Regcleanr.exe ruined my computer??help!

[arian22]

hi there. I used "Regcleanr" on my laptop and by mistake I deleted a whole list of some sort, maybe the Registry? since then I cannot access any program on my PC and cannot run anything in the "Run" window.
 anything I do, this message pops up: <This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Folder Options control panel>.
I can get online but I cannot use any program, not Control Panel, nor System Restore. The same message pops up!
Please help, I cannot run any exe. file  Any solution to fix the problem and not lose data?
Thanks a lot.

[Allan]

1) Open regcleaner and use the restore feature
2) If that doesn't work use system restore
3) If that doesn't work you can restore the file associations manually http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm
4) NEVER use registry cleaners.

[patio]

Why people insist on using Reg cleaners is beyond me...

[Allan]

Well, those of us who know better, know better. Those who don't, don't. You know?

[arian22]

thank for the help, somehow I feel stupid...
1. system restore-doesn't work
2. I cannot open regcleaner, not responding
3. need help with dougknox.com...anything I save on my desktop to open it: not responding.
4. thanks again!!!!

[Allan]

You can try all of the above from safe mode.

If you prefer, boot to your XP CD and choose the SECOND repair option (do a repair install).

[arian22]

tried from Safe Mode! same story, no success!!!

If I'll repair by using XP cd, will I lose data like docs and photos?

thanx

[Allan]

No. A repair install does not change anything. But you WILL need to go to MS Update and download all updates after doing the repair. Again, boot to the XP CD and choose the SECOND repair option (the first repair option will just drop you at the recovery console and that won't help you).

[Spoiler]

If you can get into the machine I would strongly suggest backing up your files to an external hard drive. It sounds like your machine messed up and just to be safe as you try to do the repair it's always a good idea to have a backup of your data.

[Allan]

He's fine. His file associations are fouled up, that's all. As long as he doesn't format his data is safe.

[Allan]

Having said that, you are correct that it's always a good idea to have a backup of any or all critical data.

[arian22]

well, inserted the XP cd and...nothing. does not start automatically and when i open the drive with the contents and double click on autostart or anything else...guess what? the same message pops up!!!!! I am getting sick of this...my mistake!

[Allan]

You need to go into the bios and make the cd drive the first device in the boot order. Then reboot with the cd in the drive.

[arian22]

I am in the Repair Mode, black screen with a lot of commands to choose from. I believe I am in C WINDOWS...I do not understand any. for ex,

ATTRIB
BATCH
BOOTCFG
CD
CHDIR
etc
etc

What I do next please?

[Allan]

I told you twice - choose the SECOND repair option.