution of the script itself. A damaged script must be repaired before it can be successfully executed.

Now that we’ve got the most common causes out of the way, let’s take a look at the several ways that you can fix this problem.

How to Fix It

Windows Script Host errors are relatively common, occurring in a variety of circumstances on many different platforms and system configurations. So, what can you do in this instances? A number of things.

Below is a rundown of the most effective solutions, arranged in order of ease of execution and effectiveness.

Run Windows Repair Tool to Fix Windows Script Host Errors

In this tutorial, I cover a wide range of solutions that you can carry out right now. However, before attempting any of these more complex methods, it’s always best to start with the easiest option available to you.

Which brings us to the Windows repair tool Advanced System Repair Pro. This tool, as the name states, is an advanced, repair tool, capable of detecting and fixing registry errors, DLL errors, BSOD errors, runtime errors, and much more.

It can also fix previously damaged or inaccessible features (like Windows Script Host), as well as make your system perform faster.

So, if that interests you, then I suggest to visit the link below:

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT ADVANCED SYSTEM REPAIR PRO

The solution(s) below are for ADVANCED level computer users. If you are a beginner to intermediate computer user, I highly recommend you use the automated tool(s) above!

Run SFC & DISM

If the Windows Script Host error is due to system file corruption, then one of the most convenient ways to fix it, is through the use of both SFC and DISM. DISM stands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management and it is a command-line tool, capable of restoring the integrity of your operating system using files sourced from Microsoft’s very own severs.

SFC or System File Checker on the other hand, will do something quite similar, only it will source the data from cache files stored on your computer. Both tools have their pros and cons, which is why it’s recommended you run them both.

For step-by-step instructions on how to use these tools, check out my post on fixing D3dx9_43.dll is missing errors.

Enable Windows Script Host in Registry

Due to unforeseen circumstances, it’s possible that the Windows Script Host feature was disabled – thus, prompting the error. This could have happened, as a result of an app you previously installed.

Anyway, to determine whether or not this is the case, follow the steps outlined below:

WARNING: The registry is a sensitive area of the operating system. Thus, any wrong modification can render your system inoperable, so tread with caution.

1. First, boot into your system as a full administrator.

2. Then press + R, type regedit and click on OK.

3. When Registry Editor loads up, navigate to the following path:

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows Script Host\Settings

4. In the Settings key, right-click in the right-pane and select New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value.

5. Name the new DWORD Enabled and double-click on it.

6. This will bring up the Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value applet. Put a 1 into the Value data box and click on OK.

7. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.

You can now verify whether or not it has fixed the Windows Script Host error.

Change .VBS Key Value

The Windows Script Host tool is attuned data contained within the VBS or Virtual Basic Script key. If this component has been incorrectly setup, it can result in Windows Script Host errors. To ensure this isn’t the case, you can access VBS through the registry.

To do that, follow the steps below:

1. First, follow steps 1 – 2 of Enable Windows Script Host in Registry.

2. When Registry Editor loads up, navigate to the following path:

Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.vbs

3. Now, double-click on the (Default) string.

4. This will bring up the Edit String dialog box, from here, type VBSFile into the Value data box and click on OK.

Note: If VBSFile already exists in the Value data box, then it means VBS is correctly configured.

5. Lastly, close Registry Editor and restart your system.

You can now check whether the Windows Script Host error has been fixed.

Delete Redundant Registry String(s)

If the Windows Script Host error occurs during system boot up, then you’re going to want to try this method:

1. First, follow steps 1 – 2 of Enable Windows Script Host in Registry.

2. Next, go to the following registry path:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

3. This will take you to the Winlogon registry key, from here, scroll down to you find the Userinit.exe string. Then erase any entries below it.

Note: Simply right-click on the String and select Delete.

4. Now, double-click on Userinit.exe.

5. This will bring up the Edit String dialog box, make sure C:\Windows\system32\userinit.exe exists in the Value data box. If it doesn’t, then type it in.

Note: C:\ relates to the location (or hard drive) your OS is stored in.

6. Close everything, restart your system, and then check whether or not the error has been fixed.

Use Microsoft Safety Scanner

As previously noted, in many instances Windows Script Host errors may be the result of a malware infection. In instances like this, you’ll want to run a full scan of your system using whatever security solution you have.

Alternatively, you can use Microsoft Safety Scanner. Which has proven competent enough to isolate the malicious file and remove it.

You can acquire this tool from Microsoft here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/safety-scanner-download?view=o365-worldwide

Just download and install it, then select Full Scan and it should do the rest.

Alternatively, if you’d want to go with something even better, then I’d recommend you gave SpyHunter a try. Which is, the very best antimalware tool available.

To find more information on this tool, along with its many benefits, visit the link below:

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT SPYHUNTER

Use System Restore

If the Windows Script Host error continues to appear during system boot up, then you may want to try using System Restore.

If you have created restore points in the past, then you can use them to restore your system back to an earlier state.

System Restore is limited in that it ONLY works if you have the required restore point(s) present on your system.

However, while you can create your own restore points, the operating system will create them automatically, after each major update. This should ensure you have at least one restore point present on your system.

For more information on this tool, along with instructions on how to use it, check out my post on what is a restore point.

Reset Windows

If, after attempting all the solutions above the Windows Script Host error is still present on your system, then you may want to try a full OS reset.

Essentially, you’re reinstalling all the vital components of your operating system without losing any sensitive data in the process (depending on which option you choose).

If that interests you, then check out my post on fixing Windows Update error 0x800703f1 for more information.

Are you looking for a way to repair all the errors on your computer?

If the answer is Yes, then I highly recommend you check out Advanced System Repair Pro.

Which is the leading registry cleaner program online that is able to cure your system from a number of different ailments such as Windows Installer Errors, Runtime Errors, Malicious Software, Spyware, System Freezing, Active Malware, Blue Screen of Death Errors, Rundll Errors, Slow Erratic Computer Performance, ActiveX Errors and much more. Click here to check it out NOW!