Corrupted registry - missing entries

[JJSRich]

We have a machine here that is very slow to start up, slow to run, basically a poor performer for the spec. I've left it alone for the past 6 months, but had to make changes to the system to move it from our old domain to our new one. When making some Registry changes it was found to be missing HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT and the registry also contained a Windows 3.1 upgrade entry.

Is there any way of properly repairing the registry without a reinstall, or am I SOL?

 

[BadBigBen]

Here is a short list, the first link talks about how to restore the registry, the second link about backing one up, and the third about editing the registry outside of the installed OS, have fun:

How to recover from a corrupted registry that prevents Windows XP from starting

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307545

How to back up and restore the registry in Windows

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756

How to edit the registry offline using BartPE boot CD ?

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/peboot.htm

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.

 

[JJSRich]

I had seen the first two, and was unsure if either would be applicable, as I don't actually know what is missing from the registry, and the system does boot. Backing up the registry is a fairly simple task, and keeps me out of trouble if I screw up.

As far as BartPE goes, again, I don't actually know what's missing or corrupted in the registry to go and fix it.

 

[BadBigBen]

if you follow the instructions on the first link, the PC should then boot... as you are restoring from a backup created by the OS...

The reference to backing up, is there for future reference, and to keep a copy separate from the OS...

as to the reference to BartPE, it is for editing the registry when you have a recoverable problems with the registry, e.g. if a service or driver prevents the booting of the OS...

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.

 

[linney]

You could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

If that doesn't do it for you then you may have to backup your valuable data while you still can and then format and re-install.