Can't delete a registry key

[Val]

In trying to fix the inability to install updated iTunes/Quicktime, I find I
can't delete some of the leftover Quicktime registry keys.

There are four of them in HKLM/Software/classes that won't delete.
Sometimes just clicking on the key provides an Error Opening Key message.

Any attempt to delete results in an Error Deleting Key message.

I have set the permissions on the key to allow me (as any of several user
IDs with admin privelges) and Everyone full control, to no avail. I have
booted into Safe Mode and tried to delete them, to no avail. I've tried two
different registry cleanup tools, to no avail. Are you seeing a pattern
here?

There are no Quicktime services/processes running that I can see, as all QT
files have been deleted.

System is XP Pro, SP2, all current updates installed. Antivirus and spyware
checks show clean system.

tia,
Val

 

[Jose Gallardo]

What is the *exact* error message?

 

[Val]

Two of them will give message when attempting to open:
Cannot open QuickTimexxxxxxxxxx . Error opening key


All of the problem keys give the message when attempting to delete:
Cannot delete key QuickTimexxxxxxxx. Error deleting key.

I've tried the technique recommending BartPE and RegeditPE, to no avail.
I've exported the HKLM/Software/classes, manually edited out the only
offending key that appeared there, reimporting, to no avail.

This machine is with a couple inches of getting wiped and reinstalled, a
step I really don't think should be warranted just to kill a couple registry
keys.

Val


What is the *exact* error message?