Repairing a damaged windows registry using Ubuntu on a USB drive

[Sepia]

Hi all,

I used CCleaner to clean my registry yesterday and I can no longer boot my Windows Vista desktop PC. I've tried copying the files from C:\Windows\System32\Config\RegBack to C:\Windows\System32\Config\ while accessing the file system using Ubuntu on a USB drive and then rebooting, but this didn't work. CCleaner created a registry backup before performing the clean. On the CCleaner website, it advises right-clicking the backup and selecting the 'merge' option. However, as I'm viewing the files under Ubuntu, this option doesn't appear.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can perform this merge while booting from the Ubunutu USB drive?

[patio]

The merge function will only work if Windows is operational...

[Sepia]

Thanks for your response. Is there anything I should consider to repair the current system before looking into installing a new operating system?

[Geek-9pm]

Thanks for your response. Is there anything I should consider to repair the current system before looking into installing a new operating system?

Did you say you already used the Microsoft install DVD to attempt a repair?

[Sepia]

Thanks for your response.

I do not have a Microsoft install DVD, so unfortunately that's not an option.

[Geek-9pm]

Let us assume that you do have valid COA key on the back of the computer. If so, it is legal to use a DVD of the exact same OS  to install again and use your COA key.

[Sepia]

I do not have such a DVD currently available, but I can try and get one. Are there any other suggestions on how I can avoid a reinstall?

[patio]

Yes...a Repair Install...
Done properly all your data and apps are retained...

Repair Install of 7...

[Geek-9pm]

Yes...a Repair Install...
Done properly all your data and apps are retained...

Repair Install of 7...

Thanks for the link Patio. It has information new to me and likely others.
A lot of information about what to do if you had an OEM install.
Required reading for curious minds. 

[patio]

Best Win7 source of info Forum out there...IMHO

[Sepia]

You can only do a repair install from within Windows 7.
You cannot do a repair install at boot or in Safe Mode.

From the above (taken from the link) and the content of the article, it appears that this solution is not applicable here as I cannot reach windows (vista, in my case). Thank-you for the suggestion, though.

[patio]

You can with a valid MS Win7 DVD...thats what it's for...

Ask around...borrow one...as long as the versions match yer good to go...approx 25 minutes elapsed time.
Do NOT interrupt it once it starts.

[Sepia]

Ah, okay. Thank-you for clarifying.

I've managed to find Windows Vista Ultimate and Windows Vista Release to Manufacturing, but I suppose neither of these would allow me to repair as I have Windows Vista Home Premium installed.

Just to confirm, I don't need to match the service pack as well, do I?

[patio]

In many cases...since XP on the SP's have to match...if you are going to attempt it i'd use the Ultimate CD to do so...

Since it's Vista Here's  the proper Guide...

Same Author of the Win7 Forum one so i'm sure it's accurate and complete...

Bring us good news.

[BC_Programmer]

I've managed to find Windows Vista Ultimate and Windows Vista Release to Manufacturing, but I suppose neither of these would allow me to repair as I have Windows Vista Home Premium installed.

Just to confirm, I don't need to match the service pack as well, do I?

The Service Pack Level on the disc will need to match what is installed. The Edition (Home Premium, Ultimate, etc) doesn't need to match because all Retail Vista DVDs are the same (At install time the edition installed depends on what edition the product key was for)