[Solved] SharePoint Search Internal server error exception

Users receive an error while performing a SharePoint search operation - 
Internal server error exception.
This is the only message and the rest is the standard Correlation ID information. 
But the Correlation ID is the most useful.

SearchServiceApplication::Execute--Exception: System.Runtime.InteropServices.COMException 
(0x800703FA): Illegal operation attempted on a registry key that has been marked for deletion. 
(Exception from HRESULT: 0x800703FA) at System.Runtime.InteropServices.Marshal.ThrowExceptionForHRInternal(Int32 errorCode, IntPtr errorInfo)
 at Microsoft.Office.Server.Search.Query.KeywordQueryInternal.Execute() at Microsoft.Office.Server.Search.Query.QueryInternal.Execute(QueryProperties properties) at 
Microsoft.Office.Server.Search.Administration.SearchServiceApplication.Execute(QueryProperties
 properties)

This issue does not seem to be related to permissions or configuration. Sometimes this looks intermittent.

It seems some registry keys have been marked for deletion but still have open handles or references.

Possibly something is wrong with the Search Query component. Now the query component can be hosted on multiple servers. An easier option would be to restart the related app pool, and service on all SharePoint servers.

1. Follow the below steps to resolve this issue. If the problem persists, you may need to follow up with your Administrator.
2. From IIS - Restart (Stop-Start) the application pool for SecurityTokenService on all SharePoint FARM servers.
3. From Central Admin - Restart (Stop-Start) the Search Query and Site Settings Service on all SharePoint FARM servers hosting query components.
4. Perform an IISRESET on all SharePoint servers in FARM.

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