My registry has been fatally overcleaned

[wenfig]

I used RegScrubXP, but before I did that I made a backup and a system restore point.  I thought this would protect me, however after using that program I can't do either.  It seems I can't install, use exes or .regs.  If I can maually repair my registry, perhaps I can get my pc to read the backup file.  Can anyone help me do this?

My other option is to reinstall windows, but i haven't been able to do that either.  I'm hoping to avoid a reformat.  Any help would be appreciated.

Thanky in advance,
Wenfig

[GX1_Man]

Can you backup your data before you monkey about with this any further? This would help:

http://www.computerhope.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1152393515

[Sambob]

I know it's too late now but before you mess about with your registry you should always make a backup of it.

Open regedit, click on the my computer entry, click file and export, pick a place and give it a suitable name.

[wenfig]

I made a backup, but I can't open it.  Can i manually repair my registry so that my pc can read .reg files?  If I can do that, I can restore my registry with the backup.

[2k_dummy]

Have you tried last known good configuration?

[wenfig]

Already tried last know good configuration.  That did nothing useful.

[Dusty]

I know it's too late now but before you mess about with your registry you should always make a backup of it.

Open regedit, click on the my computer entry, click file and export, pick a place and give it a suitable name.

Sambob..  In view of this and especially the note not to use 'export' to backup an entire XP registry does the above apply.  I understand that if an entire XP registry is 'exported' then 'imported' the 'imported' registry merges with the existing, possibly corrupt, registry giving double the trouble.  Have you ever successfully exported/imported and entire XP registry :-?

I have only every used Erunt to backup/restore a full XP registry with excellent results.

TIA for your reply.

[wenfig]

Well friends, I have given up.  I installed xp pro and am currently reinstalling everything I want.  I thank you for all the interest in this situation.

[GX1_Man]

A good format and reinstall solves all Windows problems....for a while. While doing this you also get time to think about registry cleaning.  

[alexK]

This is a subject I always wanted to comment on.

[highlight]WARNING:[/highlight]

[highlight]do not fall for REGISTRY CLEANER it is a SCAM!!![/highlight]

This type of scam works as follows and I fell for this twice:
You come across this FREE offer to check your REGISTRY by ABCcomputermechanic.com or something thing like that.
You click O.K. to accept.
Your Registry is being checked and they found 325 errors, and fixed the first 19 FREE of charge.
The next question appears: if you want to buy the Registry Cleaner product for a $100 or so to complete the job, which you will decline.  
Somehow, when you backout of their proposal and delete their installed program, it will mess-up your registry as a punishment.
Your Desktop is frozen, you cannot acces the C drive or even reformat. You cannot restore the system from a Back-up Point.
My luck was to be able to reload Windows from the Set-up Disk and recover.

                                             

[highlight]Comments anyone, Please??[/highlight]

[GX1_Man]

CCleaner is really all you need.

www.ccleaner.com

And it's free.  

[mcf747]

I agree CC cleaner is the way to go

[street1 (RIP)]

You should also buy a second hard drive and fall in love
with Acronis like me and GX1_Man did.

Acronis is a darn good investment.Best money I ever spent.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832200204